Claudelands Rovers 2 v Matamata Swifts 1

Matamata Swifts came close to turning over championship favourites Claudelands Rovers in a robust Waikato Premier League encounter at Galloway Park.

In a battle between two of the top teams in the league, the home side's tight passing style won out over the Swifts more direct counter-attacking approach. But it was a close run thing, with the game turning on a controversial second half penalty decision.

Before that, however, the Swifts looked likely to pick up their most important scalp of the season. They had the better of a tight first half and went into the interval with the lead. On the half-hour Jason Collins touched home a Bevan Shelley free-kick to give his side a well deserved reward for their endeavours. Centre back Colin Taylor was unlucky with an earlier shot from distance, while Scott Hudson continued to pose questions for his opponents from set pieces.

The balance of play swung sharply towards the home side after the break, with the Swifts surprisingly flat following the earlier efforts. They weren't helped by goalie Ian Moody injuring his hand in the process of making a second reflex save within five minutes of the restart.

The game's major talking point came midway through the second half when a penalty was awarded to Claudelands. It was a decision that left players from both sides rather amused, but for different reasons. Claudelands accepted their gift with glee, while the Swifts were forced to take an 'if you didn't laugh you'd have to cry' attitude.

The spot kick was converted and the home side went in search of the winner. It duly came with fifteen minutes remaining, thus ending the Swifts recent run of three consecutive victories. One of Claudelands central midfielders received the ball in space and picked his spot from the edge of the Matamata box.

Matamata was able to give a late debut to new signing Alberto Romero. Romero looked composed and knocked in a couple of telling balls.

Man of the match for Matamata was Ian Moody who played most of the second half with only one fully functioning hand.

Swifts squad 1-Ian Moody; 13-Marcelo Marquez, 16-Dwayne Barlow, 4-Colin Taylor, 12-Scott Hudson; 6-Jason Collins (11- Steve Beattie 70m), 14-John Van Gog (c) 9-David Hyslop, 5-Jamie Cox (15-Alberto Romero 78m); 7-Bevan Shelley, 10-Joe Alves.

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