Matamata Swifts played Auckland-based University-Mt Wellington in an end of season friendly that turned out to be anything but that. The Swifts were keen to test themselves against one of the best sides in New Zealand, while the visitors paid them full respect by fielding a strong side and playing to win.

Expecting to be on the end of a hammering, the Swifts began well. They were led by experienced players such as captain, Andy Birchenough, player-coach, Duncan Lowry, and Uruguayan midfield maestro, Alberto Romero. The younger players also stepped up to the mark to show that, on their day, they can foot it in such an environment.

The visitors had much of the ball during the first half, but a disciplined Swifts side ensured that possession was mainly in the middle of the pitch rather than their defensive third. Matamata defended well from the series of corners Uni-Mt forced on them and only coughed up a couple of clear-cut, first half, opportunites to the team in red.

Uni-Mt went ahead from the penalty spot midway through the first period. The penalty decision appeared harsh, but you get that sometimes. Not long after the goal the Swifts had goalie, Gary Darkes, to thank for keeping them in the game. A Gordon Banks-like save to his right kept out an almost certain goal.

The Swifts created a couple of first half opportunities, to Scott Parsonage and Duncan Lowry, but were unable to take advantage of them.

The second half was an open affair as the visitors changed things around a bit and the Swifts pressed forward more looking for a goal.

Uni-Mt did stretch their lead to 2-0, courtesy of a well taken goal, but the Swifts managed to make them sweat a little near the end. Substitute, Luis Maldonado, netted his first goal for the side after being put through by his captain. His first shot was saved by the Uni-Mt goalie but he followed up to bundle the ball home.

It's not often a club like Matamata gets the opportunity to play against one of the biggest names in New Zealand football. In fact, the last time Matamata played Uni-Mt was when the club was still known as Mt Wellington. That match, the feature of the club's 50th anniversary celebrations in 1980, finished 9-1 to the visitors. As they say, 25 years is a long time in football.

Matamata hope to arrange another friendly for this coming weekend as they aim to keep sharp before their 75th Jubilee match on September 24 against Waikato FC.