Ngaruawahia 4 v Matamata Swifts 1

Matamata Swifts wrapped up their Waikato Premier League campaign with a defeat against an in-form, and vastly improved, Ngaruawahia side. Shorn of four first choice players, and forced to field players carrying injuries, this was always going to be a tough proposition for the Swifts. And so it proved.

Matamata can, however, take some credit from this match. They weathered the early Ngaruawahia storm, only to concede the first goal midway through the first half. While the goal had more than a hint of off-side about it, the Swifts didn't let this get them down and hit back with a deserved equaliser. An incisive passing move through the midfield presented the ball to Bevan Shelley on the edge of the box. He arrowed his left foot shot inside the far post to restore parity.

The home side hit back just before half time to take a well-earned lead, and added a couple more soft goals after the break to increase their winning margin.

While the Swifts will be disappointed with the manner in which they let the goals in, they shouldn't be too disappointed with the overall performance. They matched their sharper, more youthful, opponents for much of the match and can be pleased with several individual performances. Bevan Shelley put in another energetic performance and was matched by central midfield partner David Hyslop. Up front, Jamie Cox looked threatening while Uruguayan, Alberto Romero, displayed some classy touches at right-back.

Swifts squad 1-Dave Taylor; 14-Ian Moody, 16-Dwayne Barlow, 2-Grant Laidlaw, 15-Alberto Romero; 13-Marcelo Marquez, 9-David Hyslop, 7-Bevan Shelley (c), 6-Jason Collins (12-Joseph Dew 65m); 10-Joe Alves, 5-Jamie Cox.

Other results
Putaruru 2 v Cambridge 8
Wanderers ?? v Claudelands ??
West Hamilton 0 v Hamilton North 2
Tokoroa (bye).

Saturday August 21
Tokoroa 0 v Cambridge 4