Stanley Group Matamata Swifts have sunk to a 5-2 defeat against league leaders, Hibiscus Coast, in a difficult afternoon of football at Stanmore Bay.

The hosts got off to an ideal start with two goals in the first seven minutes. The first came inside 90 seconds, when an over hit, misdirected cross, snuck under the bar for a fluke opener. Soon after the Swifts were at sea from a corner, allowing the hosts to poke the ball home to double their advantage.

That two goal blast undid all the Swifts' tactical planning leaving them chasing the game from such an early stage. Matamata did, at least, get their shape sorted out and came back into the game as the half progressed. They carved out a couple of decent chances, to Jack McNab and Jon Allen, but also saw the hosts press to extend their lead.

Hibiscus Coast are a good, consistent footballing side as their position on the table and their performance in this match showed. In contrast, Matamata has been blighted by inconsistency, in both their performances and the sides they've been able to put out each week. The difference showed as this match moved into the second half.

The hosts added to their lead not long after the break, then scored twice more to blow their lead out to something that was impossible to chase down. While the Swifts had their moments, their hosts were sharper and went through periods where they threatened to completely overwhelm Matamata.

To their credit, the Swifts finished strong, with Jack McNab notching a double in the last ten minutes. His first was a decent drive from distance and his second a loopy effort that dropped in ahead of a disappointed defence.

For Matamata, a couple of youngsters shone. Bjorn Vossen, in midfield, was aggressive and incisive, while Andrew Carter showed some good touches. McNab ploughed a lone furrow up front and was rewarded for his work rate with his two goals.