Old Blues v Matamata Swifts

Recap

Waikato Stud Matamata Swifts were undone by a quality finish in their latest WaiBOP Premiership match at Tauranga’s Old Blues but will be rueing, not for the first time this season, several wasted opportunities that could have won them three vital points.

The match itself was far from a free flowing classic. It was ruined by the rugged surface that left long ball football as the only productive way to attack. Unfortunately, the Swifts lack of size means that is far from ideal and too often the team was well beaten in the air.

Both sides had opportunities in the first 20 minutes to open the scoring, with Andrew Clothier firing a dipping shot just over from distance for the Swifts, whose best opportunity came just after the half hour mark through Logan Allen. Played clean through, Allen elected to shoot from the edge of the area on the untrustworthy surface but the ball went just wide.

The game’s only goal came moments before the break. While the Swifts’ should have dealt with the ball in, the turn and finish was one the game’s few touches of class.

Matamata didn’t give up during an even second half. Andrew Clothier had a stinging shot well saved and the Swifts failed to get more than half a touch on a teasing late cross, while the hosts also had several good chances, including one that was cleared off the line.

A win would have moved the Swifts back into the top five of a congested table, but instead they remain eighth in the twelve team Premiership. Another opportunity lost.