|
Peter Vossen Builders Matamata Swifts have suffered their third single goal defeat in NRFL Division 1A, going down 1-0 to Manurewa AFC at the Domain. A solitary goal from the visitors ten minutes into the second half separated the two sides in an entertainingly bruising encounter.
The Swifts went into this match needing to improve on last week’s performance and in desperate need of points. The first task was achieved, as Matamata played some good football under pressure,  with the performance being much more consistent than a week ago. Unfortunately it wasn't quite enough to get anything out of a Manurewa side who are the best team to visit the Domain this season.
The best first half chance for Matamata came when Pete Shannon drove a clearance goalward from outside the box. His shot was plucked out of the air superbly by the visiting keeper. Manurewa had earlier hit the top of the cross bar in a half of football that had few goal scoring opportunities. It was a midfield stoush, in which the Swifts trio of Shannon, Jon Allen and captain, Andy Birchenough held their own with their more highly rated opponents.
The goal was not a good one to concede, as the Swifts defence were static for the only time in the game. A run down the left followed by a decent pull back then the ball was thumped home, giving Matamata keeper, Tom Pamment, no chance.
The visitors created a little more during the second half, while the Swifts struggled to break down Manurewa’s well organised back four. Matamata’s best opportunity looked like it may come from a set-piece, but the visitors dealt with the pressure well enough. In a game of fine margins they just managed to stay on the right side of the line.
Matamata’s back four was more solid than last week, with Grant Cooper and Bevan Woltersdorf doing well in the middle. Pamment was good in goal and effected a great point blank save right at the end to keep his team in the game.
The Swifts now hit the road, with a daunting trip to Whangarei next Saturday.
|
