The day dawned bright and clear for the Stanley Group Matamata Swifts Federation 1 side's longest road trip of the year as they, accompanied by a busload of supporters, travelled to Taupo to meet a traditional rival and perennial title challengers. In a quirk of the draw, this was the first meeting this year between the 2 sides and Matamata were unsure what to expect as Taupo entered the game still not completely clear from relegation and with a record which suggested goals would be difficult to come by at both ends of the park.

The match, however, suggested anything but. The visitors started the better as they looked to break down a defence which has conceded just 18 goals this year. Chances came early and often, and it wasn't long before they found themselves ahead. Unlike last week, this time there was no surprise in the goal scorer. Runaway leader in the golden boot stakes, Ben Watson, collected the ball and made his favoured run, cutting across the defence to find space on the right. Breaking clear in the box with only the keeper to beat, Watson duly slotted the ball into the side of the goal to give the Swifts the lead.

Matamata continued to dominate and were quickly pressing forward in search of a second. The Taupo defence was stretched to the limits as Andrew Clothier and Adam Roach both had shots saved while Bradley West was wreaking havoc down the right. Memories of games earlier in the season began to surface, however, as the Swifts were unable to take advantage of their chances to extend the advantage.

As the half wore on, Taupo began to work their way back into the match and they were starting to create opportunities of their own. The low scoring nature of previous Taupo matches seemed forgotten as both sides looked likely in attack, and both defences were struggling to contain the opposition raids. The home side had the better of the closing stages of the half and were unlucky not to find an equaliser as one shot was tipped just wide while another was kicked clear.

Matamata were looking to start the second spell as they had the first, but it was instead the home team who had the better looks at goal. The Swifts were dropping deeper and deeper and nerves were creeping in to both the playing side and the contingent of travelling fans with Taupo heaping pressure on the visitors. And with 15 minutes remaining Taupo thought they had levelled. A ball dropped from a corner was lobbed goalward and the Swift's goalkeeper caught the ball heading back towards his own goalline. Taupo felt the ball may have crossed the line while in flight but the referees disagreed and the score remained 1-0.

Just as the Swifts began to feel that they might hold on, however, disaster struck. The Taupo striker, who had looked dangerous all game, broke free and into the box. The Matamata keeper game out to make the save, but could only manage to bring down the attacking player. The striker picked himself up to slot the penalty and level the scores.

With just a few minutes remaining, Matamata pressed forward in search of the match winner and they managed to create one final chance. A ball knocked in from a free kick was headed just over the crossbar and the final whistle followed soon after. It was a devastating way to drop points for the Swifts, though Taupo may have felt it just rewards for the pressure they had exerted in the second half. Man of the match went to the Matamata goalkeeper Jonathan Crook.

The bus trip back was an enjoyable affair as all involved shook off their disappointment. The Matamata Swifts club would like to say a big thank you to all their sponsors as, without their involvement, the survival and success of all the teams at the club would be impossible.

In the other match of the weekend, the Peter Vossen Builders Federation 2 side travelled to Te Awamutu where they went down 5-1. The Challenge Ladies side had the bye. The Swifts Under-15s defeated King Country 4-1 in Te Kuiti, with Kyle Fannin scoring twice, along with Lawrence Clothier and Leandro Garcia-Bentley.

Next week sees both men's teams back at home and welcoming Old Blues to the Domain (12.30 and 2.45) while the ladies travel to Cambridge on Sunday (11.00). Hope to see everyone down there!