JONNY Haigh scored England Veterans' opener, but they had to battle hard in the final World Cup Group stage game, winning 2-1 against New Zealand.

Gildersome man Haigh, who plays in the West Yorkshire Association Football League for Beeston St Anthony's, put his country in front after 30 minutes with a fine strike.

The ball broke to him on the edge of the box following a corner, and he rifled a fierce right-footed strike through bodies and past the keeper.

New Zealand showed their resilience by heading in from a corner early in the second period but their parity was short lived.

A neat passing move culminated in England hitting the crossbar, but the ball rebounded to ex-Fulham striker Barry Hayles, who nodded in.

This was a much tougher game than yesterday, when they dismantled Taiwan 4-1, a match illuminated by more West Yorkshire magic.

Ex-Bradford City winger Peter Beagrie was in fine form, scoring from the penalty spot before setting up another goal with a jinking run.

He left his full-back for dead before a perfect cross was met by a spectacular diving header from former Guiseley player Lee Elam (see below).

Elam captained the side yesterday, and having beaten Scotland 2-1 on Monday, England advance into the semi finals with maximum points.

They will face Iran on Friday at 12pm, with Scotland taking on Australia in the other last-four clash.