England overcame a spirited New Zealand side to record their third win in three days at the Seniors’ World Cup.

After a cagey start, Jonny Haigh got England ahead with a pile-driver from the edge of the penalty box on the half-hour.

The Kiwis rallied, needing a win for any chance of progression in the Semi-Finals and found an equaliser shortly after the break.

England responded immediately, with Captain Rod Thornley hitting the bar, only for Barry Hayles to tuck home the rebound.

Despite their best efforts, New Zealand couldn’t find another way back into the game and England controlled proceedings until the final whistle.

The England Veterans will play again on Friday at 6 p.m. local time, when they take on Iran in the Semi-Finals of this year’s competition, another game that will be shown live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sfathailand

Ian Nockolds