The All Whites today claimed a notable result in drawing 1-1 with English Premier League soccer side Charlton Athletic in London.
A 58th minute goal by Manawatu striker Campbell Banks cancelled out a 35th-minute strike by Marcus Bent.
Charlton, preparing for the start of the Premiership in a fortnight, wouldhave expected victory over the understrength visitors to The Valley.
But New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert was delighted with the way the All Whites, who are without 14 players who were unavailable for the three-match European tour, performed in front of 10,237 fans.
He noted that the 11 who took the field - he made no substitutions - included players from the New Zealand Football Championship and a goalkeeper in Mark Paston who was having his first game in six months.
"We've more than competed with a premiership team," he said.
"It's a total compliment to the character of the players."
Bent got the Addicks ahead after being put clear by a delightful pass from Costa Rican Christian Bolanos.
Paston was left helpless as Bent rifled a shot in from the right-hand edge of the box.
The equaliser came after Jarrod Smith ran at the Charlton defence before slipping a pass to Banks, who beat Talal El Karkouri with his first touch and then rounded keeper Thomas Myhre.
Charlton put on a strong line-up that included new signing Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and the draw puts pressure on new boss Iain Dowie, who has seen his team lose three of their four pre-season matches.
New Zealand's second tour match is against Blackburn Rovers next weekend.
SCORING
Charlton Athletic 1 (Marcus Bent 35) New Zealand 1 (Campbell Banks 58). HT: 1-0.
