Peter Vossen Builders Matamata Swifts have been knocked out of the Chatham Cup at the first hurdle. The 2-1 defeat at the Domain.

A bright start from the Swifts was highlighted by a sweet 35 metre strike from Andrew Clothier. Clothier's instinctive drive from distance caught the Albany keeper off his line leaving him stranded. The Swifts controlled the first 25 minutes, knocking the ball around with purpose on the improved Domain surface.

Unfortunately that was about as good as it got for Matamata as they dropped their level of performance just enough to let their opponents into the game. A sloppy goal from Albany just before the break summed up a period of play where the Swifts had become their own worst enemies.

An evenly contested arm wrestle of a 2nd half saw neither side create much in the way of scoring chances as the defences held sway. A neat strike midway through the half was enough to win it for the visitors. The Swifts had opportunities to draw level with a couple of headers going wide, while Clothier missed a close range chance to grab a second for himself.

The Swifts were solid at the back, with Danny Styles again impressive, although the defence was put under more pressure than necessary by the amount of times Matamata needlessly gave the ball away further up the field. As the game went on nothing seemed to stick up front, meaning Stu Watene was isolated on the left and the midfield was forced into chasing scraps.

Matamata plays Albany again next Saturday, this time up in Auckland. Something far greater - league points - will be at stake. The Swifts will need to be a little more effective in the attacking third of the field.