In their six games, Palmerston North United have scored more goals (18) and conceded fewer (8) than any other team, yet sit in the middle of the five-team competition. This is partly because they have played fewer games than the teams above them, but also because they have had three losses to go with their three wins.
Napier City Rovers Reserves have beaten them twice, 2-1 in Napier and 3-1 in Palmerston North, and city rivals Marist beat them 2-1 on artificial turf.
With Thistle having beaten City Rovers 7-6 and drawn with them 1-1 in Napier, a turnaround in fortunes against PN United is not beyond the realms of possibility.
Jags coach Garrett Blair has tweaked a few things in his line-up and game plan for tomorrow.
Daniel Venema is likely to start at leftback, his experience and defensive nous gaining him the nod ahead of Sam Royston, who is set to be on the bench.
Andre Baple is slated to start at rightback, and newly signed Ryan Noon will likely form a double-centreback pairing with Finn McAuley.
Blair is looking to start Hugo Elwood as the holding midfielder, with David Salmon and Cory Thomson given scope in front of him to receive ball and build attacks.
Blair is also looking to get Jimmy Somerton some space and, as he has often been double-teamed in the centre of the front line, Somerton could spend more of his time out wide.
Oska Smith would work the other wing and Campbell Hall is likely to get a chance to use his strength, speed and finishing power in the role of target man.
All of this is subject to any injuries that might have been picked up at training last night, after this report went to press.
If all goes well and Blair has available the squad he wants, Royston, Ash McMillan, Davie Ure, Alex Shanks and Cullen Spawforth all offer something different from the bench.
Blair was impressed with Spawforth’s contribution when he came on late in the game against PN Marist, but he doesn’t want to rush the midfielder’s return to the starting line-up.
Blair has also been impressed with the progress being made by 16-year-old Alex Shanks.
“He has a good first touch, finishes well and is a grafter,” Blair said.
“I know he could come on as part of the front three and do a good job, while also getting back to help defend.”
Newcomer Noon, who travelled to Palmerston North with the team last weekend, looked good in training, Blair said.
The fact that his most recent football had been played up front gave Thistle an extra option as the game developed.
Blair said the injured Ander Batarrita, Matt Smith and Chris Spurr were still two or three weeks away from a return, but Nick Land was expected to train last night. Land’s eventual return would bring a welcome infusion of leadership and experience.
