Thistle raring to go

CLOSE CONTROL: Thistle striker Jake Theron keeps his eyes on the ball. Theron scored two goals, one a contender for goal of the season, in last week’s win against Havelock North Wanderers Seconds. Picture by Paul Rickard

Thistle coach Garrett Blair says his side are looking forward to their Pacific Premiership football match against second-placed Port Hill United at Childers Road Reserve at 2.30pm tomorrow.

“Port Hill are a good team but they’re coming to our home ground so it should be a cracker,” said Blair, whose side have surged up the table.

Thistle are now only two points behind Napier Marist and Heavy Equipment Services Gisborne United, who are separated by goal difference in third and fourth positions respectively.

Gisborne United play Eskview United at Harry Barker Reserve, also at 2.30pm.

“It was always going to be a tough start playing the top three teams right off the bat,” Blair said.

“We also had a pretty new squad, with a large group not having played in this league for a few years.

“But once we got used to the quality and speed of the game, we have been very smart, with our last loss being to Port Hill (on May 5) in the first round.

“I’m proud of the improvement the boys have made. They’re playing good football and are good mates off the field. It makes for a good environment in the squad, which is reflected in their performances.”

Blair has been forced to make changes to the side who beat Havelock North Wanderers Seconds 4-3 away last week.

“Hector Araya and Max Mika, who missed last week’s game, are available and will start,” Blair said.

“Our Fijian import, Eliki Ravosai, isn’t available this weekend so Liam Ryan will slide across to centreback and Max will start on the right.

“David Ure is also back. He, Jake Theron, whose second goal last week was probably a contender for goal of the season, skipper Nick Land (central midfield) and Liam are our senior players.

“Liam has taken on the general’s role at the back.

“Olly Tilley, despite only being in his early 20s, has really stepped up as a leader this year and has had a strong season as our anchor in the midfield.”

Gisborne United player-coach Corey Adams will not have two key players — midfielder Josh Harris and sweeper Kieran Higham — to face Eskview United, after both were sent off in last week’s 5-1 loss to Napier Marist.

Harris received a four-week suspension, which means he will not return until the final game of the season.

Higham is out for two weeks.

“I’m not happy with Josh’s four weeks but there’s nothing we can do about it,” Adams said.

“Apparently the referee said Josh said something to him, which Josh denies.

“We’ll bring in Stu Cranswick from our Eastern League Division 1 team, and Israel Whitley is available.”

Goalkeeper Jack Faulkner also missed last week’s match after being in an accident while riding a motor scooter.

“Jack thinks he will be OK, which is good news.

“Even though we’ve slipped back on the table after last week’s loss, we still have a lot to play for,” said Adams.

“We hold the Challenge Cup, which we won off Eskview in the first round, and we’ve gone through a compete round without losing it. The cup is up for grabs at all our home games.”