“So the lads have been able to get a fair bit of fitness in, as well as ball work.
“Napier are a very good side . . . but they are beatable, as our Federation Cup team showed — and we had seven players involved in that game.”
After a slow start to their campaign, the Jags are looking to start the second round with a win, and continue their climb up the table.
“Coming into the second round we have a good idea of how every team plays, so we are able to set up better tactically,” Blair said.
“We can climb up the ladder a lot more if we keep playing the way we know we can.
“Our squad depth is also much better as we have Max Logan committing fully to the season and I am working on a few players before the transfer window closes (on June 30).”
Thistle dented Heavy Equipment Service Gisborne United’s hopes of winning the title when they drew 2-2 in the local derby.
A Thistle win tomorrow, coupled with United beating third-from-bottom Maycenvale, could result in United going ahead of Port Hill United, into second spot.
Port Hill play fourth-placed Eskview in a local derby.
United player-coach Corey Adams said it would be good if Thistle could “tip over Napier” but United still had to win.
“Our focus is on what we can control, not what we can’t,” he said.
“We were disappointed to drop some points last week (a 2-2 draw with Port Hill United) but the boys are keen to get a win tomorrow.”
