Both of the Matamata Swifts mens teams travelled to Links Avenue Park in Tauranga this weekend and both came from behind at various stages to take points back home on a sunny Saturday afternoon.
The Stanley Group Matamata Swifts Federation 1 side were keen to do the double against Tauranga after knocking them over earlier in the season however, as in the previous match between the sides, they found themselves behind almost before they had started playing. Tauranga had the better of the opening stages and drew an early corner after a shot was tipped wide. The initial cross was cleared but the ball was allowed to bounce in the box. The follow-up cross was played into the danger area and a flick-on from the Tauranga striker saw them up 1-0.
Both teams were trying to play football, with Matamata playing deep in order to create space to play, which in turn allowed Tauranga time on the ball. As the half wore on, the tactics seemed to be favouring Tauranga, who were creating plenty of chances from open play while seeming ever threatening at set play. Crucially, however, it was Matamata who found the next goal. And it was a trusty formula which created the equaliser. The Swifts broke forward as a string of quick passes through the centre of the park put Ben Watson through on goal. He left the defence behind as he streaked through on goal, and there was no mistake as he slammed the ball into the back of the net.
The second half saw Matamata exert a greater degree of the control on the match. With the defence far less troubled with the sun at their backs, it was once again left to Watson to create the forward impetus. He cut in from the left and weaved his way through the Tauranga side before rounding the keeper and calmly slotting the go ahead goal.
It wasn't long before Matamata created another chance. On this occasion it was Andrew Clothier with the opportunity but he could only watch as his one touch shot from range was palmed, with a sizeable amount of good fortune for the hosts, onto the crossbar.
With only a 1 goal advantage there are always a few nerves, and Tauranga always looked a chance in the air. But any doubt in the result was settled 10 minutes before the end. A long ball knocked through by Adam Roach at the back found substitute Adrian Naicker in acres of space. He too proved clinical in front of goal and the Swifts had a 3-1 advantage which survived even a late scare as Tauranga also hit the crossbar.
Finishing proved to be the difference on the day, with Matamata far more efficient in front of goal. The victory sees the Swifts leapfrog Tauranga on the table. Player of the day went to Ben Watson with Scott Parsonage a notable mention.
In the early match of the day, the Peter Vossen Builders reserves played out a 6 goal thriller in a match that had everything. Rob Cox was first on the scoresheet for the Swifts as he found himself left alone 6 yards out from goal. He made no mistake though he did take the time to look around and wonder how the defence had missed him.
Tauranga fought back and equalised before the half as a strike from range found its way into the back of the net. And 1 nearly became 2 for the hosts as they were only denied by a Josh Oed header off the line. And Oed soon found himself in action at the other end of the park. Following on a seemingly harmless ball, he was suddenly presented with an opportunity as the keeper dropped it at his feet. He was dragged down by the goalie but regained his balance to slot the ball into the net, only to find the referee awarding a penalty. Fortunately no damage was done as Joe Gifford found the net from the spot, and Matamata took a 2-1 lead into the break.
Tauranga came out better in the second half and soon found the equaliser as they broke down the right. And it wasn't long before they had the lead as well, this time from the spot after a strong drive struck one of the Swifts on the arm. The Swifts were reeling at 3-2 down, but the excitement wasn't finished yet, and once again it came from the referee's whistle. As the Swifts broke forward the Tauranga defender and keeper collided with the Swift's striker and once again a penalty was the result. The Tauranga keeper came off the worse for wear and was subbed off, but it was the red card to the defender which came as a greater surprise. Once again, Gifford made no mistake from the spot.
Playing with 10 men, the hosts still looked the more likely to find the winner. And they were gifted a golden opportunity to do so as the referee figured, he'd given 3, why not 4? But on this occasion, the penalty could only find the woodwork and the Swifts held on for a 3-3 draw. Player of the day went to Josh Oed.
The Challenge Swifts Ladies side travelled to Ngaruawahia this weekend. Facing the same side in 2 weeks after a heavy defeat last Sunday seemed to affect the attitude in the first half and the game was over well before half time. It was a disappointing half and would have been an unfortunate way to lead into the bye next weekend. Fortunately it was a huge improvement in the second half, and Sarah Coppard found the net as she charged down a clearance straight into the Ngaruawahia net.
In the only home at match this weekend, the Swifts U15's beat Mercury Bay 5-0. A Kyle Fannin goal had Matamata ahead after a first half of missed opportunities for the side, but they stepped it up with a productive second half effort. The goals were spread around as Trent Davis, Rueben Wiggelsworth, Leandro Garcia-Bentley and Logan Raynel all found the bag of the net.
Both mens teams are at home this weekend, and both face the top sides in their divisions, The Fed 2 side take on Tauranga Boys College (12.30) while the Fed 1 side face Ngongotaha (2.45).
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