From Kingsmeadow to Soccer City, a country’s World Cup hero was born this week in the guise of former AFC Wimbledon striker Shane Smeltz.

Nicknamed the Kiwi Womble, Smeltz set up New Zealand’s last minute equalizer against Slovakia yesterday to keep the 3000-1 underdogs’ South African dreams alive.

Smeltz, AFC’s top scorer during the 2005-6 season, shimmied around the Slovak area in injury time before whipping in a pin-point cross for team mate Winston Reid to head home a point for the All Whites.

AFC Wimbledon’s Commercial director, Ivor Heller said: "Shane used to do the same for us week in and week out in the combined counties leagues, so it’s no surprise to see him flourish on the world stage.

"In all seriousness, he was a fantastic goal scorer but also set up so many.

"He was a thoroughly decent guy too and we're delighted to see the Kiwi Womble succeed at international level.

"It's also great for the club - I'm not sure how many other teams outside the premier league have got a namecheck on the BBC’s commentary."

He added: "I remember one great story about him in particular.

"He got called up to play for New Zealand against Brazil but is wife decided they were getting married that day so he didn't play.

"I'm not sure how many other guys would have been that loyal."

Smeltz scored 26 goals in 50 appearances for the Dons and only a missed penalty denied him a hat-trick on his debut for the club in 2005.

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