WaiBOP recovered, in many ways, from last weekend's labouring against Capital to put in a more secure performance at Crum Park against play-off chasing Auckland.

Unfortunately it wasn't quite enough to take anything from a tight encounter as Auckland ran out 1-0 winners, but this week's effort will have provided a base level of confidence for WaiBOP as we head into our remaining fixtures this summer.

Britney Cunningham-Lee's 10th minute goal capped a bright opening from Auckland but ended up being the difference between two sides with vastly differing ambitions for the remainder of the season.

Auckland generally held the upper hand throughout, but WaiBOP offered a bit more going forward than in recent weeks. As has been the case almost all season, however, the elusive equaliser wouldn't come.

WaiBOP heads to the South Island twice over the next three weeks to play Southern United and Canterbury United Pride. Sandwiched in between is a home game against Central.

WaiBOP Line-Up: 1. Georgia CANDY (GK), 3. Rachel MAJOR, 4. Caitlin BYRNE, 6. Annaliese HEUVEL, 8. Chloe HENDERSON, 9. Emma SIZER, 11. Adi-Grace MOOAR, 13. Paige MCCLOSKEY, 14. Maddison OLLINGTON, (7. Olivia HOOPER 39'), 15. Stella NEEMS, 22. Rhiannon JONES (12. Shannon TREBES 60'). Subs (not used): 10. Richlyn TUHORO, 16. Maddy WILLIAMS.

Photo: Photosport.