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Peter Vossen Builders Matamata Swifts have been knocked out of the Chatham Cup following an exciting first round fixture at Anderson Park in Auckland. It was the second week in a row these two sides had met, following the Swifts’ vital league victory in Matamata last Saturday, and it was clear this time that the hosts were up for a fight and a small dose of revenge.
The first 45 minutes of this contest was an even affair, as evidenced by the 1-1 score line at half time. Mt Albert Ponsonby went ahead in the 17th minute after Matamata had started slightly the  stronger. The goal was a scorcher from distance, the ball swerving late and tucking itself just inside the upright.
With Stu Watene and Alberto Romero pulling the strings out wide Matamata always looked likely to grab an equaliser. It came at the perfect time, just three minutes before the break. Matamata’s leading scorer, Michael Beard, showed everyone he can score with his head too as he looped a Romero free kick over everyone and just under the cross bar.
Playing down the not inconsiderable Anderson Park slope in the second half should have suited Matamata but it was the home side who came out from their half time cuppa the strongest. They took the lead ten minutes in and then proceeded to boss the match, having their best twenty minute spell of the two encounters between these two sides. Several times they stretched the Swifts defence, while Tom Pamment in goal was called on to make three very good saves.
Just as Matamata looked like they were out for the count they were handed a lifeline with a goal against the run of play in the 75th minute. Andy Cooper’s pace took him clear of the Mt Albert defence and his angled finish past the committed keeper was a peach.
Both teams went in search of the winner and it was the home side that found it with about five minutes remaining. The goal had more than a hint of off-side about it, but that almost didn’t matter as Beard came so close to being an injury time hero for the second week in a row. With time all but up he got on the end of a great Cooper cross, only to see his header smash into the inside of the upright and canon away to safety.
So over two legs these sides couldn't be separated. Matamata gained three important league points while Mt Albert-Ponsonby will got into the pot for the second round, which will be played on Queen's Birthday Monday.
Matamata is back in league action this Saturday when they face what looks like being and exciting young Birkenhead United side at the Domain. Kick-off is at 2.45pm.
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