Peter Vossen Builders Matamata Swifts have suffered their largest home defeat since May 10, 2003 in losing 6-2 to Eastern Suburbs. But this game showed signs of having a very different result after Matamata's efforts during the first 45 minutes.

Mike Spencer opened the scoring in the 6th minute as he got on the end of a through ball at the far post and drilled it home. Spencer's attacking play was a feature of the first half as he tormented his full back and delivered a number of quality crosses.

The visitors were back on level terms soon enough when a Tom Pamment goal kick was headed straight back down field to Suburbs' waiting striker who ran through almost unopposed and finished neatly.

Glen Carmichael should have restored Matamata's lead but he couldn't quite get on the end of one of Spencer's crosses. Jason Feck, however, picked the 33th minute to push Matamata ahead for the second time in the match and his dipping volley from well outside the box was a beauty.

The visitors wasted no time in levelling things up for the second time, although the penalty decision that gave them their opportunity to do so was a little on the harsh side. It seemed clear to most people at the ground that Pamment had nicked the ball on its way through, rather than the on-rushing Suburbs striker. But the whistle went and the scores were level.

At the break, then, Matamata was extremely unlucky not to be in front.

Unfortunately, for the Swifts, games of football have two halves. The visitors ran the show for large periods of the second half and scored four very good goals to run out deserved winners. The Swifts' composure deserted them during the second spell. They gave away far too much cheap possession as Eastern Suburbs turned the screws and moved the ball crisply around the tiring home side.

Matamata almost had the final say right on full time but a goal mouth melee saw the ball cleared at the third attempt. A third goal would have given the small home crowd that ventured out on such a miserable afternoon something nice to go home with.

The Swifts must now patch up the walking wounded and construct a side for next Saturday's visit to Lynn Avon.