The Swifts decent home record continued after another good result at the Domain on Saturday, but both the reserves and ladies came up short against strong opposition.
Waikato Stud Matamata Swifts 2-1 Rotorua United
WaiBOP Premiership
Waikato Stud Matamata Swifts fought their way to a nervous, but ultimately well deserved, come from behind win against Rotorua United on Saturday.
After observing a minute’s silence in memory of club legend, Eric van Waveren, Matamata started well but fell behind on 20 minutes when the visitors struck on the counter. A quick attack caught the back four out of position and led to a free header in front of goal that was comfortably dispatched.
Matamata struck back within eight minutes. After already looking dangerous from set-pieces, Jamie Baxter swung in another teasing free kick which Logan Allen poked home for the equaliser. The Swifts had good opportunities to go in front before the break, most notably through Scott Parsonage, but couldn’t break the deadlock.
The Swifts had the best of the second half, but had to wait until the 70th minute before they found the goal they craved. It came from another Baxter free kick, which rebounded to Jackson Allen who gleefully volleyed home. Matamata had a couple of excellent late chances through substitute, Ronan Costello, to stretch their victory margin, but in the end had done enough to bag an important three points.
Matamata appears to be far more comfortable playing at the Domain in 2015, which is just as well as three of their final four games this season are at home.
Richardson Racing Stable Swifts Reserves 0-4 Claudelands Rovers
WaiBOP Championship
The young Richardson Racing Stables Swifts reserves suffered a harsh footballing lesson against promotion chasing Claudelands Rovers.
An even first half saw the reserves cough up a couple of goals, while creating a host of chances to score themselves. The lack of a cutting edge proved costly, however, as opportunities came and went for the reserves. Rovers soaked up the pressure when they needed to and took their chances when they came in a first half played with high intensity.
The visitors took more of a stranglehold on the match in the second half and scored two late goals to pad out the scoreline over a reserves side that appeared to run out of gas. Pacey striker Josh Oed stood out for Matamata, as did young midfielder, Reuben Wigelsworth.
Hamilton Wanderers 10-0 Challenge Matamata Swifts Ladies
Waikato Women’s Division B
Challenge Matamata Swifts Ladies fought hard against the league’s class outfit, but fell to a double figure defeat in what was only their fourth loss of the season.
Down by seven at the break, the Swifts ladies performed better in the second half, but struggled against a side fielding some standout individuals. The team never gave up, but a lack of depth on the bench meant they were always going to do it tough.
The side has a chance to get back on the horse in the league next Sunday, before they face off against Hamilton North in the Waikato Plate final, which will be their game of the season.
Juniors
Open Grade: Hamilton Marist 0-1 Matamata Hornets; Hamilton North 2-4 Matamata Tigers (Tigers’ scorers: Brodie Cleaver 2, Jayden Baker, Cameron Jacobsen. POD: Kristen Jones-Wiseman); Hamilton Marist 0-1 Matamata Falcons (Falcons’ scorer: Reuben Kemp).
11th Grade: Matamata Jets 6-4 Ngahinapouri (Jets’ scorers: Ryan D’Abo, Harry Chittick 2, Anton Ganas, Elijah Kemp, Jonny Swap).
10th Grade: Matamata Dragons 0-1 Western United; Matamata Strikers 3-1 Te Kowhai (Strikers’ scorers: Anshil Dayal, Damon Shaw, George O’Callaghan. POD: Jordan Baker).
9th Grade: Matamata Rebels 2-1 Cambridge (Rebels’ scorers: Dylan Brown, Liam Costello-McVeigh. POD: the whole team); Horotiu 3-0 Matamata Eagles (Eagles POD’s: Ben Murray & Joshua Martin).
8th Grade: Matamata Magpies 1-5 Gordonton (Magpies’ scorer: Eloise Assen. POD: Harrison Smith).