The authorities will be regretting not starting the local football season earlier as in true style, rain greeted the Matamata Swifts players for the start of the Federation football season. Both teams played away from home with the Stanley Group Swifts 1st team taking the long trip to Whakatane while the Peter Vossen Buildres sponsored Federation 2 side headed to the city to take on West Hamilton.

With a youthful side and plenty of fresh faces, including six making their Swifts debut, there were high hopes for the opening Federation 1 match, however it was a nervy start and both teams struggled to string passes together on a pitch which appeared untouched by even the meagre recent rains. Unsurprisingly, it was a sloppy opening goal with the Swifts unable to clear the ball in their own area and the nearest Whakatane striker finding a way to slot the ball into the net.

Matamata, however, quickly found their way back into the match. Winning a free-kick in the Whakatane half, Jamie Baxter stepped up to knock the ball into the Whakatane box. But, instead of finding a Matamata head, the ball curved over the advancing keeper and scores were once again level.

Unfortunately, this failed to settle the side, and Whakatane's dominance at corners and pace chasing the long ball soon told with the score soon 3-1. There was more action yet to come before half-time however. Another free kick in the Whakatane half saw Jamie Baxter once again stride forward and, remembering his previous effort, take aim at goal (well that's what he claimed anyway!). Once again the ball sailed over the keeper and Matamata were back in the contest at 3-2.

With a half-time team talk from new coach Ted Ansell, the Swifts seemed refocused in the second half and looked a lot more secure. However chances were few and far between with Whakatane dropping deeper though looking dangerous on the break. Matamata almost levelled with the last kick (well head) of the game. A string of passes saw Scott Parsonage just fail to nod the ball which would have seen the Swifts take a point.

Not the ideal start to the season, but the boys will know what to work on this week and will be fighting hard for the points with the first home game this Saturday.

It was a better result for the Federation 2 team as a mixture of youth and experience earned a deserved 2-0 victory over West Hamilton. Matamata were in control throughout the match and the score could have been even more convincing had two goals not been disallowed and a tight penalty been awarded. First half goals went to Josh Oed and Carlos Legaz-Hounslow with assists in both goals to Rob Cox.