Thistle defeats Wanganui Athletic

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

GISBORNE Thistle closed the gap on Central Federation League leaders Team Taranaki with a 4-0 win against Wanganui Athletic in Wanganui on Saturday.

“It was a good result for us, especially as Taranaki were held to a 1-1 draw by Port Hill United,” said Jags coach Fred Robertson.

Thistle remain third but are only four points behind Taranaki, and three behind second-placed Havelock North Wanderers.

Robertson pointed out that Team Taranaki still have to play Thistle in Gisborne and have yet to meet Havelock.

“They (Taranaki and Havelock) were due to play each other this week but we’re away to Havelock in the Chatham Cup.”

Lone striker Corey Adams opened the scoring in the 20th minute when he rose above the defence to head home a cross from an overlapping Liam Ryan.

“Corey’s not the biggest guy around but he climbed above their defenders, and scored with a great header,” Robertson said.

Spawforth at right flank scores twiceWith Ryan back at right-back after serving a two-match suspension, Cullen Spawforth occupied the right flank and scored two goals.

Spawforth got on the end of a through ball from Josh Harris, cut inside and buried the ball past the keeper with his left foot to give the Jags a 2-0 lead going into the halftime break.

“We were well in control at that stage,” Robertson said. “PJ (Goodlett, Thistle’s goalkeeper) didn’t have a lot to do but everything he did he did well.

“Kieran Higham (sweeper) was outstanding, our man of the match. He’s getting better with every game.”

Midway through the last 45 minutes, Spawforth found himself one-on-one with the Wanganui keeper and had no problem slotting the ball home.

Own goal at the finish“They scored an own goal to finish the game,” said Robertson, whose son Jake (left-back) was given the job of marking Wanganui’s danger-man and blotted him out of the match.

“It’s hard to praise your own son but Jake played well.”

An injury to left-winger Josh Adams late in the first half marred the win.

“It’s looks to be a bad ankle injury and it’s hard to see Josh playing this week, but he’s young and might heal quick,” Robertson said.

Skipper Kieran Venema passed a late fitness test on his hamstring and played alongside Mal Scammell in the centre of defence.

“If Kieran hadn’t played I would have given the captain’s role to Corey.

“He’s only 21 but he’s a senior player and has really impressed me with his work ethic. It’s hard being up there on his own but he’s always working hard for the team.”