Thistle out to prove a point,‘I believe we’re a better side than that’ — Robertson

YOUNG GUN: Jarom Brouwer, 16, is having a run of commanding performances in midfield for Gisborne Thistle’s Federation League team. Picture by Paul Rickard

THISTLE coach Fred Robertson will not name his starting 11 for tomorrow’s Central Federation League football match against competition leaders Havelock North Wanderers until shortly before kick-off.

“Brad Reynolds and Kieran Ryan, who filled in for us last week, have dropped out but in come Nicky Land, Reece Brew, Garrett Blair and Ander Batarrita,” said Robertson, who wants his side to show their fans they are better than last week’s 6-1 drubbing by Red Sox would suggest.

“We lost to a better team on the day and have no excuses but I believe we’re a better side than that and we’ve got a great opportunity to prove that tomorrow.”

The game, at Childers Road Reserve, starts at 2.30pm.

“The way the boys trained this week showed me they have put that result behind them. They could have dropped their heads but they haven’t.”

Return of experienced playersThe return of the experienced Land, Brew and Batarrita could not have come at a better time as Thistle take on a Havelock side who are unbeaten after four games and who have scored 24 goals and conceded only six.

“Going on those results, they’re a good side,” Robertson said.

“But we’re at home on a wide pitch, which suits our style of play. We have to make home advantage count.

“I have some tough calls to make about the starting side but that’s the type of problem a coach likes to have.”

Land has missed the past two games — a 2-1 loss to second-placed Taranaki and last week’s defeat. Robertson could put him or Brew back into the centre of the defence.

Batarrita would be the ideal replacement for left-back Jake Robertson if he fails to recover from an ankle injury suffered last week.

If the younger Robertson is fit to play, Robertson senior has the option of playing Batarrita on the left flank or sticking with Malcolm Marfell.

Sure of his placeOne player sure of his place is central midfielder Jarom Brouwer.

“He’s having a blinder every week,” Robertson said.

“He’s only 16 but playing well above his age. Even in a losing team last week he was our man of the match.”

Although Land can also play up front, it is hard to see Robertson separating the Adams brothers Corey and Josh.

“They’re starting to get a good combination going.

“I have so many options. That’s why I won’t rush into making the team selection.

“But whoever I pick has to play the way we did against Taranaki. We lost but there was no way we should have lost that game. We led 1-0 and were in control until a couple of refereeing decisions went against us.

“If we show the same commitment that we showed against Taranaki, we could get our title hopes back on track.

“It’s still early days but we can’t afford another loss this week.”