It’s business as usual for Gisborne Thistle as they prepare for their home game against Peringa United at Childers Road Reserve today.
“Business as usual” means up to a third of the squad unavailable because of injury, illness or prior commitment.
Electrinet Thistle coach Tam Cramer is frustrated he hasn’t been able to put out a first-choice squad of 16 since this year’s competition started, but he acknowledges that many other teams in Central Football’s Federation League have the same problem.
Central midfielder Matt McVey gave him plenty of notice that he would not be available today, but “four or five” other squad members are in doubt because of illness or injury that could not have been foreseen.
Cramer said he would leave his decision on a starting line-up as long as he could, in case any of the injured or ill recovered enough to play.