A goal in each half secured a fourth consecutive 2-0 victory for Matamata in a tough and, at times, feisty encounter at Gower Park, Hamilton. Unfortunately this wasn’t to be the footballing spectacle the exquisite playing surface deserved.

The Swifts, restored to something close to full strength, began slowly, a habit that has almost become a tradition this season.

They were almost caught out cold in the first couple of minutes as a static defence could only watch a Melville player punch a free header wide when it would have been easier to score. Seconds later Melville had another good opportunity but the old firm of Gary Darkes and Ged Parkinson mopped up the danger.

And that was really about it from Melville as an attacking force.

The Swifts grabbed hold of the match and forced their opponents to play deeper and deeper. With the pressure came goal scoring opportunities, but Matamata struggled, initially, to hit the target. The front three of Adam Graham, Scott Parsonage and John Massey were prolific in their shooting, but not so much in finishing off the job.

The breakthrough came close to the break, with John Massey putting Adam Graham through. Graham rounded the keeper and rolled the ball home, although he did need the aid of the upright.

Things didn’t change too much after half time. The traffic was positively one way, with the Swifts back three of Ged Parkinson, Juan Carlos Rodriguez and substitute Marcelo Marquez doing more in attack than defence.

At times, however, the Swifts’ play degenerated to near farcical as they attempted to walk the ball into the net rather than emphatically ram it home.

Thankfully the second, vital, goal came on the 70 minute mark. A superb Massey cross from wide on the right was met on the far post by Scott Parsonage’s forehead to make it 2-0.

After that both teams marked out time until the end of the match. A few handbags were thrown by players from both teams as frustrations mounted, but no real harm was done.

The Swifts are back at the Domain next weekend, but will play their match against Claudelands on Sunday.