Matamata Swifts v Tauranga Boys College

Recap

Waikato Stud Matamata Swifts have bagged another three points from a game played in almost constant rain, and have themselves well positioned in the leading group of teams with a third of the season gone.

On a day of upsets, the Swifts held their nerve against energetic opposition. Matamata opened the scoring just after the half hour mark, not long after Sam Masterson had hit the cross bar from distance. Lawrence Clothier zipped a cross in to the crowded box, which was turned into their own net as the Tauranga Boys’ defenders struggled to deal with its velocity.

Defender, Michael Dawson, doubled Matamata’s lead seven minutes into the second half. Up for a corner, he drilled home the rebound for his first strike of the season.

The conditions made playing decent football difficult and the Swifts were never completely in control. When the visitors pulled a goal back with seven minutes remaining it made for an uncomfortable final period, but the Swifts fought through both that and five minutes of added time to hold on for another precious three points. The Swifts sit in fifth and are on the fringes of the title race.