Stanley Group Matamata Swifts have returned from Auckland after a 3-0 defeat to Mangere United, but in many ways it was a strangely positive afternoon. Shorn of most of their experienced players, Matamata's youngsters but in a solid effort, with the odd individual error and a little naivety the only things to blame for the difference in the score line.

Missing captain, Jon Allen, leading scorer, Jack McNab, first choice keeper, Tom Pamment, and Stu Watene this was always going to be a difficult afternoon for the Swifts. But coach Lowry re-organised his side, pushing Dwayne Signal into the centre of midfield and giving Andrew Carter the responsibility of leading the line up front. Both performed well in their new roles. Lee Manifold came in for his first league start of the season, while Jamie Baxter was back at left back.

The only goal of the first half came midway through the spell when Mangere was afforded too much space down the left, allowing their striker to pick his spot. The hosts actually spent most of the first half bombing the ball long and getting caught off-side, which more than suited the Swifts. Matamata, through Carter, Mackenzie Smith and Scott Parsonage, looked good on the break, testing the Mangere keeper on a couple of occasions.

At one goal down the Swifts had a chance of getting something out of the game, but an early second half strike dashed these hopes and ensured Mangere secured all three points. The hosts were the more threatening of the two sides as the second half wore on and Matamata keeper, Jonathan Crook, was the busier of the two custodians. He held firm until late on when Mangere broke down the off-side trap (apparently…) and netted a third.

Matamata's best second half chances came when Carter fizzed a long distance shot just wide and Lee Manifold just failed to get on the end of an excellent Scott Parsonage cross.

Matamata must now wait until September 1 to play their final match of the season. It's likely the youngsters will once again be given an opportunity as the Swifts prepare for the 2013 season.

Following this match, we learned that Mangere likely played an ineligible player - the scorer of their first goal. It turns out they actually fielded two ineligible players. As a consequence, the result of this match was amended to a 1-0 victory to Matamata.