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.
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