An excellent first half performance secured three more points, and along with them another clean sheet, as the Swifts battled Claudelands in a Sunday afternoon fixture.

This rescheduled match, played in glorious, sub-tropical, Matamata conditions was a vital fixture for Matamata in their lead-up to the end of season Caper Cup competition. It was important for the side to lift its performance levels against a good side after two decidedly average efforts over the last fortnight.

Strangely, the match took almost the opposite shape to most of the Swifts earlier matches this season. So often Matamata has been the slowest of starters, unwittingly keeping their opponents in the match during the first half before burying them after the break. This time the result of the match was history well before the referee blew his half time whistle.

In front of a good crowd, Matamata's fluent, flowing, at times mesmerising, method of play was on show for all to see. The first goal, Scott Parsonage's 13th of the season, wasn't long in coming. He beat the flat Claudelands back four before expertly sliding the ball past a stranded keeper.

That goal settled the nerves but there was more to come.

The Swifts doubled their lead penalty spot after Adam Graham was upended in the box. Ged Parkinson side footed the ball home to maintain his 100% record from the spot. Soon after Matamata grabbed further insurance as they stretched their lead to 3-0. The front three of Adam Graham, Scott Parsonage and John Massey combined to present Massey with an easy chance from close range. The little man doesn't miss such opportunities.

Claudelands lifted their game after the break and made the game a more even contest. Both sides huffed and puffed, but never really looked like adding to the goal talley. The Swifts had a couple of half chances to add to their lead, while their opponents had one good headed opportunity to grab a consolation near the end. Thankfully Matamata goalie, Gary Darkes, was alert enough to get down low and keep the ball out.

The Swifts will take a number of positives out of this match, particularly with the big matches coming up in mind. Mercurial midfielder, Alberto Romero, displayed his full range of skills, while player/coach, Duncan Lowry, started his first game since early July when he had jaw broken.

The squad is now back to full strength, with up to 18 players competing for the 16 available spots in the match day squad. This is just the situation Lowry wanted to find himself in at the business end of the season.