Recap
Comag Matamata Swifts took a pragmatic approach to their Chatham Cup 1st round match at West Hamilton United. Carrying a squad beset with varying levels of injury, the coaching staff rested a number of regulars and drafted in several players from the reserves. This move had the obvious effect of dulling the team’s performance, as players unfamiliar with each other took to time to work themselves into the game.
The home team scored a goal in each half to secure a deserved 2-0 victory and advance to the next round of the cup, a national competition open to every club in the country. Ben Johnson and Ethan Davis made their first start for the club, while Jordan Griffiths, Finn Challis and Hayri Cihan all had decent minutes off the bench. Despite their performance, the Swifts still had a couple of opportunities cleared off their opponent’s line.
Hopefully Saturday’s selection move will bear fruit in the coming weeks, with a fresher squad taking the field in the important WaiBOP Premiership games to come.
