Trio come to aid of Jags cup bid

Welcome back: Max Logan (right) is one of three players helping out a depleted Thistle squad for tomorrow’s Chatham Cup game against North End. Picture by Paul Rickard

THISTLE coach Garrett Blair has added three players to his injury-hit Pacific Premiership football squad for tomorrow’s Chatham Cup clash against North End in Palmerston North.

Max Logan, Brad Reynolds and Shannon Dowsing will make the trip to Palmerston.

Logan, who last played for Team Gisborne in the Pacific Premiership in 2015, will team up with former Team Gisborne teammate Olly Tilley in central midfield.

Dowsing comes in at leftback while Reynolds, who can play several positions, will go up front with skipper Nicky Land just behind.

“It’s been a tough week,” Blair said.

“Our depth was put to the test and it will be again tomorrow and on Saturday.”

'Chatham Cup is the pinnacle of New Zealand football and we will put everything into it'Thistle, still chasing their first premier Pacific Premiership win this season after a draw and two losses — are at home to Havelock North Wanderers Seconds on Saturday.

Despite being down on numbers, Blair said there was never any chance that the Jags would default their Cup tie.

“Definitely not. Chatham Cup is the pinnacle of New Zealand football and we will put everything into it.

“We don’t know much about North End, other than that they are an experienced bunch of players and to get the last Federation League spot they had to go through a playoff with Palmerston North Boys’ High, which they (North End) won 1-0.”

Thistle go into the match on the back of a 1-0 loss to Eskview United in Hawke’s Bay on Saturday. Easkview scored the winner 20 minutes from time.

“We both had chances to score; they took theirs and that’s what we have to do tomorrow,” Blair said.

Although Thistle have a makeshift look about them for this game, Blair has three classy and experienced players in goalkeeper Mark Baple, centreback Liam Ryan and Land to inspire those around them.

Cup football gives no second chances. That puts the onus on Baple and the back four of Tim Hofman, Ryan, Dan Venema and Dowsing to keep it tight.

If they keep a clean sheet, one goal puts the Jags through.

And in Logan, Blair might just have an ace to play.

Not only is he a skilful ball player who creates goalscoring opportunities, he can also finish the chances provided by others.

Logan will have support from Tilley, who likes to get forward, Max Mika and Ryan Majstrovic, the latter two on the flanks.

With only Blair and Fletcher Stewart Hill on the bench, Blair will be hoping his side can steer clear of any more injuries.