Matamata Swifts began their assault on the 2008 WBOPF Federation League title by storming Huntly Thistle and pillaging three well deserved points.

With the home side barely registering a shot on goal, this game was all about how many goals Matamata would score. The scratchy surface and a strong rearguard effort ensured the winning margin didn't blow out too much on Huntly, although the Swifts were more than happy to trundle away with a result like this in the bag.

Matamata went ahead midway through the first half when Scott Parsonage, ranging forward from left back, picked his spot from 20 yards and tucked a sweetly struck right footed shot just inside the upright. The Swifts had already fired a few warning shots, with Andrew Taylor, getting forward from right back, going closest of the early chances.

A patient Swifts side added two more goals after the break. Flavio Santis drilled the ball home following some fine lead up work from his side. A clearly on-side Alberto Romero was put through by a sweeping cross field pass, brought the ball down and back-healed it to Santis who sealed the deal.

Leo Pardini made the victory safe with a cool finish after being put through one-on-one with the keeper. Pardini had earlier hit the upright and the goal was good reward for a solid debut performance in Swifts colours.

The two full backs for Matamata, Andrew Taylor and Scott Parsonage, made the most of the space they were given out wide, while veterans, Andy Birchenough, in midfield, and Ged Parkinson, at the back, held things firm through the middle. Second half substitute, Michael Spencer, did an excellent job after coming on. He regularly out jumped the taller Huntly defenders and went agonisingly close to notching his first goal for the first team.

This was a good performance from an improving Matamata Swifts side, who return home next Saturday to play Ngongotaha in their first league match of the season at the Matamata Domain.