|
Matamata Swifts have fallen at the first hurdle in the 2008 edition of the Chatham Cup. A below par performance led to a disappointing result.
Matamata was awful during the first 25 minutes. The switch to an unfamiliar 4-3-3 formation, coupled with a generally listless attitude, allowed Waiuku to start the stronger of the two sides. While the visitors didn't create anything of note they still went ahead during this period. Under pressure at the back Ged Parkinson placed a perfectly weighted clearance over a stranded Gary Darkes and just under the cross bar.
 The Swifts got back into the game in the lead-up to half time. Andre Freitas had an excellent header well saved before the Swifts were denied what appeared to be a perfectly good goal. Daniel Frischknecht nudged a cross home from close range, having made a run from deep to get in behind the Waiuku defence, then looked up to see the flag raised for off-side. This was the first of two decisions from this linesman that had a major impact on the match.
It only took a couple of minutes after the break for the Swifts to get back on level terms. Andre Freitas was played in by a wonderful Andy Birchenough pass. Freitas dragged a couple of defenders with him into the box before knocking the ball square to an unmarked Leo Pardini who drove the ball into an empty net. This was a rare moment of footballing excellence on an otherwise fiesty afternoon.
The Swifts dominated for the next twenty minutes but couldn't quite manage to fashion an opening, even though Scott Parsonage looked to have been fouled twice, the second time in the box, in the same movement. Andy Birchenough and Carlos Rodriguez both had good shots from distance.
Five minutes midway through the second half decided the match. First, Waiuku went ahead after a dubiously awarded spot kick. Duncan Lowry scrambled the ball out for a corner which referee, Wayne Bacica, was in the process of awarding before he saw the flag raised more than 60 metres away on the far side of the field. After a lengthy consultation the penalty, disappointingly, was awarded. Rather than go with his initial, correct, decision Bacica, who was right on top of the incident, allowed himself to be influenced by someone who could not have had a clear view of the tackle.
Moments later both sides were reduced to ten players. Alberto Romero appeared to be elbowed in the face. His retaliation led to him being sent off, along with his assailant.
The last twenty minutes went as expected. Waiuku battened down the hatches in an attempt to secure their hard won lead, while the Swifts threw everything at their gallant opponents. Matamata's best chance at an equaliser came late but substitute, Jason Collins, fired the ball agonisingly wide.
Redoubt man of the match, Andrew Taylor, looked good again at right back while Leo Pardini's good recent form continued and he was rewarded with the goal.
Apart from the one, result altering, decision referee, Wayne Bacica, turned in a good performance. He related well with the players and had the courage to discuss his decision making with the Swifts coaching staff after the game. This was greatly appreciated and respected.
Respect also to the visiting Waiuku side. Their players, staff and spectators were a credit to their club. Well done and we wish you well in the next round of the cup.
|
