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Matamata Swifts have been held to a 1-1 draw away from home by a sturdy Ngaruawahia United side. This was the sort of game the Swifts would have been expected to win, but was also a classic banana-skin match, so a point is a handy, if not ideal, pay-off for an afternoon’s work.
The Swifts were caught with their heads still in the dressing room when the home side scored a screamer inside the opening five minutes. Matamata spent the rest of the first half huffing away and only created a couple of clear cut openings to Andy Birchenough and Mark Abbs. Both were well  saved by Ngaruawahia’s goalie. The home side looked good on the counter, creating three or four very good chances.
It took until the 54th minute for the Swifts to draw level through Mark Knell. Leading scorer Knell was played in by a defence splitting pass and calmly rolled the ball inside the near post for his fifth goal of the season.
Matamata couldn't quite grab a winner, which was due in part to some poor finishing and in part to a strong performance by Ngaruawahia. Mike Spencer could have had a hat trick, but popped two close range headers over the crossbar and had a stinging drive well saved. Alberto Romero slung a volley just wide and Ismail Awad looped the ball just over from distance.
The Swifts were guilty of serial over-indulgence in and around the box in this game. More pragmatism was required on such a bumpy surface. In these conditions, and against this type of opponent, a couple of good old fashioned welly's from distance were needed, rather than all the extra touches.
Jack McKenna was again superb at the back for Matamata and Jon Allen was strong in the middle of the park. Spencer's industry was unlucky not to be rewarded with at least a goal, while Mark Abbs and Alberto Romero showed some great touches.
This brings to an end four consecutive games on the road for Matamata. They are back at the Domain this weekend when they host Otumoetai, with kick-off at the normal time of 2.45pm.
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Above Tom Pamment comfortably snaffles a shot.