Matamata Swifts have surged right back into title contention following a dominating 3-0 victory over Hamilton Wanderers. While the Swifts missed a glut of chances, and with it the opportunity to really pad out their goal difference, it was a solid and important victory ahead of the upcoming run of three consecutive home games.

The Swifts had the sun and the wind in their face during the first half and were good enough to tough it out and secure a one goal lead at the break. On the half hour mark, Duncan Lowry wrapped his head around an Andy Birchenough corner to skid the ball inside the far post. Matamata should have been at least a couple more goals ahead. Mark Knell had a close range shot well smothered by the Wanderers keeper, Tim Miller had a shot cleared off the line and several further pieces of desperate defending snuffed out scoring opportunities.

During the second half it was really a case of how many the Swifts would score. Midfielder, Jon Allen, stepped up to score a couple of goals that any striker would be proud of. For his first, midway through the half, he tucked a Mark Knell cross in off the far post then, with time almost up, he won the ball 30 metres out, skipped past two defenders on his way into the box, then lifted the ball over the advancing keeper.

Ismail Awad came off the bench early in the second half to spark the Swifts into life. One superb piece of skill won Matamata a penalty which, unfortunately, went unconverted. Tim Miller must be the unluckiest striker in league at the moment as he had a couple of shots superbly saved by the Wanderers keeper, as well as a long range drive headed off the line.

The Swifts back four were all good once more with Jack McKenna, in particular, a seventeen year old tower of strength in the middle. Matamata keeper, Tom Pamment, was only threatened by the occasional late challenge. Jon Allen in midfield and Grant Cooper, playing in an unfamiliar position wide on the left, performed well. Cooper was twice denied from opening his goal scoring account for Matamata.

With leaders Taupo suffering a shock home loss to Whakatane, it means Matamata are now level on points with those two teams at the top of the table with more than half the season still left to play. The Swifts play Tauranga at the Domain this Saturday and the sparks promise to fly. Kick-off is at 2.45pm.

Above Jon Allen, the Swifts' two goal hero.


Above Mark Knell has an early chance well saved.


Above Mike Spencer has an air swing.


Above Tim Miller knocks it forward, with the cavalry in support.


AboveTom Pamment secured another well deserved clean sheet.


Above Duncan Lowry has a zen moment with the ball.


Above Grant Cooper admires a well knocked free kick.

Above Ismail Awad shaves the cross bar.


Above Mark Knell is about to have his penalty well saved.


Above Duncan Lowry gets up for a corner.


Above It takes two to tango.


Above It's a free for all at the far post.


Photos: Dwayne Barlow