It was, opined North End co-coach Michael Sheridan, a game of opportunities not taken. It was exciting to watch though, if dispiriting for those on the field, particularly after the one-on-ones with the opposition goalie that North End forced, then missed. They had two clear ones during the game, but at the end of the day only a Lucian Armstrong penalty to show for their toil. Armstrong’s second-half success levelled the score at 1-1 and proceedings were evenly poised after Thistle had earlier taken the lead with a long-range shot over the goalie’s clutching hands. Even when disaster looked to have struck for the locals through a penalty converted by Thistle to make the score 2-1, there was still surely hope of salvaging at least a draw from the dismal day.
WARWICK SMITH/Stuff
Marist’s Adam Gill, centre, competes for the ball with Gisborne s Tonek Frooms, right, during their clash on Saturday.
FOOTBALL: Palmerston North Marist swept aside Gisborne Thistle 5-1 with a scintillating display of attacking football in the men’s Federation League on Saturday. In what was their most accomplished team effort so far this season, Marist buried previously-unbeaten Thistle, announcing their intentions within the first five minutes of the game when striker Nick Carrick scored the first goal of his hat-trick. His goal haul saw Carrick leap to the top of the Golden Boot competition as unbeaten Marist moved the ball from side to side interspersed with short-passing rushes up the middle in a patterned approach that left Gisborne struggling to cope.