By James Bennett
It was a wet and wild night at North Harbour Stadium for the All Whites vs Solomon Islands Oceania World Cup qualifier.
The home side were clinical despite the tough conditions.
Solomon supporters rugged up ready for a weather onslaught but on the pitch it was an early goal mouth assault from the All Whites.
At fist Shane Smeltz misses out but just five minutes later he was on target.
The home side dominated territory and possession, while down the other end the Bonitos were lacking finishing quality.
The All Whites assault continued with repeated chances in the Solomons box and in the 25th minute Kosta Barborouses inevitably made it two.
A physical first half the home side ahead 2-0 at the break.
The crossbar denied Smeltz a second, but as the All Whites threatened to run away with it, a Winston Reid close thing led to the Solomons getting back in the match.
It was 2-1 and game on, but Nonito celebrations were short lived as the All Whites went on a second half romp.
Tony Lockhead netted his first international goal and with the game safe, the skipper earned a sit down, but Ricki Herbet’s changes up front also paid off. Chris Wood chested home before Marco Rojas sealed a convincing win.
The 6-1 score places the All Whites on top of Oceania’s world cup qualifying group.
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