The Swifts final pre-season match, a gut-busting 120 minute encounter against traditional rivals, Te Awamutu, finished with the honours relatively even on both the scoreboard and the field of play. Matamata generally held the upper hand, particularly during the first two 40 minute periods, but were inexplicably unable to find the goals required to win the match.

Matamata began stringing passes together right from the first whistle. They moved the ball in all directions with the sort of control that has come to be expected from the side. A couple of half chances were created against a resilient Te Awamutu defence, before the first real opening of the game fell to the visitors. An underhit Swifts pass in the defensive third was pounced on by the Te Awamutu midfield. An opening was created for their speedster up front, who rounded Swifts goalie, Gary Darkes, but blasted his shot into the side netting.

That was about it from the visitors until the third period, while Matamata seemed to get stronger and stronger. The Swifts had a couple of good chances to go ahead before the first break, with Scott Parsonage, in particular, very unlucky not to open his account for the season. A fine Alberto Romero pass out of midfield fell for Parsonage, who scooted in from the left and blasted a low shot aimed just inside the post. Te Awamutu's 'keeper did well to save it with his shins.

During the second period the Swifts upped the pressure. Adam Graham was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, lifting a shot past the advancing TA goalie from the edge of the box. The ball bounced, rolled then dribbled against the post before being cleared by the TA defence. Scott Parsonage was denied again as his close range shot was beaten out by a fine reflex save.

When the Swifts finally got around to scoring they produced a goal that was well worth waiting for. Another string of passes found Duncan Lowry in the box who rolled the ball square to fellow midfielder, Alberto Romero. Romero waited for the 'keeper to commit himself before tucking the ball inside the far post.

The visitors were more of a threat during the final third of the match. They sent one screamer just wide before equalising midway through the period. Matamata, having changed to a 4-4-2 formation and lost the influential Romero through injury, weren't quite as fluid as they had been previously. Having said that, they still should have been given the opportunity to wrap the game up when substitute, Jason Collins, appeared to be hauled down in the box. Surprisingly, no call was forthcoming from any of the officials.

This was an excellent final hit-out for the Swifts against a side that will do well in the Force Three Federation league. The low ratio of goals scored from chances created is still a concern, but that will only come with time and confidence.