Gisborne United look to move up a place

FOOT ON THE BALL: Gisborne United’s Malachi Scammell (left) is challenged by Taradale’s Greg Jackson in a Pacific Premiership game last season. Scammell was United’s man of the match against Maycenvale on Saturday. File picture by Liam Clayton

Gisborne United have the chance to leapfrog Port Hill United into second place on the Pacific Premiership football league table when the sides meet in Napier tomorrow.

Home advantage favours Port Hill, who are three points ahead of Heavy Equipment Services Gisborne United, but the Gisborne side have the better goal difference.

United player-coach Corey Adams is confident his side can keep the pressure on league leaders Napier City Rovers Seconds, eight points ahead of United.

“Home advantage doesn’t count for much in this league,” Adams said.

“We travel away every second weekend. But they are favourites because the’re ahead of us in the competition and results don’t lie.

“It’s a big game for both teams.

“Our aim at the start of the season was to win the competition.

“A win tomorrow keeps us in the hunt, especially with a game against Napier City Rovers here in three weeks. But we need to beat Port Hill.”

Adams said the decision to switch Mal Scammell from centreback to a defensive midfield role, with Kieran Venema moving into the back four, had been a success.

“It’s been a good move for both players and for the team, so we’ll stick with that for this game,” he said.

Gisborne Thistle’s home game against Hastings Western Rangers has been postponed because all council grounds have been closed for the weekend.

Thistle coach Garrett Blair said the game was now likely to be played at Childers Road Reserve on June 23.

“That’s a cup-round weekend and neither team would be playing otherwise,” Blair said.

“That means we’d both be free for a catch-up game on the Saturday.”