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Peter Vossen Builders Matamata Swifts have soared to their largest win of the season, smacking seven goals past a young North Shore United side in a dominant performance at the Matamata Domain. The Swifts put in a fine first half effort and, led by a Tim Miller hat trick, eased aside any nerves that could have been present following Shore’s energetic start.
It was the visitors who shocked everyone by taking the lead in the first five minutes, but it wasn’t long before Matamata restored parity. Grant Cooper, back in the side after missing three matches,  rose high to head home an Alberto Romero cross.
The final 15 minutes of the first half were among the most action packed ever seen at the Domian. After the Swifts had missed four great chances to take the lead, the visitors were awarded a penalty on the half hour mark. Tom Pamment made a game changing save and within a minute the Swifts took the lead. Michael Beard got on the end of a flowing move that involved half his team, smashing home a Stu Watene cross from six yards.
Pete Shannan made it three with a fine solo effort four minutes later. He beat two players in the box before his deft finish left the visiting keeper with no chance. Then it was Miller time, with the Swifts’ 2009 leading scorer grabbing a superb double to make it 5-1 to Matamata at the break. The football leading up to both goals was as good as it’s been for Matamata this season and shows what the side can do when they keep the ball on the ground and move it around at pace.
Matamata was slow out of the blocks again at the start of the second half, with sloppy defending allowing the visitors another goal on the break within a couple of minutes of the restart. The Swifts’ football wasn’t quite as pleasing on the eye, but it was effective nonetheless. Simon Arthur made it six with a strong finish five minutes after entering the field then Miller completed the scoring by calmly placing the ball into an empty net after Beard had another shot saved.
Coach Lowry's interesting 3-3-4 formation took a little while to bed in but seemed to work once the players figured out there was plenty of extra space on both flanks. Returning playing personnel of the calibre of Miller, Cooper, Alberto Romero, Mark Knell and (from the bench) Ged Parkinson also helped.
Matamata is on the road to Auckland again next Saturday to play Fencibles United and will want to break their hoodoo in the big smoke.
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