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A crisp Tim Miller strike on the half hour mark was enough to give Peter Vossen Builders Matamata Swifts victory on Saturday against another of the top four teams. The only thing close about this game was the score line as the Swifts played well in tricky conditions against a physical United side.
Matamata opted to change things at the back for this game, going in with a back three and pushing more men forward. Mark Abbs, back in the side after a week off, was at the centre of much of the  early good work and twice went close to opening the scoring. His first chance came on the turn and went just wide, while a driving run and shot had the United keeper at full stretch to keep the ball out.
Miller’s goal came at the right time for Matamata. It was composed left footed finish from ten yards and came on the back of a sublime piece of skill down the right by Alberto Romero. The Uruguayan’s inch perfect cross allowed Miller the opportunity to pick his spot.
The Swifts should have at least doubled their lead during the second half. From the best opening Mike Spencer saw his close range effort superbly blocked, while Miller was unlucky not to double his tally.
The slicked up surface made things a little difficult for both sides. With the Rotorua players steaming into the challenges, the Swifts were made to earn their win. United were able prise out a couple of half chances but they were put wide. Apart from that the Swifts back three of Grant Cooper, Ged Parkinson and Duncan Lowry did a good job against United's strong, mobile front three.
Tom Pamment secured his eighth clean sheet of the season without having to make a save of any note, while in front of him the Swifts midfield was dominant. In the end, that was the main difference between the two sides. The wide men were busy while Miller and Romero up front were as creative as the could be in such slippery conditions.
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