It was another good weekend for the Matamata Swifts senior sides as they went through another round of matches unbeaten. Add in to that a comeback victory for the under 15 side and it made for some happy faces around the Matamata clubrooms.

The Stanley Group Matamata Swifts Federation 1 side were looking to make it three wins on the trot as they hosted an Otumoetai side that they had already knocked over earlier in the season. And everything looked on track early as the Swifts dominated from the outset. Attacking down the right hand side a quick interchange of passes saw Joe Freeman through on goal for the first opportunity. He opted for power over placement and the visiting keeper had no chance as the ball fired pass his left shoulder.

Matamata kept the pressure up but were unable to turn this into further goals as Otumoetai dropped deep into their own half to weather the storm. As the half progressed the travelling side began to get more of the ball and were able to launch their own forays into the Matamata half, though rarely appeared to threaten the Swifts goal.

This extra attacking intent may have contributed to their undoing, however, as it left extra space in behind their defensive line. Adam Roach made full use of this as he put through leading goalscorer Ben Watson in on goal. Watson made no mistake as he knocked it past the advancing keeper to give the Swift's a 2-0 lead at the break.

Following last week's switch-off at Melville, talk at the break focussed on killing the game off, something Matamata has struggled to do this year. With a large and vocal crowd behind them, the Swifts made no such mistake this week. Early in the second half the Swifts again broke down the right. On this occasion it was Bradley West who found himself in space and he delivered a telling ball into the box. Peter McCoskrie managed to get clear of his defender and his diving header beat the Otumoetai keeper to the ball and effectively wrapped the match up at 3-0.

The healthy advantage allowed the Swifts to relax and enjoy the afternoon, while the crowd made every effort to assist the Otumoetai side with plenty of advice. Unfortunately for them this didn't seem to help as Watson, who had managed all 3 goals when the sides last met, decided to add to his tally. Cutting in from his left-hand wing he easily worked his way through in on goal and had no issue slotting Matamata's fourth.
A solid win for the Swifts sees them continue their rise up the table with 1 game left in the first round. Man of the match was Joe Freeman who has been improving each week in his new attacking midfield role.

In the earlier match, the Peter Vossen Builders Federation 2 side met Tokoroa and produced the first draw of the season for the Swifts senior sides. However it was anything but uneventful. Chances were plenty at both ends, including a penalty save by Matamata keeper Matt Aberhart while the Swift's had a couple of late chances to take all 3 points. Player of the match went to Dave Hislop.

After a week off, the Challenge Matamata Ladies side travelled to Tokoroa in search of their first points in the league. Conditions were certainly not favourable as the heavens opened, but both teams looked to play attacking and entertaining football. The first half was even but Tokoroa took a 1-0 lead into the break after finishing a quick counter-attack. The second half continued in the same vein, but on this occasion it was the Swift's side who managed to finish one of their chances with Krystal Morrison scoring after finding herself through on goal.

Matamata looked like they had done enough for a draw as the game entered the final few minutes. But then it really got exciting. Tokoroa broke forward again and looked to have snatched all 3 points as they scored to go ahead 2-1. But moments later the Swifts were handed a lifeline. Pushing forward in search of another equaliser, Victoria Bowers-Mason was fouled in the box and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. There is a certain lack of confidence from the spot, however, and unfortunately the penalty was missed.

For most teams this would have been it for the day. But this side has shown spirit all season and instead of accepting defeat they pushed forward once again. And something a little bit special happened. A back heel and a one-two created a cross which fell to Sarah Coppard in the box. With the last kick of the game she sparked celebrations through the side as the Swift's earned their first point in the league with a 2-2 draw.

It was hard to single out any one player in the side so player(s) of the day honours were shared between Alisha Dare making her debut in goal and Chloe Verstraten.

Next week the Federation 1 side travels to Waikato Unicol while the Ladies are away again at Claudelands. The Federation 2 side have a bye.