Peter Vossen Builders Matamata Swifts have drawn 0-0 at home against Birkenhead United, one of the teams favoured for the NRFL division 1 title.

The Swifts were missing Stu Watene, who was at a wedding, and lost Alberto Romero in the warm up, so coach Duncan Lowry was forced into a couple of changes. In came Mike Spencer, who was back from injury, and Mark Knell, who had already played 50 minutes and scored a goal for the reserves.

The visitors put in a tidy footballing performance but struggled to break down a dogged and resilient Swifts effort. They seemed more content to knock the ball around in the middle of the park, particularly during the second half, and take pot shots from distance.

On the odd occasion they did break through Matamata’s first line of defence some body-on-the-line defending meant Tom Pamment had few saves to make.

At the sharp end the Swifts were not without their chances. Two good penalty shouts, one in each half, were turned down. Glen Carmichael was clipped in the box in the first half when through, while new signing, Danny Styles, was bundled over late on, only to see the free kick awarded right on the edge of the area.

Jon Allen had a couple of decent long range efforts, while Birkenhead was forced into a triple clearance from a late goal box melee.

Tom Pamment kept a clean sheet in his 50th game for Matamata while Jon Allen, who was later named Matamata’s man of the match, was strong in midfield and the most influential player on the field. The Swifts defended well again, while the youngsters up front put in more honest endeavour.

This was another important point for Matamata, although other results meant the side slipped a couple of places in the league. Eastern Suburbs visit on Monday and the Swifts will need to put in a similar effort to get a similar result.