In a match that underlines the glorious uncertainty of football, Matamata Swifts have been held to an unlikely 1-1 home draw against Te Awamutu. It was a game of contrasting styles - the Swifts played all the football while the visitors ran themselves into the ground in search of a result.

Te Awamutu started well and grabbed the lead inside fifteen minutes, from their only shot of the game. Jordan Ball nipped in between two Swifts defenders and an advancing Tom Pamment to lift the ball into the net. The visitors then proceeded to defend like bandits for the remainder of the match. This was a risky ploy but it managed to secure what they came looking for.

Mark Knell restored parity ten minutes before the break, with a cool finish after being put clean through by a superb piece of football, but a rampant Swifts side couldn't score again. Despite having more than thirty shots on target, hitting the woodwork twice and having another goal mysteriously ruled out for who knows what, Matamata were unable to nab the crucial flood-gate-opening second goal.

Passion, desperation and, at times, good old fashioned luck, served Te Awamutu well and got them through to the final whistle. Matamata can’t be disappointed with their performance as it was streets ahead of their opponents. They just need to find a ruthless streak to put games like this away. It was a frustrating afternoon but, as the saying goes: “If the best team always won, it would be rugby.” And we don't want that because it would make our sport rigidly boring.

The Swifts will have seen this as two points lost, but Te Awamutu deserve their moment in the spotlight. With the other two title contenders, Taupo and Whakatane, also being held to draws, however, the damage was minimal and we all live to fight again another day.

The Swifts hit the road again this Saturday and this week it's the big one - Taupo in Taupo. This will be a massive match for both sides and one which will go a long way towards shaping the final standings in this year’s Federation League.

Above 'Woah! A ball!'


Above Grant Cooper wins another header.


Above 'Hey. Guys. I'm over here...'


Above Tim Miller nods it past two desperate defenders.


Above 'Whoa! Not so loud Dave.'


Above Tim Miller holds it up in midfield.


Above Miller springs high at a corner.


Above The Chief flicks it on. He's been getting into his flicks, just recently...

Above Mark Abbs holds the ball up.


Above Ismail Awad rushes to beat the covering defence.


Above A second half corner...


Above ...and another one...


Above ...and another one.

Photos: Dwayne Barlow