In a disjointed season the reserves had a game this week against the league leaders.

The omens didn't look good with a couple of heavy losses behind them and having the minimum eleven to start. Mark Darkes was again called on to stand between the posts as the first-choice keeper was a no show.

However, out of adversity and all that... the people that were on the pitch played with an intensity that has been lacking in other games. They started with a back three but after conceding a well worked goal that the keeper did well to get a hand to but couldn't keep out, Joel Chamberlain dropped back to help out.

The team responded in the best fashion with an instant reply by David Hyslop. The game was made a lot tougher on the half hour with Hyslop being sent off for a retaliatory punch. This seemed to galvanise the team but they did concede another goal before the half time.

Unicol tried to make the most of their extra man at the beginning of the second half but some resolute defending kept them at bay. Their light weight forwards attempted to take a physical approach, which was relished by the reserves' centre back and keeper. The midfield worked hard, Rob Cox ran himself into the ground before his knee called time. Adrian Phillips, Jono Monteith and Joel Chamberlain all worked for each other.

The reserves' cause was helped by a Unicol player being sent off for some verbals. Shortly after Matamata was awarded a penalty after Jamie Cox was dragged down in the box. He stepped up and cooly slotted it.

Matamata finished the stronger and could have snatched the victory on fulltime with a free kick just outside Unicol's penalty area. Unfortunately the captain bent it like Challis rather than Beckham. This was the last kick of the game and the reserves trudged off exhausted but happy with the point.