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Matamata Swifts got their top eight campaign going, at the third time of asking, with a solid win in Hamilton against their bogey team, Claudelands Rovers.
The storm ravaged Waikato has conspired to keep the Swifts off the field for the best part of a month, but the side began this match like they hadn't had a break and despite making three changes since their outing. Youngster, Gareth Clark, came in on the left of midfield for the absent Carlos  Rodriguez. Andrew Tayor resumed his customary position at right-back after missing the previous match through injury. And Jason Collins, a man for any occasion, stepped in at centre-back for the suspended Ged Parkinson.
In soggy conditions the Swifts began by playing some good football. The team created their first opening within seconds and carved out a number of excellent first half opportunities. Andre Freitas was denied twice by some good goalkeeping while Leo Pardini saw his shot stop in the mud right on the goal line. Captain, Andy Birchenough, rifled a drive just wide of the scrambling Rovers keeper and his upright.
Daniel Frischknect and Gareth Clark showed some good touches out wide while the experienced duo of Andy Birchenough and Alberto Romero purred like a Rolls Royce engine in the middle of the park.
Rovers ensured the Swifts knew they were in a contest when they forced a couple of corners right on half time. Both led to narrow escapes for Matamata
The weight of possession finally told just after the break. Redoubt man of the match, Andre Freitas, rose to head a Birchenough corner in off the underside of the cross bar. It was a well deserved goal for the hard working Matamata striker.
It took until the 75th minute for the Swifts to double their lead. A classic counter attack saw pacy winger Frischknect played in on goal and the youngster made no mistake with a ruthless finish. The Rovers keeper had already done well to hold a stinging Leo Pardini drive and push another Birchenough scud just wide.
The home side had their moments during the second half but Swifts keeper, Gary Darkes, proved too good. Darkes pulled off a couple of excellent saves to frustrate the battling Rovers side, showing great courage to dive at the feet of the striker's feet in such a sloppy goal box. With less than five minutes to go, however, Darkes was left exposed by an under hit back pass and one of the Rovers strikers made no mistake from close range.
Matamata sucked up the pressure for the next few minutes then rolled the ball up to Freitas who knocked the ball square to Alberto Romero to neatly finish from close range, securing the points and wrapping up the victory.
The Swifts are on the road again next Saturday when they travel to Whakatane, one of only two sides to defeat them in the league this season.
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