Comag Matamata Swifts beat Claudelands Rovers 2-0 in Hamilton on Saturday, recording their first win of the 2021 WaiBOP Premiership.
Two second half goals from Troy Rosser and Radge Avergonzado got the job done for the Swifts against tricky opponents. Matamata had to be patient, however, as Rovers defended well against a Swifts side that created the better chances throughout.
An even first half merged into a second period where the visiting Swifts slowly, but surely, asserted the sort of control that was only going to see one winner.
Matamata had the ball in the net before Rosser’s opener, but Bjorn Vossen’s header was ruled out for, one can only assume, the slightest bit of contact on the way through.
There was no doubt about the opener, however, when Rosser, having his most consistent performance in the Swifts black and white, burst into the box and scooped the ball home with his left foot.
Pete Shannon went close to doubling Matamata’s lead but his close range volley was saved well. Avergonzado then sealed the deal when he caught out the Rovers defence and goalie, remaining cool to fire home from the edge of the box.
This was a solid, if not spectacular, performance from Matamata. The defensive effort was safe and efficient, while the team created enough going forward to deserve the three points. Sam Masterson, back in black in white for the first time after two serious knee injuries, put in a energy sapping shirt, while Rosser was named the Good Merchant Man of the Match.
The other Swifts senior teams begin their campaigns this weekend. Waharoa Transport Swifts Reserves, on Saturday, and Challenge Matamata Swifts Ladies, on Sunday, both travel to Hamilton, while Camel Kebab Swifts 3rds have another week to prepare as they’ve drawn the first round bye.