Gisborne United play the first leg of an end-of-season treble when they take on Taradale Reserves in the final of Central Football’s Federation Cup at Harry Barker Reserve on Saturday.
The second and third legs of this treble will be the home-and-away playoff games against Western Premiership winners Whanganui Athletic – in Whanganui on August 22 and in Gisborne on August 29.
Front of mind at 1pm for United – unbeaten this season – will be the immediate challenge of Taradale, who have gained momentum on the playing field and training ground over the past few weeks.
They won all three of their games in the Bottom 4 round robin at the end of the regular season, beating Western Rangers 2-0 away, Maycenvale 10-1 away and Port Hill 4-2 at home.
“They’ve been training well,” Taradale coach Ryan Jones said. “Half of them are sick, some of them are injured. Other than that, I’m very happy with how they’ve been playing over the past few weeks.
“This game is the highlight of our season. We didn’t start the way we wanted. It was the same last year ... we started badly and were winning near the end. It’s good for the boys to have a run of wins.”
Going forward, Taradale would look to get their top goalscorer, Max Fysh, in good positions. When they did not have the ball, the rule would be: “If we lose it, get it back.”
Jones comes from a Taradale football family. His father and brothers have all been part of the 66-year-old club, and those connections are a source of pride among the Taradale faithful.
The same could be said for Heavy Equipment Services Gisborne United, whose support benefits from strong family connections.
Co-coach Kieran Venema said United would have a full squad available, with the probable exception of midfielder Mateo Perez, who was injured.
“We have a couple of players with niggles, but we hope they’ll be all right. The boys trained well this week and they’re excited about the game.”
The club had arranged a match announcer, a coffee cart and a sausage sizzle, although wet weather could affect those plans, Venema said.
It was still uncertain what would happen after the playoff matches against Whanganui, he said.
Travel costs for the matches would be significant. United planned to travel to Whanganui in two vans the day before the game. He understood Whanganui planned to fly to Gisborne for the return.
Electrinet Gisborne Thistle play Napier City Rovers Reserves at Bluewater Stadium, also at 1pm, in a semi-final of the Eastern Premiership Cup, a knockout competition among premiership clubs who chose to take part.
Also at stake will be the Len (L.J) Cudd Memorial Trophy. Thistle won it when they beat City Rovers 3-2 in Napier on April 4, then lost it when Napier beat them 2-0 in Gisborne on August 1. The trophy is up for grabs every time these two clubs meet.
Goalkeeper Drew Churchwell is coaching Thistle’s first team till the end of the season.
Club chairman Mark Pearce said Tam Cramer’s resignation took effect at the end of the regular (league) season.
“We’re happy with the way the team finished after a difficult start to the season,” Pearce said. “I think Tam will still be working for the club in some capacity.
“In due course we’ll advertise the coaching position.”