Match Report

Matamata Swifts pre-season stepped up a gear during this local derby match against near neighbours, and 2004 Waikato Division B runners-up, Morrinsville. The match was a good opportunity to give most of the Swifts squad game time, with an experimental first XI line-up (including a couple of trialists) taking the field for the first 45 minutes. This was then followed by two further 25 minute periods. The Swifts began slowly and even found themselves behind within the first 15 minutes. A Morrinsville free kick was pumped in from deep and the ball, allowed to bounce in the Swifts box, found its way to the feet of a Morrinsville striker who smashed the ball home from close range. The goal was just the wake-up call Matamata needed. The Swifts soon began playing and before long had put the game out of reach of the visitors. A goalkeeping error let trialist Harrie in to score his first goal for the Swifts and it couldn't have been easier as he nodded the ball into an empty net from a yard out. Harrie soon had his second of the day, rolling the ball home from ten yards. Harrie then took a breather (but he was to return later to complete his hat trick) and the Swifts second trialist, John Massey took over. With Andy Birchenough and Alberto Romero pulling all the strings in midfield, Massey was able to get further forward, and it was from one of these raids that he opened his account. On one of the rare occasions the Swifts adopted the route one approach Massey, the smallest man on the pitch, was able to nip in and poke the ball past the stranded Morrinsville goalie. Massey's second came soon after, although it's debatable as to weather it should have been credited to the Morrinsville centre back. Massey's cross from wide on the right cannoned into the defender's knee and flew into the net from close range. Andre Bos, on for Harrie, didn't take long to get on the score sheet. Bos, better known for scoring net breaking goals from distance, displayed a touch of class as he looped the ball home from the edge of the box. With the result secured so early, the Swifts coaching team was able to give the remainder of their squad plenty of game time. A raft of half time substitutions saw the Swifts take on a distinct South American feel. At one stage all six Uruguayan members of the squad were on the field - there were more than a few ole's! With the rolling subs rule in force, Harrie was able to get back into the action and, as mentioned earlier, complete his hat trick. He burst into space down the right and, with Adam Graham drawing the remaining defender away, zeroed in on goal. His well placed shot beat the Morrinsville goalie on the near post. The visitors had earlier scored their second goal of the game with an angled drive that gave Swifts goalie, Justin Read, little chance. The final 25 minute period also saw the honours shared with a goal being scored by each side. Adam Graham finally got himself on the score sheet for the Swifts with a crisp strike from the edge of the box, but in truth he should really have had a hat trick. With plenty of other chances going begging Matamata could, and really should, have gone well into double figures. It's a little concerning that they didn't, but as it's still early days, and with the squad containing so many new faces, the Swifts coaching staff won't be losing too much sleep over it just yet. This was a worthwhile hit out for the Swifts. With first choice goalie, Gary Darkes, due back in action next weekend, and players such as Bevan Shelley, Rodrigo Navarro and Jason Collins expected back following injury and other commitments in the near future, the Swifts squad is taking on a distictly solid look. The Matamata Domain should be an exciting place to be during the 2005 season.

Match pics

Above Scott Parsonage tangles with a couple of Morrinsville defenders. Above Swifts player/coach, Duncan Lowry, gets airborne. Above Julio Medina drives through the heart of the Morrinsville defence. Above The lads take a breather during half time. From left: Gabriel Valarino (15), Scott Parsonage (seated), Duncan Lowry, Marcelo Marquez, Andy Birchenough, Julio Medina, Dai Lowry, Adam Graham (partly obscured), Andre Bos, Justin Read and a young fan. (Pictures by Joseph Dew)

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