The tension that comes with being at the top of the league can sometimes do funny things to good sides. Only moments after the Swifts had trudged off Fergusson Park, unsatisfied by their performance but grateful for the victory and the three points, they were greeted by the news that their two rivals in the hunt for the championship had both lost. Both Taupo and Whakatane blinked, faltered and fell to unexpected defeats as the title chase took an amazing new twist on this strange August afternoon.

This part of the season is all about getting results. It doesn't matter how good or bad your football is. It doesn't matter how many or how few goals you can rattle away. The only thing that counts is whether you can win or if you lose.

On this afternoon the Swifts got the early goal they deserved and that was enough to keep a frustrating game from becoming an agonising afternoon. A superb counter attack that started from Scott Parsonage at left back, flowed through Andre Freitas and was finished off expertly by Daniel Frischknecht brought some light to a dull Swifts performance.

After that it was a case of Matamata doing their best to make their opponents look good. This was, of course, unintentional but that didn't make things any easier for the Swifts coaching staff. Chance after chance after chance went begging. Andre Freitas should have had a hat trick but suffered from a couple of monumental bobbles at key moments. Ged Parkinson had a penalty saved, although he did have to scoop the ball out of a cymbal-sized crater that passed for the penalty spot. Leo Pardini saw an excellent volley go just wide while substitute, Leo Regalado, had a shot cleared off the line.

The Swifts defence weren't at their solid best, but they didn't need to be. The home side had a number of corners, particularly during the first half, but they barely mustered up a shot during the entire game. A couple of long range efforts were about the only things of note.

But you know what? After hearing the Taupo and Whakatane results none of that mattered. The Swifts won and know that a victory at home this Saturday against Taupo will secure the club's first Waikato Bay of Plenty League title.

That's exciting, but it also promises tension ramped up to the max. Taupo will not give away their title easily. Expect another twist or two before this season is over.

Kick-off is scheduled for 2.45pm. It will be the biggest game in town. You should be there.

Above Jason Collins lines up a clearance that looks destined for the Mount.


Above Gary Darkes comes out to powerfully clear from a corner.


Above Scott Parsonage weaves some more magic with that mercurial left foot of his.


Above Alberto Romero doesn't even need to be touching the ball to send his opponent the wrong way.


Above Leo Pardini gets tracked by Peter Crouch.

Above No sign of Crouchy this time.


Above Alberto Romero runs interference for Andy Birchenough.

(Photos by: Jean Barlow)