ENGLAND Veterans have made it to the Seniors World Cup Quarter-Finals with a team that includes a new local manager and a former Guiseley star.

The reigning champions, captained by Jon Haigh who has turned out for several Bradford amateur teams, drew 1-1 with Hong Kong on Tuesday evening to take them through.

They only needed a point having won their opening tie 4-2 against Taiwan the day before.

New Eccleshill manager and football journeyman Lee Elam took part in that match, as well as ex-Guiseley keeper Steve Dickinson.

That winning start, at the National Suphachalsai Stadium in Bangkok proved more difficult than expected for the holders.

England were seemingly cruising with a 3-0 lead at half-time, but late drama saw Taiwan threatening a comeback when they scored twice in the closing stages.

Barry Hayles was the star of the show for the veterans, managing a hat-trick in 50 minutes.

The other name on the scoresheet was Chris Freestone.

With only three teams in each group at the tournament, England needed just a draw to advance to the next stage and they duly delivered against Hong Kong.

The match was shown live on the Thai Seniors Football Association (SFA) facebook page and viewers were treated to a tense match.

England hearts were in mouths when Hong Kong went ahead shortly before the break.

Despite spending most of the second-half camped in their penalty box, England couldn't find a way through.

Step forward the tournament's stand-out player to date, Barry Hayles, who earned a penalty for his side.

Deon Burton converted the spot-kick and England then held firm to clinch the vital point.

Taiwan clash with Hong Kong in the final fixture of the group to determine the final standings.

This gives England a days rest, before taking part in the knock-out stages of the competition which begin tomorrow.

The Seniors World Cup was initially conceived by the Thai SFA, to promote tourism in the wake of the Tsunami.

Since 2006, the tournament has become an annual event, held in a different province of Thailand each year.

In recent years the competition has evolved considerably, with many countries fielding ex-professional and even ex-international players.