United have plenty of incentive

TOP PLAYER: Malcolm Marfell was named Gisborne United’s man of the match. File picture by Paul Rickard

Gisborne United have a triple incentive to beat Port Hill at Harry Barker Reserve tomorrow in their last Pacific Premiership game of the season.

A win to Heavy Equipment Services United would lock away the Challenge Cup for the summer.

The trophy is at stake every time the holders play at home, and the name of the club holding it at the end of the season is inscribed on it.

Victory would also seal second spot behind Napier City Rovers Seconds, who have won the title with two games to play.

One of those games is against Napier Marist, who could pip United on goal difference if United were to lose tomorrow and Marist won both of their last two games.

A United win would also help Thistle claim fourth spot if they beat Western Rangers at Hastings.

“We’re rapt to be in a position to retain the cup and finish second, in our first season in the Pacific League,” United player-coach Corey Adams said.

“It’s the first time since the late 1980s that we’ve had a team travel away.”

Adams did not want to single out individuals: “It’s been a real team effort.”

That may be, but his younger brother Josh has had an outstanding season, scoring 26 goals.

Skipper Kieran Venema has led by example, while Dane Thompson cemented his place in midfield with consistent displays, while chipping in with goals.

Thistle had a bad start to the season, picking up only one point from their first three games.

However, a 13-1 thumping of Havelock North Wanderers Seconds began their climb up the table.

“It would be great to get fourth,” said Thistle coach Garrett Blair, who will not have striker Jake Theron, after he was sent off last weekend.

“Even if Jake had not been suspended, he suffered quite a bad injury from the challenge (which led to a second yellow card and then a red) and is on crutches.

“We should have Hector Araya back. I would like to partner him with Davie Ure up front,

“Western Rangers are a team who, on their day, can be great, but their last two results have been eye-openers (they drew 5-5 at home to Eskview on Wednesday last week, then lost 8-4 away to Havelock North Wanderers Seconds on Saturday).

“We’ll take the same approach we have to every game — look to set up tactically, do our individual roles well and focus on what we can control.

“Hopefully, if that all comes off, then we’ll get three points. But they won’t give them to us. We’ll have to work for them.”

Blair said the season had ups and downs.

“The main positive was that we had a good group of lads who all got along,” he said.

“I’m proud that we remained unbeaten at home and we were the only team to beat the league champions.

“We went out every week and played good football. If we can retain the core of the squad for next year, and get some youth back in, which I’m working on, we should push for the title. I’ve committed to a further two years and, with the club’s support, I think we can do some good things for the game locally.”