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Peter Vossen Builders Matamata Swifts’ excellent home form has continued with a vital and, ultimately, convincing 3-0 victory over fellow top-six chasers, Waiuku. Matamata rode their luck at times in this one, particularly during the first half, but it was about time the Swifts had some breaks having suffered at the hands of fate several times earlier in the season.
Matamata’s first goal summed up how this game was going to pan out. The visitors hit the cross bar then saw Swifts keeper, Tom Pamment, make a superb save from the same attack to deny them  what would have been a deserved lead. Within seconds Pamment had started a Swifts attack that led to the opening goal of the game. Andy Cooper beat the Waiuku defence for pace and rolled home his third goal of the season in the 24th minute.
Surprisingly for such an open 45 minutes of football there were no further goals before the break. The visitors attacked in waves, testing Pamment and his back four. They also left holes for the Swifts attackers to exploit, which they were almost good enough to do.
The second half saw a far more measured performance from the Swifts. They wrapped up what remained of the Waiuku attacking threat, giving Pamment a far more restful 45 minutes, and probed forward in search of more goals.
The crucial second goal came on the hour mark. Alberto Romero, on as a half time substitute for the injured Michael Beard, drove in a shot that looped off a Waiuku defender and on to the cross bar. The rebound fell nicely to Tim Miller who made no mistake from point blank range. Pete Shannon, the Laser Plumbing man of the match, rounded out an excellent individual performance with Matamata’s third goal. It was a fine piece of work in the box followed by an emphatic finish.
This match saw Jon Allen's long-awaited return from injury. His presence and bite in the Swifts' three man midfield gave the side a robust platform from which to compete. His experience was welcomed also for a Matamata side without the suspended Grant Cooper and the injured Stu Watene.
The Swifts are back in Auckland next weekend and go in search of their first win in the big smoke. It’s a hugely important match against a Western Springs side they sit level on points with. Four points now separate the Swifts, in fourth, from Mangere, in twelfth, in what is shaping up to be a fascinating chase for the three remaining top six spots.
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