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In the second half of Saturday’s crucial World Cup Qualifier, the All Whites’ dream was hanging by a thread. Ricky Herbert’s attacking policy meant his midfield was getting over run by the fleet footed and more skilful Bahrainians.
Tony Lochead had been passed too many times to mention. A goal seemed inevitable.
What would Ricky Herbert do? And more importantly who could bring the Kiwi dream home?
On the 64th minute: Enter Andrew Barron.
“Where did he play?” those gathered in my Aussie lounge room asked.
We knew Chris Killen from Celtic, Ryan Nelson from Blackburn and all the A-League boys, lead by Shane Smeltz. But Andrew Barron? Those alongside looked puzzled.
The commentator said he played for Team Wellington.
Hardened football fans more used to Ronaldo and Rooney on the world stage than even Fallon and Paston dropped their jaws.
Barron plays in a league lower than the A-League. Perhaps lower even that the New South Wales Premier League or Victorian Premier League. Yet here he was entrusted to close out the most important game in New Zealand football ever!
And he did.
Would Pim entrust an A-League player to do that job for Australia or even an NSWPL player?
Romance in sport continued on Saturday in New Zealand. Here’s hoping Team Wellington are represented in South Africa.
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