Eastern Premiership

Gisborne Thistle boosted their Eastern Premiership title ambitions and dealt a significant blow to HNW's premiership hopes with a convincing 3-1 victory on Saturday.

Heading into the fixture, HNW knew a win was crucial to keep pace with league leaders Gisborne United. The two sides had started the weekend level on points, with only goal difference separating them, but defeat now leaves HNW three points adrift in the race for the title.

For Thistle, the result continues an impressive turnaround in form. After a difficult start to the campaign, recent weeks have seen the side string together strong performances, cementing their place in third and keeping pressure on the competition ahead of them.

The hosts made a fast start, opening the scoring in the 12th minute through Leo Maisey. HNW responded almost immediately, with Harry Bayliss finding the equaliser just three minutes later to bring the visitors back into the contest.

Any momentum gained from the equaliser was short-lived, however, as Leo Starck restored Thistle's advantage in the 19th minute. Thistle continued to apply pressure and were rewarded again before the break when Maisey grabbed his second goal of the afternoon in the 34th minute.

With a two-goal cushion heading into halftime, Thistle managed the second half effectively, limiting HNW's attacking opportunities and seeing out an important victory.

The win strengthens Thistle's push towards the top end of the table, while HNW now face the challenge of making up ground on Gisborne United as the Eastern Premiership title race enters a crucial stage.

SCORES:

Gisborne Thistle – 3 (L. Maisey 12', L. Starck 19', L. Maisey 34')
 HNW – 1 (H. Bayliss 15')

Thirsty Whale Napier City Rovers – 1 (H. Strong 11')
 Heavy Equipment Services Gisborne United – 3 (J. Harris 6', 63', J. Somerton 70')

Shanis Premiers Taradale AFC – 3 (C. Leopard 2', E. Berge 65', M. Fysh 79')
 Tremains Port Hill United – 4 (L. Posthumus 7', J. Bowen 50', J. Driver 56', L. Posthumus 76')

Jarks City Side Western Rangers – 0
 Liquid Gold Maycenvale United Prems – 2 (S. Newland 32', J. Marshall 82')

Tairāwhiti Mens Championship

Gisborne Thistle continued their strong run of form with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Wairoa Athletic in Eastern Premiership action on Saturday.

Having found momentum in recent weeks, Thistle once again showed their quality at both ends of the pitch, creating chances in attack while keeping a clean sheet defensively.

The home side controlled much of the contest and were rewarded with three goals as they secured another important three points. For Wairoa Athletic, it was a tough afternoon against a Thistle side that has continued to build confidence as the season progresses.

The result further strengthens Thistle's position near the top end of the table as they continue their impressive mid-season resurgence.

SCORES:

Gisborne Pro Roofing Thistle – 3
 QRS Wairoa Athletic Football – 0

Wainui Football – 3
 Heavy Equipment Services Gisborne United Reserves – 0

Shockers Marist – 2
 Thistle Athletic Bobcats – 12

Tairāwhiti Division 2

Heavy Equipment Services Gisborne United 2nds edged out Ngatapa Brandt Silkies in one of the most entertaining matches of the weekend, claiming a thrilling 4-3 victory.

With seven goals scored, the contest remained in the balance throughout as both sides traded blows in an open and attacking encounter. Ngatapa pushed hard to take something from the game, but Gisborne United 2nds were able to find the extra goal needed to secure all three points.

The result continues a positive run for Gisborne United 2nds, while Ngatapa can take encouragement from an attacking performance that saw them push their opponents right to the final whistle.

In a match packed with goals and momentum swings, it was Gisborne United 2nds who ultimately emerged victorious in a closely fought battle.

SCORES:

Ngatapa Brandt Silkies – 3
Heavy Equipment Services Gisborne United 2nds – 4

Gisborne Thistle AFC Thunder – 4
 HSOB Sports Club Eels – 5|

Shockers Campion Marist – 0
 Wainui Demons – 8

Tairawhiti Womens Championship
Enviro NZ Thistle delivered a dominant performance on Saturday, sweeping aside HSOB 10-0 in a one-sided encounter.

Rylee Barker set the tone early, finding the back of the net twice inside the opening 15 minutes before completing a first-half hat-trick in the 14th minute. Charlotte McDiarmid and Naia Erickson also got on the scoresheet before the break as Thistle raced to a commanding lead.

The goals continued to flow in the second half, with Gemma Macdonald adding her name to the scoresheet before Barker struck again to claim her fourth goal of the afternoon. McDiarmid and Erickson each completed braces, while Barker rounded out a remarkable individual performance with her fifth goal in the closing stages.

It was a clinical display from Thistle, who combined attacking flair with a solid defensive effort to keep a clean sheet and secure an emphatic victory.

SCORES:
Enviro NZ Thistle – 10 (R. Barker 11', 12', 14', 60', 89', C. McDiarmid 39', 74', N. Erickson 43', 82', G. Macdonald 48')
 HSOB HSOG – 0

Heavy Equipment Services Gisborne United Ladies – 4
 Shockers Ladies Pink – 1

Shockers Ladies Black – 11
 Tatapouri Marist Thistle – 0

Article added: Tuesday 09 June 2026