Academy scholar Monty Patterson was on target as New Zealand’s U23s beat the Solomon Islands 2-0 in their opening match at the Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea earlier this morning.

The 18-year-old opened the scoring in the 29th minute with Alex Rufer adding the second five minutes before the break. Patterson was replaced in the 70th minute.

29' GOAL!!! NZL 1-0 SOL @PattersonMonty hits it first time and it's in off the post! #NZLvSOL #PNG2015 1-0

— New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) July 3, 2015

New Zealand next face the hosts on Sunday and then New Caledonia in their final group game on Tuesday with the tournament winners claiming a place at the 2016 Olympic Games.

Last month Patterson played for New Zealand at the FIFA U20 World Cup with his goal in the 5-1 victory over Myanmar named amongst those nominated for the Goal of the Tournament.

Game 1 down 3 points #PoolRecoverySession#NationalTeam#under23s#golazo! https://t.co/XUb5Lcl5Dl

— Monty Patterson (@PattersonMonty) July 3, 2015

Photo: Action Images

MeenoITFC added 09:49 - Jul 3 Go on monty son, big things to come
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BrettenhamBlue added 09:59 - Jul 3 Would expect to see Patterson a few times next season in the first team.
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Stato added 12:44 - Jul 3 A goal scoring midfielder ?
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Slambo added 13:43 - Jul 3 "Patterson on Target". Seem to see that headline every week..! Reckon I could bang a few in against the Solomon Islands, though...
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