Metso Matamata Swifts began preparations for their Federation League campaign with a solid workout against Ngaruawahia United. Despite a late kick-off the match was played in hot conditions and on a hard surface. This meant survival, as much as football, was on the menu.

The Swifts opened the scoring early on when a cross from Andrew Jordan, in his first match for Matamata, was deflected into the Narra net by one of the home team's defenders. The match was back level after 25 minutes, before Ngaruawahia took the lead from a corner 20 minutes after the break.

It was then the Swifts turn to even the scores up after captain, Andy Birchenough, stroked home a penalty with a little over ten minutes left. The home side had the final say when a mix-up at the back by Matamata presented them with a simple chance.

The match was a typical first up pre-season hit out with some good play and much rustiness on show. It was obvious neither side was at full strength and had not been in training for long. As expected, Ngaruawahia had longer spells of control, particularly near the end of the match.

Matamata as player/coach, Duncan Lowry, was able to field four new faces in his line-up, including three teenagers. Ethan Wellington, Dima Slack, Andrew Taylor and Andrew Jordan all did well in their first outing in the black and white. The Swifts did have their moments and showed signs that, once the new faces settle in, they will be a good side.