YOANN Gouffran scored the only goal to secure Newcastle United a second win on tour in New Zealand.
The French forward’s first half finish proved enough to defeat Wellington Phoenix, who overcame West Ham United on Wednesday.
Gouffran turned in Vurnon Anita’s cross to moments before half-time to claim the lead and Newcastle held on to the lead for the remainder of the game, mainly courtesy of Rob Elliot’s fine performance in goal.
It was not all good news at the Westpac Stadium, however, because £7.5m summer signing Siem De Jong was forced off with a toe injury in the first half. Skipper Fabricio Coloccini also had to depart early with a knock along with young midfielder Mehdi Abeid.
Newcastle (3-5-2): Elliot; Taylor, Coloccini, (Vuckic 78), Yanga-Mbiwa (Satka 65); Anita, Gouffran (Campbell 85), Abeid (Aarons 46), Colback, Haidara (Dummett 76); de Jong (Perez 33), Riviere (Armstrong 65). Subs (not used): Alnwick (gk), Woodman.
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