Metso Matamata Swifts have been defeated in a game where the referee, along with the weather, were the main features. Both sides were average, due largely to the small pitch, slippery surface and continual stop-start nature of the game.

The first half was scoreless, but Matamata should have been ahead on the half hour mark from the only real chance created by either side during the first 45 minutes. Carlos Rodriguez drove a shot in from thirty yards which the Claudelands keeper spilled into the path of Jason Collins, who lifted his shot over the open goal.

Claudelands didn't have a shot on target in the first half, relying on long range efforts. As things would turn out, however, this tactic would bear fruit later in the game.

Matamata went ahead ten minutes into the second half when Collins headed home an Andrew Taylor cross. The goal appeared to settle the jitters and the Swifts went into cruise control, happy to settle for the lead they had.

Claudelands got back on level terms with a spectacular goal that really came out of nothing. One of their players drove a speculator in from thirty five yards and the ball skipped over the slippery surface, catching the Swifts defence and keeper, Gary Darkes, out completely. This gave the home side a sniff.

With ten minutes left on the clock Claudelands scored the most controversial of winning goals. A through ball was cleared by Darkes five yards outside his box. After kicking the ball, Darkes was felled by an advancing striker and left prone on the ground. It wasn't a cynical challenge, just one of those fouls that happen in such slippery conditions. The linesman flagged for the foul but the ref, still in the other half of the field and in stunned mullet mode, ignored his assistant. From the ensuing passage of play, Claudelands lobbed the ball into the empty net. Darkes had been on the ground for more than thirty seconds.

It was a disappointing way to lose a game but kind of summed up the day. The referee spoiled the game for both sides, but we're obviously a little more disappointed with him than Claudelands. Such things are designed to test us, of course, but the players from both teams really did deserve better.

Matamata missed the creative influence of Alberto Romero. The game was screaming out for someone who could put his foot on the ball and do something different.

Well done to Russ and his squad, though, for a good result and a performance full of heart. They have threatened a result like this for several weeks and, while it came on the back of an horrendous decision, it was certainly well deserved.

Other results largely went Matamata's way, so the Swifts remain in second place ahead of their third consecutive away trip next Saturday. This is one to look forward to as Matamata takes on Rotorua United at the Rotorua International Stadium.

Sorry there are no match photos yet. They will be available in a couple of days.