Stanley Group Matamata Swifts have lost at home again, this time to league leaders Hibiscus Coast. It was another even contest, with Matamata's lack of cutting edge proved telling at times, while the visitors held the ball well if not overly threateningly.

The difference in the end was a goal at the end of each half. The opener came less than a minute before the break after a spell of pressure by the visitors. This was a little tough on the Swifts, who began the game brightly and forced the best early opportunities.

A sweet Jack McNab volley that was blocked close to the line was the best effort for the Swifts. Matamata also had a decent shout for a spot kick when a visiting defender appeared to handle the ball in the box during a series of corners.

The opener came at just the wrong time for Matamata who had to open things up a little more going into the second half.

After the break the visitors appeared to generally be the fresher looking side, but rare was the occasion they got in behind the well marshalled Swifts back four settling rather for shots from further out.

The second and deciding goal came with about five mintues left. It was a clean, well placed header although the Swifts defenders will be disappointed to leave a man un-marked in the six yard box.

Matamata almost had the last say when Dwayne Signal hoisted a shot up into the sun only to see it bounce off the cross bar and away.

The Swifts back four did another good job, led well by stand-in captain, Karl Bryant. The young midfield duo of Mackenzie Smith and Dwayne Signal battled well and will have learnt much in the absence of regular captain, Jon Allen. Jack McNab toiled well up front while Alberto Romero and Mike Spencer, each in for their first game of the season, added much needed experience to an otherwise youthful Matamata side.