Town defender Tommy Smith scored in the fourth minute of injury time to see New Zealand to a last-gasp 2-1 victory over New Caledonia in a World Cup qualifier in Dunedin this morning.

Smith, named vice-captain of the All Whites earlier this week, headed home his second international goal to confirm his side’s place in a play-off for a place at the 2014 World Cup.

Speaking after the game, the 22-year-old said: "I just attacked the ball and got really lucky."

Chris Killen had put New Zealand in front in the 10th minute but Cesar Lolohea equalised for New Caledonia 10 minutes after the break.

The All Whites, who had also won their previous four qualifiers, will take on the side from the CONCACAF region who finish fourth in their qualifying process in home and away fixtures in November.

Smith was winning his 22nd full cap and could win his 23rd when New Zealand face the Soloman Islands in Honiara on Tuesday, although manager Ricki Herbert has said he will rest players in that game.

Photo: Action Images

Baldric added 09:22 - Mar 22 What a season he is having, ITFC player of the year for me.
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itfcjoe added 09:25 - Mar 22 Well done Tommy - hope he's earned a rest from the coach for the next game to keep him fresh for the run in!
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El_Itfc added 09:38 - Mar 22 Nice work Tommy!
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Michael11 added 09:54 - Mar 22 @Baldric Couldn't agree more, definitely been our player of the year. He seems to chip in with goals too. Just hope he comes back fit as a fiddle as we're gonna need him these next 10 games!
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Kev_b22 added 10:12 - Mar 22 Get in Tommy! Player of the year and future ITFC Captain! #BACKBONEOFTHESIDE
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tractorboybeer added 10:33 - Mar 22 Am happy to admit when i am wrong and prior to MM taking over i did not see anything about Tommy to say he should be a starter with the Blues, HOWEVER MM has done wonders with the kid and he is now a big player for us who makes very few mistakes, wish he was a bit quicker but he has progressed massively under the leadership of MM, do not think we should AS YET make him Captain, lets let him enjoy his football without added pressure, but maybe vice Captain or similiar role. COYB.

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Pessimistic added 10:40 - Mar 22 I really like Tommy Smith and so too does one of our all time great defenders Mick Mills so that's good enough for me!
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havinit69 added 10:55 - Mar 22 This time last year, I didn'thave a good word to say about Tommy Smith, found it incredible that he had made it as a professional footballer. A year on and he is by far Ipswich most improved player and instrumental in our recent change of good defensive displays. Good on him for proving so many people wrong.
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Garv added 11:09 - Mar 22 Absolute rock at the back and chipped in with 4 goals in all competitions so far. POTY for certain.
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HarryfromBath added 11:14 - Mar 22 The New Zealand FA had me confused. On their twitter feed, they said "Tommy Smith Climbs High and Lobs it over the keeper!!!!!" I was relieved to see that it was a headed goal on here, otherwise it would have been an epic feat of gymnastics. Well played Tommy! What a terrific season you have had!
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TractorBeezer added 12:27 - Mar 22 Well done Tommy. You deserve it.
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NSL added 12:31 - Mar 22 He's done alright, fair play to him although I still think he could do with some competition in that position to push him along. Whether he makes it into the DeVos, Mowbray, McAuley, Bramble (when he was here) category remains to be seen . . . . . . . .
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Karlosfandangal added 13:55 - Mar 22 NSL would like to see him in the category of Beattie, Hunter, Butcher, Osman
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JohnWarksTash added 14:59 - Mar 22 People seem to forget that when he was comnig through the ranks Tommy was seen as a future great for the club and then he suffered two terrible injuries just as he was breaking through. He has had to work hard to get back to the level he was at and only now are we seeing the real Tommy Smith!! Well done Tommy and keep it up!
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Seasider added 15:19 - Mar 22 What a star,nailed on for player of the year I should think.Must be our longest serving player?Not sure how many appearances he has made;but with high turnover of players in recent seasons could be current highest appearance maker,unless its Carlos of course?
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Ipswich24 added 15:32 - Mar 22 Tommy Smith should get all the awards. Player of year, young player of year, most improved player of year and clubman of year. He has been outstanding well done Tommy.
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Dozzells_Bobblehat added 15:49 - Mar 22 Just seen the highlights. Nice looping header, and he hit the bar in the first half. I would agree, player of the year so far.
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CanadianBlue added 16:27 - Mar 22 Congratulations to the lad!
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mathieshattrick added 16:54 - Mar 22 "I just attacked the ball and got really lucky." That's how luck seems to work, you do the right thing, properly and you get lucky. Stay lucky, Tommy.
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michaeldownunder added 18:18 - Mar 22 He looks twice the player now than when he worked with PJ, MM has done a great job. It is still a work in progress but he is a player that is the future of ITFC. Going to put him down for the first Town player to score v Leeds on Saturday.
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Blue041273 added 18:39 - Mar 22 Agree with all. Nailed on POTY. Deserves everything coming his way. Rock on Tommy!
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TimmyH added 19:22 - Mar 22 Rock on Tommy! hope he doesn't get in the headlines too much as this will only start to attract the vultures (Premiership clubs) - pay rise and maybe club captain next season?
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h32 added 21:05 - Mar 22 Tommy the colossus - always was going to make the grade - and he surely has. Out and out Player of the Season - without doubt.
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kangablue added 22:13 - Mar 22 Well done Tommy, a few more will be appreciated.
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harlingblue added 22:49 - Mar 22 Tommy is now as solid as a rock getting the plaudits he deserves, a few tweaks from MM has settled his nerves a major player for ITFC a Captain in making is what I see!
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