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Peter Vossen Builders Matamata Swifts have secured an important home point in drawing 0-0 against a stronger than usual Hamilton Wanderers side. While a home draw against the second-bottom side may not look all that impressive, this was not the usual Wanderers Federation League side.
With the visitors battling to avoid relegation they loaded their side with Northern Premier League  players, such was their desperation for victory. That ensured the Wanderers side that visited Matamata was by far the strongest opposition to take to the Domain this season.
The first half was a generally even contest, with the visitors shading possession and corners, but creating only a couple of real chances. Mike Spencer looked dangerous down the left for Matamata, while Wanderers’ young striker did his reputation little good with a couple of not so clever dives in an attempt to win a penalty and a free kick.
The Swifts were relieved to have a penalty shout waved away
after the ball appeared to smash into the arm of one of the defenders. Matamata keeper, Tom Pamment, pulled off a great reflex save just before the break to keep the scores level going into half time.
Matamata lost Andrew Taylor and Alberto Romero to injury at half time. With the suspended Jon Allen also watching from the stands it meant the depth of the squad would be well and truly tested. On came Andrew Clothier and Neil Slater.
Wanderers started the second half on the front foot and forced a string of corners leading up to the hour mark. The Swifts defence dealt with these comfortably and strongly enough, then came back into the match. Sixteen year old Clothier used his pace and skill to carve out openings for Neil Slater and Tim Miller, then went close himself with a cross come shot.
The Swifts remained strong at the back with the back four of Grant Cooper, Ged Parkinson, Mark Knell and Duncan Lowry refusing to buckle. Pamment gobbled up every cross and shot that came his way and the Swifts midfield provided a solid screen that frustrated and foiled their much vaunted opponents. Mention must also be made of the performance of Mike Spencer who dragged himself around the field on basically one leg for most of the match.
The point means Matamata now need to win one of their remaining two games to secure the club's first Waikato Bay of Plenty Federation League title. They travel to bottom placed Tauranga this Saturday and will hope to complete the job there.
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