Hastings looking to next year

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GISBORNE Thistle may have lost all chance of winning Central Football’s Federation League, but first-team places next season are at stake in the remaining games.

Coach Matt Hastings has told his players that second place is now the goal, but also that they are effectively playing for roles and positions next year.

“We’re looking at commitment levels and attitude,” he said.

“We won’t be judging players on 80 percent of the season, but on 100 percent, from the start of pre-season training to the last game.”

Tomorrow’s match against Red Sox Manawatu is another six-pointer, standing in for home and away fixtures for both sides. It will be played at Park Island, Napier.

The weekend after, Thistle travel to the Manawatu to take on Palmerston North Marist, then on Sunday, August 20, they play league leaders Havelock North in Gisborne. Their last game is against Wanganui Athletic, again at Park Island, Napier, on August 26.

Thistle beat Red Sox 2-0 when they played in Gisborne on June 3.

Since then, both teams have played pretty much to form, the notable exceptions being Thistle’s 1-0 home victory over Havelock North and a goalless home draw for Red Sox against high-flying Wanganui.

When Red Sox played at Childers Road Reserve in June, they were short of four regulars but still put up stubborn resistance.

“They are a tall, direct side, but that is perhaps an aspect we can exploit,” Hastings said.

He was especially impressed with their skipper, attacking midfielder Caleb Gaylard, who was just back from injury when he played in Gisborne.

“He’s technically very good; he’s quick, physical and agile,” Hastings said.

“If we allow him too much time and space, he has the ability to hurt us.”

But Thistle have changed the way they attack since that June game. Hastings hopes the strategy of having a lone striker supported by two deep-lying but attacking midfielders could create uncertainty in the Red Sox back four.

Hastings is monitoring several injuries to squad members. Centreback Ander Batarrita was hit in the head by the ball when he played for Carpet Court Thistle Reserves last Saturday, while striker PJ Goodlett and defender David Barker are recovering from thigh injuries.

Attacking midfielder Josh Harris was suspended for four playing days after being sent off two weeks ago against Massey.

Hastings expects he will be available for Thistle’s last Federation League game of the season.