Conor Gaul marked his home debut in New Zealand with the first goal in a 3-0 victory over Napier City.
Workington Reds’ forward had left early to join Wellington Olympic who are reigning champions of the Central League.
Wellington have started impressively although were held 2-2 by Wellington Phoenix the day after Gaul arrived in New Zealand.
It means they share the league leadership on 13 points from five games with Waterside Karori and the two meet up on Saturday for the Central League’s match of the day.
After scoring his first goal, Gaul said: “It was nice to find the net on my home debut although to be fair it was just a tap in at the far post.
“The standard is decent and there are a lot of English lads playing out here so there’s a physicality to the games. It’s a big game on Saturday because we are neck and neck at the moment.”
If Olympic win the Central League they will go into the National League which completes the New Zealand season.
Gaul has sent his best wishes to the Workington squad ahead of their NPL West play-off semi-final at home to Marine on Tuesday night.
Reds were forced into a play-off lottery after being unable to beat bottom side Market Drayton on Saturday.
