Matamata Swifts 3-1 Tauranga Boys College FC

Recap

Stanley Group Matamata Swifts have eased to their first three pointer of the season after a well deserved home victory over Tauranga Boys College.

The opening stages were fairly even, but included a good penalty shout to the visitors, which was a nice little reminder for the Swifts to remain vigilant. The match turned during a five minute spell either side of the half hour mark when youngster, Lawrence Clothier, stuck twice. His first was a tap in after a wicked Jamie Baxter corner, while his second was a neat finish after a nicely worked move.

With the Swifts two up at the break the visitors returned with a renewed focus, pressing for the goal they needed to get back in the game. The Swifts defence dealt with the threat well and the team looked strong on the counter.

Matamata should have pushed their lead out to three as the game entered its closing stages. A classic melee in the box saw two shots saved followed by a third that hit the upright. Naturally enough after something like that, the visitors soon went down the other end pulled a goal back from the penalty spot after a Swifts hand ball.

Any jitters were dispelled when Andrew Clothier raced on to a Shaun Richardson header with five minutes remaining to lash home the game clincher.

Click here for the match day programme.