New Zealand have reached the World Cup finals for the second time in their history with victory over Bahrain in their qualifying play-off second leg with Ex-Saddler Mark Paston a hero!!
New Zealand took the lead via ex-Swansea striker Rory Fallon on 45 minutes. However a game and tie changing decision on 50 minutes saw Bahrain awarded a penalty.
With the sides drawing the first leg 0-0, Bahrain knew that a score draw would ensure their progress. So Ex-Saddler Paston guessed the right way, and pulled off a 'stunning' save from Sayed Mohamed's spot kick and with the 'All Whites' keeping the visitors at a blank, New Zealand ensured qualification for South Africa 2010.
This will be only the second time New Zealand have qualified for the tournament finals with Spain '82 being the only other.
It was a game which captured the imagination of the locals with 35,100 packing into the Westpac Stadium, a record for Football in the country.
After the game 'All Whites' coach Ricky Herbert gave special praise to his goalkeeper:
"We had done a little bit of homework and Pastie's pulled one out of the top drawer,"
"He's done a big one for us. We thought we could get through without conceding a goal. We thought one would do it and we're there."
Paston joined 'The Saddlers' from Bradford in 2004 and played 12 times. Signed by Paul Merson his final appearance was Five years ago yesterday, as Walsall were knocked out the FA Cup by Slough Town.
After leaving Walsall Paston went to St.Johnstone but later moved back to New Zealand with 'The Knights' linking up with many former Walsall players.
When 'The Knights' replacement Wellington Pheonix entered the A-League, Paston moved too where he still is today.