Ryan back in team for Wanganui clash

HEADS I WIN: Thistle sweeper Kieran Higham heads clear during a Central Federation League football match against Massey University. Watching Higham is Liam Ryan (left) who comes back into the side to play Wanganui Athletic tomorrow after missing two matches through suspension. Picture by Paul Rickard

GISBORNE Thistle assistant coach Liam Ryan returns to the playing 11 for tomorrow’s Central Federation League football match against Wanganui Athletic at Wanganui after serving a two-match suspension.

But the Jags will be without first-choice goalkeeper Mark Baple, who was shown a red card in last week’s 3-1 win against Havelock North Wanderers.

PJ Goodlett will replace Baple.

Ryan, who was sent off against Taranaki, missed the 6-1 drubbing by Red Sox and last week’s victory.

Even though Ryan did not play, he made a major contribution to a much-needed victory.

“It was Liam’s idea to play Josh Harris in centre midfield instead of his usual position on the right wing,” said coach Fred Robertson.

“It was Josh’s best game of the season and that’s where he’ll play tomorrow. With Ander Batarrita unable to travel, Liam will slot in at centreback alongside either Kieran Venema or Mal Scammell.

“KV’s (Venema) hamstrings are playing up; we’ll see how he feels before we make any decisions.

“After this game we’ve got a Chatham Cup tie against Havelock, away, the following week.”

Robertson opted for a back four with Kieran Higham sweeping against Wanderers, who had gone into the game unbeaten and joint top of the table with Taranaki.

“We’ll be sticking with the same formation, even though Wanganui are bottom of the table,” Robertson said.

“Red Sox were also bottom of the table when we played them down there and lost 6-1.

“That result may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

“The boys have really upped the intensity in training and it showed last week.”

Robertson said that while Harris was named man of the match, right-back Cullen Spawforth was not far behind.

“Nicky Land, who took Josh’s place on the right wing, and Kieran Higham also played really well.”

Higham is not the biggest defender in the district but he reads the game well and uses his speed to nip in ahead of his opponents before setting up attacks with good distribution.

He has also worked hard on controlling a temper that often got him into trouble with match officials, and he has done it without losing his competitive streak.

“I’m really pleased with the way Kieran is playing,” Robertson said.

“We’ve got a mix of senior players and young guys who are developing well.”