Watch that man . . .

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Watch that man Carrick.

That will be one of the tasks key to the success of Gisborne Thistle's Central Federation League effort against Palmerston North Marist at Childers Road Reserve tomorrow.

That's assuming, of course, that Nick Carrick makes the trip. The journey to Gisborne from the far reaches of the Central Federation area can be daunting for those not used to it.

Thistle would be glad if he didn't. The league's leading scorer — 20 so far — grabbed three goals against Waikanae Beach TOP10 Gisborne Thistle in Palmerston North in May.

Marist soundly beat Thistle 5-1 on the artificial surface that helps to make the Arena Turf such a stronghold for the league's second-placed side.

They have handed out some pretty heavy beatings to teams in the bottom half of the competition, and have not let front-runners Havelock North Wanderers have the league title on a plate.

Carrick will be Thistle's main concern, but the man who impressed in the middle of the park when the teams last met was holding midfielder Taylor Monk.

He seems to be the type of player who gets things moving around him.

Thistle are expected to field much the same side as they have put out in the past few weeks.

Kuba Jerabek has been struggling with injuries and could be missing from the run-on side tomorrow.

Thistle have rebounded well from some disappointing results. Their 4-1 victory over Napier Marist last Saturday might have signalled a return to form.

Among the main points of interest tomorrow will be the possibility of seeing one or more of the three Uruguayan players who have turned up at training.

Thistle coach Garrett Blair has been impressed with their ability and is keen to let them loose on some unsuspecting opponents.

Oops, they've been warned.

The match starts at 1pm.