Tilley out, Logan back

TIGHT MARKING: Gisborne Thistle leftback Daniel Venema shadows Heavy Equipment Services United player-coach Corey Adams in their Pacific Premiership football match at Harry Barker Reserve last weekend. Thistle host Maycenvale tomorrow while United head to Hawke’s Bay to take on bottom-of-the table Taradale. United are sitting second on the 10-team table on 33 points, five behind leaders Napier City Rovers, who have a game in hand. Thistle, who lost 2-1 to United, are fifth. Picture by Paul Rickard

Gisborne Thistle coach Garrett Blair will be without one of his key players but welcomes back another for tomorrow’s Pacific Premiership match against Maycenvale United at Childers Road Reserve at 2.30pm.

Midfielder Olly Tilley faces a mandatory stand-down after picking up five yellow cards.

Max Logan, who missed last week’s 2-1 loss to Heavy Equipment Services Gisborne United, returns.

“Olly’s season is over as he is not available for our last game of the season,” Blair said.

“Max will slot straight back in.

“We missed his influence last week. I’m also looking at playing Chris (Spurr, centreback) in more of a defensive midfield role.

“He’s had a fantastic season.”

Although Thistle are favourites, 14 points clear of Maycenvale, Blair is taking nothing for granted against a side who thumped Havelock North Wanderers Seconds 6-3 last weekend.

“The last time we played them, they had just lost their coach and a few players, so I expect them to be more structured this time round and give us a real test. But I’m confident the boys will want to bounce back after last week’s loss so will come out ready to go.”

Blair also praised one of his unsung players, Daniel Venema.

“Dan’s had a consistent season,” Blair said.

“He’s a right-footed player playing on the left, but he takes it in his stride and has been one of the most consistent performers all year.

“He has stepped back into this league with ease and can become a real leader in the next few years. He’s a good club man, a good player and a good lad.”

United’s last-gasp win moved player-coach Corey Adams’s men into second place, five points behind Napier City Rovers Seconds, who have played one game less. United have two games remaining and will be looking to finish the season with two wins, starting with tomorrow’s match away to bottom-of-the-table Taradale.

That would leave United on 39 points. Fourth-placed Napier Marist would edge United on goal difference if they won their last three games.