Matamata Swifts have continued their pre-season preparations with a solid showing against Melville United. On a hot afternoon and playing on a hard, bony surface the Swifts showed glimpses of promise against organised opponents.

Tim Miller lashed home the Swifts' goal early in the second of the three 30 minute periods and Melville equalised from the penalty spot just before the second break.

The Matamata front two, Stu Watene and Andrew Cooper, combined well and look to be forging a good partnership. Andrew Clothier looked good down the left, while Jon Allen and Tim Miller shone in midfield. The two pensioners, Ged Parkinson and Duncan Lowry, both drafted in on the morning of the match following a couple of illness-related withdrawals, showed that experience counts for as much, if not more, than youthful exuberance.

Swifts Squad: Tom Pamment, Bevan Woltersdorf, Ged Parkinson, Duncan Lowry, Jamie Baxter, Jon Allen, Alberto Romero, Tim Miller, Andrew Clothier, Stu Watene, Andrew Cooper, Ismail Awad, Michael Kim.

Above Alberto Romero gathers the ball.


Above Tim Miller gets up in the box.


AboveNo prizes for guessing who's going to take this free kick.

Above Bevan Woltersdorf powers a header towards goal.


Above It was great to see Ismail Awad back for Matamata.


Above Stu Watene gets belly challenged.


Above Tom Pamment claims what is rightfully his.


Above Action in the Melville box.


Above Jon Allen strikes a familiar pose.


Above A couple of familiar faces catch up.


(Photos by: Dwayne Barlow)