Wellington Olympic players celebrate winning the National League Championship final against Auckland City FC. Photo: photosport
Wellington Olympic have gained revenge against arch-rivals Auckland City FC, beating them 2-0 in the men's National League Championship final in Auckland.
The team from the capital scored both of their goals after halftime at Mt Smart Stadium, breaking open what had been a patient, tactical battle.
England forward Kalian Gould was first to score, stretching out a leg to finish a cross from Joel Stevens in the 57th minute.
Wellington Olympic held out a determined response from Auckland City FC, suriving a number of close chances before having the final say four minutes into time added on when Jack-Henry Sinclair scored as the home team committed players forward.
The same two teams contested the final of last year's inaugural 10-team National League, with the Auckland club winning 3-2.
They will meet again in a home-and-away playoff in March to determine who advances to the group stage of the 2024 Oceania Champions League.
