Tommy Smith struck a last gasp winner for New Zealand to take them one step closer to the 2014 World Cup finals. 

The 22-year-old Town defender headed home four minutes into added on time to give the All Whites a 2-1 win over New Caledonia in a World Cup qualifier in Dunedin this morning. 

“I just attacked the ball and got really lucky,” said Tommy, who was named vice skipper for his country earlier this week.

The winner, Tommy’s second international goal, books New Zealand a play-off place against the fourth placed country in the CONCACAF section, with the two-legged tie taking place in November. The prize will be a place at the World Cup finals in Brazil next year. 

New Zealand finish their group campaign against the Soloman Islands next Tuesday but with qualification already assured.