|
Peter Vossen Builders Matamata Swifts began life in the Northern Regional Football League (NRFL) with a visit to Auckland to play one of the league favourites and came away with a credible performance, if not the result they would have liked.
Almost six months to the day after the Swifts secured the Waikato Bay of Plenty Federation League title they found themselves at the barren wasteland of Mangere Centre Park for a torrid welcome to  the NRFL. Mangere provided Matamata with a strong and skilful, if slightly theatrical, introduction to the big league. The home side knocked the ball around as well as anyone could expect on such a poor surface and the Swifts matched them tackle for tackle and pass for pass.
The first half was a tight arm wrestle with both sides creating several half chances. Andy Birchenough twice went close for Matamata, while Jon Allen saw a close range shot saved by the keeper’s face. Mangere’s shots from distance rarely threatened Tom Pamment’s goal.
The hosts were allowed the best possible chance to open the scoring in the second half when they were awarded what appeared to be an exceedingly harsh penalty. Willie Mason looked to have executed a perfectly timed tackle on the blind side of the Mangere attacker and was mystified when the whistle went. The hosts dispatched the freebie with aplomb.
The second half was more stretched than the first but the surface made it difficult for either of these two good footballing sides to put on the sort of show they could have in better conditions.
Mangere doubled their lead with five minutes to go when Matamata failed to fully clear their lines. It was a good finish which, ultimately, wrapped up the points, but not before some even later drama. Two of the Swifts substitutes combined to score Matamata’s first NRFL goal. Mike Beard received a through ball and played it into the path of Simon Arthur who placed his shot into the roof of the net from six metres.
The two centre-backs, Bevan Woltersdorf and Willie Mason, were strong on debut for Matamata, while youngster, Andrew Cooper, showed glimpses of his promise. Beard and Arthur provided added urgency off the bench.
While not getting off to the ideal start to the season, the Swifts can be secure in the knowledge that they matched one of the best teams in the league at one of the most difficult venues to visit. Matamata hosts Papakura City at the Domain this Saturday. Kick-off is 2.45pm.
|
