Matamata Swifts 5 v Cambridge 4

Matamata Swifts recorded their most thrilling win in years at the Domain on Saturday as they turned a 3-0 half time deficit into an unlikely but, on the balance of play, well deserved, victory. In fact, it wasn't until inside the final ten minutes that the Swifts really turned it on, wrapping the match up with three goals in a final, stunning, six minutes.

That the Swifts found themselves three goals behind at the break was a mystery. Even though Matamata seemed off the pace during the early stages they still matched the visitors. The wet, slippery, conditions, however, conspired against them.

Cambridge attacked sporadically but was cool in front of goal and took their chances clinically. At the other end, the Swifts were unlucky not to get themselves on the score sheet, with Adam Graham and Joe Alves, in particular, being foiled by the muddy surface inside the box. Matamata also forced a multitude of corners but couldn't profit from any of them as the Cambridge defence, more often than not, did well to get a head or a knee, or something else, in the way.

After the interval the match underwent a dramatic transformation. It took the Swifts quarter of an hour get their scoring underway, but when they did it was from a goal that was well worth waiting for. Free kick specialist, and man of the match, Scott Hudson struck from wide out to set up the comeback. Soon after Jason Collins, on the field for only a few minutes, notched Matamata's second with a crisp left-footed effort, and the win looked on.

Cambridge made things interesting with their fourth goal, fifteen minutes from the end, but the Swifts, it seemed, were not to be denied. Exquisite volleyed strikes from Bevan Shelley and David Hyslop got the Matamata back on level terms before Jamie Cox lobbed the winner with only seconds left.

The Swifts owe much to the marvellous team spirit that is developing in the side. They are also a side that is blessed with incredible goal scoring potential. Both these factors, when combined, mean they will never be out of a game.

Matamata repaid the faith of their few loyal supporters who stayed to the end in miserable, football watching, conditions. Those who snuck off early will be gutted when they find out about what they missed.

Swifts squad 1-Ian Moody; 11-Steve Beattie, 15-Dwayne Barlow, 4-Colin Taylor, 12-Scott Hudson; 2-Adam Graham (6-Jason Collins 65m), 14-John Van Gog (c) 9-David Hyslop, 5-Jamie Cox; 7-Bevan Shelley, 10-Joe Alves.

Other results
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Ngaruawahia 2 v Tokoroa 1
Wanderers 3 v Hamilton North 0
Putaruru (Bye).