The Matamata Swifts took another step towards securing the Waikato Premier League title after battling through a physical encounter in Tokoroa on Saturday.

The game was brutal from the opening kick-off which disturbed the Swifts usual skilled passing game. In the 15th minute of the game Swifts player-coach Duncan Lowry's season was ended when a Tokoroa player charged into a tackle, hitting Lowry late, leaving the Swifts midfielder with a broken jaw and Tokoroa to play out the final 75 minutes with 10 men.

The Swifts then lost star midfielder Alberto Romero to injury causing the Swifts to reshuffle to fill the gaps in the midfield caused by the injuries.

The deadlock was finally broken after 30 mintues when a searching Colin Taylor cross and pressure from striker Adam Graham forced a msitake from the defence which Graham pounced on and finished off clinically.

It was not long till Graham was again testing the defence. Running onto a John Massey pass Graham was through on goal, a covering defenders desperate tackle only managing to put the ball into his own net.

The second half saw the Swifts looking more composed and determined, a dangerous sign for any opposition. The lead was increased to three when Adam Graham finished off a wonderful series of passes involving Juan Carlos Rodriguez putting Scott Parsonage into space, who then layed off to Graham who made no mistake from close range.

Matamata was enjoying a lot of possession and were creating chances but were unable to capitalise and really put away Tokoroa.

Finally the Swifts were able to add another. Jason Collins using all his guile and speed broke free of the Tokoroa defenders before passing to Scott Parsonage who lifted the ball over the advancing keeper.

The Swifts battled and searched for more goals, and continued to squander their chances. To Tokoroa's credit they never gave up and kept testing the Swifts defence, who were as always equal to the task.

Credit must also go to Swifts midfielders Captain Andy Birchenough, John Massey and man of the match Juan Carlos Rodriguez for stepping up after the injuries.