Auckland FC secured their first A-League title in just their second season in the competition, as Cameron Howieson's deflected strike handed them a 1-0 victory over Sydney FC in Saturday's Grand Final.

In front of their own supporters at Go Media Stadium in New Zealand, Auckland had to battle to victory in a game of few clear-cut chances.

Auckland had an early penalty shout waved away when Sam Cosgrove went down under Alexander Popovic's challenge, though they did not force a save out of Sydney's Harrison Devenish-Meares until first-half stoppage time, when he held Jesse Randall's strike from range.

The second half continued in the same vein, with the game devolving into a physical battle as Tiago Quintal survived a VAR review for a possible red card.

But the breakthrough arrived on the hour mark as, after Sydney failed to completely clear their lines, Howieson fired off a 20-yard volley that Jordan Courtney-Perkins attempted to block, but only succeeded in diverting past his own goalkeeper.

Sydney pushed for an equaliser, but the closest they came was a header from captain Rhyan Grant, who flicked Joe Lolley's cross onto the roof of the net.

And after five tense minutes of second-half stoppage time were up, Auckland's fans could celebrate the first A-League championship ever won by a club from New Zealand.

Data Debrief: Rock-solid Kiwis get the job done

This was the first time a club from New Zealand had appeared in the A-League Grand Final, let alone won it. And Auckland got over the line courtesy of their rock-solid defence.

They only had 38% of the possession on Saturday, yet a mere 18% of the game was played in their defensive third, showing their ability to hold Sydney at arm's length.

The teams combined for a mere 0.67 expected goals (xG) – 0.3 for Auckland and 0.37 for Sydney – with both sides having two shots on target apiece, but former Australia midfielder Steve Corica will not mind after leading his side to the trophy.