Fed Cup action for Thistle, United

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FOOTBALL

clubs are in federation football knockout action tomorrow.

Carpet Court Thistle Massive and Heavy Equipment Services United are competing in the Central Federation Cup, which is open to senior sides who do not compete in the Chatham Cup.

Both Gisborne sides will be made up of players from their first and reserve sides.

Thistle’s top team played in the Chatham Cup so all but three of their squad are cup-tied.

Thistle Massive play Napier City Rovers reserves at Childers Road Reserve at 2pm

A mainly Eastern League Thistle team beat Pacific Premiership side Napier City Rovers seconds 4-1 in Round 1 of the competition last year before being knocked out by eventual cup winners Napier Marist in extra time in Round 2.

Thistle Massive coach John Stirton is going to play a formation of 4-2-3-1 — four defenders, two holding midfielders, three attacking midfielders and one lone striker.

He wants them to play their own style of ball to feet, simple passing and maintaining possession.

“We have the luxury of three first team players — George Andrew, Max Logan and Andrew Brott,” he said.

Max Logan will partner Stirton’s son Kane, who is recovering well after a lengthy time off with injury.

They will play on each of the wings, supplying ball to experienced striker Nic Somerton.

Thistle will be bolstered by another senior pair in Chris Spurr and Matt Smith in the midfield.

Gisborne United travel to Palmerston North to play Eltham at Skoglund Park at 2pm.Eltham compete in the Taranaki Premiership and are sitting in sixth place.

United will field a strong combination of firsts and reserve team players coached by Chris Adams.

Striker Stu Cranswick, midfielder Aaron Graham and centreback Jonathan Purcell are key players coming up from local league football. Premiership centreback Kieran Higham is suspended, but Dane Thompson returns from his time out.