Centreback Ryan Anderson captained the Thistle Federation League team in 2022 and Ash McMillan had a good run in central midfield until ongoing back issues limited his game time last year. Both are relishing the return to competitive grassroots football.
On the sideline is Cullen Spawforth, who is recovering from a right knee reconstruction that aimed to reinforce the anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments. He and Anderson share the coaching duties.
Spawforth was a key member of the Thistle midfield for three years until he moved to Shockers to look after his body a bit more, but then hurt his knee in his first game this season.
The operation was performed in Auckland under ACC and when he went for a check-up two weeks ago the surgeon was pleased with his progress.
Spawforth is two weeks into rehabilitation for his knee and has started to build up his leg muscles.
He aims to complete his light automotive motor mechanic’s apprenticeship next year and get back on the football field. He estimates a return to playing duties could be seven to eight months away.
In the meantime, he is enjoying the change in perspective from player to coach.
As a midfielder himself, he appreciates the contribution United midfielders Corey Adams and Dane Thompson make to the smooth running of their team’s engine room, and their distribution to strikers Josh and Jacob Adams.
Shockers’ midfield is likely to feature Jackson Donovan, Bradley Clark and McMillan. Max Harris will lead the attack and Anderson will be the linchpin of the defence.
Goalkeeper Seth Piper will not be fazed by the possibility of the match going to penalties. He saved two in a penalty shoot-out that won the Federation Cup for Gisborne United against Manawatu side North End at Harry Barker Reserve in 2022.
And it’s great to see the match has been shifted from Harry Barker Reserve No 2 to HBR 1, where spectators have the benefit of a seat in the grandstand. Kickoff is scheduled for 2.45pm.
Thistle eyeing Central Fed playoffs spot
Tomorrow could be the day Electrinet Gisborne Thistle clinch a place in the end-of-season playoffs for membership of the Central League 2 competition next season.
They play Peringa United in New Plymouth at noon.
Thistle are seventh in Central Football’s nine-team Federation League and only Whanganui Athletic, five points behind with two games to play, can catch them.
A win for Thistle tomorrow, or anything less than a win for Whanganui against second-placed Palmerston North United, would secure the Jags’ playoff place.
Thistle coach Tam Cramer says his team will take nothing for granted against last-placed Peringa in a competition where no team can be regarded as easy-beats.
Centreback Junior Jimmy will return to the side after serving a week’s suspension for accumulated yellow-card offences, and his place on the sidelines will be taken by attacking midfielder Travis White, who is out after also receiving a number of yellow cards.
Defender Shai Avni will be back in the squad and defensive midfield utility player Cory Thomson is expected to be fit following illness early in the week.
If Thistle clinch the last playoff spot, they will aim to build momentum in the last two games – at home to Taradale and Havelock North Wanders, on August 31 and September 7 respectively.
The playoffs are in Palmerston North on September 14.
