Metso Matamata Swifts paddled to a comfortable enough victory over lowly Tauranga City United in a game that was moved to the small number 2 field at the Matamata Domain. The main field was unplayable as it was partially under water.

Alberto Romero opened the scoring on the quarter hour with a first time finish after excellent lead up work from Neil Slater and Andrew Jordan. Scott Parsonage doubled the lead soon after to give Matamata a comfortable half time lead, although Tauranga should have got one back just before the break. Ged Parkinson got back in cover defence to clear the ball off the line.

The rain intensified in the second half. Jason Collins expertly finished a Slater cross on the hour to move the Swifts further ahead and finish the game as a contest. Andy Birchenough had an excellent chance to add to the scoring but his drive from twelve yards rose over the bar. Gareth Clarke, a fifteen year old substitute, went close to scoring with his first touch from another Slater cross while Carlos Rodriguez was denied by a good save.

Tauranga could have snatched a consolation goal right on full time but Matamata keeper, Gary Darkes, pushed a long range Neil Slater back pass onto the bar.

This was a good result in less than ideal conditions. Matamata was in control for most of the contest, but was pushed hard by a Tauranga side that was reasonably well organised at the back and helped by the tight playing area.

Matamata is at home again next Saturday when they take on Huntly Thistle. This is a must win match for the team as they seek to erase a horror 1-0 loss to Hutly earlier in the season.

Sorry - no photos this week. It wasn't a day to have the camera out!