Thistle take tough loss

Headed for goal: Thistle’s centre-back Ryan Anderson (blue/centre) heads for goal in a match against Napier City Rovers Feds. Thistle won this match 3-2 played on April 25th.Picture by Paul Rickard

A depleted Gisborne Thistle side travelled by road to Palmerston North and did better than expected against Massey University.

They lost a Central Federation League match at Massey’s ground 3-1 but the killer third goal came from a disputed penalty in the 70th minute.

ALH Gisborne Thistle conceded goals in the 10th and 25th minutes and got one back in the 40th.

Ryan Anderson made a far-post run to head in a right-wing corner by Alex Davies.

The Jags were dangerous from set pieces throughout the game, and the delivery from Davies at corners was exceptional, Thistle head coach Garrett Blair said.

The penalty that resulted in the third goal was awarded when a Massey player pushed the ball past Nick Land.

“Nick put his hands up so as not to engage, the guy ran into him and a foul was given,” Blair said.

“We thought it was just outside the penalty area, but the referee didn’t.”

Missing from the Thistle squad that travelled south by road were Cullen Spawforth, Ash McMillan, Kieran Venema, Ander Batarrita, Matt McVey and Jarom Brouwer. Thistle’s chances seemed slim at best.

Yet the game was a lot closer than the scoreline would suggest, Blair said.

“For a long time we held the ball quite well; we created opportunities.

“We are doing all the work needed to get into the right positions. We just need someone to put the ball in the back of the net.

“At 2-1 we were definitely still in the game, but that penalty knocked us.

“I’m proud of the effort the boys put in. They dug deep to get themselves into that position. In the circumstances, they had no right to be in the game.”

Blair’s man of the match was 16-year-old Cory Thomson, whose duties included shutting down the time and space available to a much bigger player and linking with the Jags’ front three.

Others to impress were Kuba Jerabek at centreback, Davies in a holding midfield role until he went off injured in the 65th minute, Leo Maisey in wide-right and holding midfield roles, Levi Julies on the right flank and Mitchell Stewart-Hill in goal, sweeping, stopping shots and commanding the penalty area.