Stanley Group Matamata Swifts have been held to their fifth successive draw at home in 2012 after a 1-1 result on Saturday against Western Springs.

Unlike in most of Matamata's previous stalemates, this was a reasonably fair reflection of the day's work for both sides in a match that had periods of dominance both ways and a good many chances at each end.

The Swifts probably edged the first half, although both teams worked some good openings. Mackenzie Smith had the best early chance, while the visitors also forged out a couple of excellent opportunities.

Matamata lost Dwayne Signal to a serious back injury less than 20 minutes in. Gary Dobson replaced him and, after waiting patiently for his opportunity, acquited himself well in his first decent run at this level.

The visitors opened the scoring not long after the half time break. The Swifts allowed a free close range header that was comfortably nodded home.

Matamata's Bjorn Vossen was carted off in an ambulance with serious ligament damage suffered in a nasty challenge on the hour mark to compound the Swifts' problems. Matamata was second best until midway through the half, before the visitors appeared to back off and settle for their slender advantage. This allowed the Swifts to press with more authority.

The Swifts finally got their goal when substitute, Lee Manifold, bundled home a Mackenzie Smith corner for the equaliser with nine minutes remaining. This set up a proper grandstand finish, with the game opening up as both sides looked for a winner. Springs had a couple of half chances while Matamata's Andrew Carter went closest sent his shot wide.

So Matamata had to settle for yet another draw and, with next week's match against Manukau City postponed, will have to chew this over for a fortnight before they get a chance address things on the field. At least this break will allow some of the injuries a chance to heal.