THE England Veterans waded into a Seniors World Cup semi-final with a hard-fought 4-2 victory over New Zealand.

Harrogate Veterans' Jonny Haigh, John Deacey and Steve Dickinson, featured for the third game in succession, joined in the latter stages by Eccleshill United's new boss Lee Elam, Karl Munroe and Paul Rickers.

In a rain-affected match, England were forced to wait four hours to start their quarter-final in Bangkok.

The Kiwis took an early lead, but couldn’t find a way to stop former Bristol Rovers striker Barry Hayles, who put the Old Lions in control with three goals in less than half an hour.

In the second half England pressed home their advantage with a fourth goal from Cheltenham Town chairman, Andy Wilcox.

To their credit, New Zealand never gave up and finished the stronger of the two sides, scoring what proved to be a consolation goal 10 minutes from full time.

Tomorrow, England meet the Auld Enemy, Scotland, in a re-run of last year's final.