Southern United kick-started its ASB Premiership campaign with a crucial 1-0 win against Wellington Phoenix at Forsyth Barr Stadium yesterday.
The win came after two toothless losses to start the season, and lifted the Dunedin-based team off the bottom of the ladder.
Andrew Ridden's eighth-minute goal was the difference between the two sides under the roof.
It ended Southern United's 188min goal drought to start the season and came after some good work from striker Sam French.
The Scottish striker found himself in space from a throw-in, before making a good run down the left-hand edge of the box.
He then delivered a perfect pass for Ridden to blast home and put the home side on its way.
''Great move, good finish,'' coach Mike Fridge said.
''We had a couple of chances to score a couple more goals, but it's three points, it's a clean sheet and it's great for us. We will take a lot of confidence from this and that's the main thing.''
Southern United almost added two more first-half goals via the heads of French and captain Matt Joy.
However, French's effort just sailed over the crossbar, and Joy's was well cleared off the line.
Fridge substituted striker Tom McBride for midfielder Harley Rodeka at the start of the second half in a tactical move brought about by the Phoenix finding too much space down the flanks.
Despite that, Southern United defended brilliantly throughout the match, forcing the opposition to shoot from range and attempt long passes.
Former Dunedin player James McGarry threatened to tie the game up in the 62nd minute when he fired from the edge of the box, but goalkeeper Tom Batty was up to the challenge.
Joel Stevens, another former Dunedin player, tried his luck from range a few moments later, but Batty was again safe in goal.
After absorbing a period of pressure from the Phoenix, left back Sam Redwood almost put Southern United 2-0 up against the run of play.
He cut on to his right foot from the top of the penalty area and fired at goal, only for it to fly past the far post.
There were a few more anxious moments for Southern United before the final whistle, including a curling shot from Cherbel Khouchaba in the final minute, which barely went wide.
''No wonder I've got grey hairs,'' Fridge said immediately after the match.
''We talked about pulling our sleeves up and putting the work in. I think the work rate was fantastic. They're a good side, they are full-time professionals. They may be young but they are fit, quick and very talented.''
The Phoenix has now lost all three games this season to sit bottom of the competition.
Southern United's next game is against Waikato-Bay of Plenty at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
ASB Premiership
The scores
Southern United 1
Andrew Ridden 8
Wellington Phoenix 0
Halftime: 1-0.
