Peter Vossen Builders Matamata Swifts have fallen to another home defeat, losing 2-0 against Ellerslie. A goal at the end of each half did the job for the visitors against a Swifts side that defended well for large parts.

Coach Lowry was forced to be at his most pragmatic when sending his side out, given the players who were unavailable. Harry Redwood dropped into right back and Danny Styles moved to centre back. Brock Kayll and Stu Watene were back in the squad and pressed straight into service, with Kayll pushed into a holding midfield which role he fulfilled well.

With all these changes the first few minutes could have been a confusing mess but the Swifts, led for the first time by Ged Parkinson, adapted well and stuck to their task. The visitors had more of the ball and looked more threatening going forward than Matamata, but struggled to break through.

The opening goal came only minutes before the break following a break down Matamata's left. A great cross was headed home from close range.

Matamata entered the second half looking to keep things as close as possible for as long as possible in order to give themselves a chance of snatching something late. This they achieved and they also had their moments going forward, but failed to break through.

Ellerslie doubled their lead in the final five minutes. Another good cross was bashed home from point blank range as a tiring Swifts couldn't quite manage to snuff out the danger.

For all the doom and gloom of another defeat it was at least positive to see a number of Swifts youngsters contribute at this level. With all three substitutes, including Jamie Cox and Colin Taylor who had already played 90 minutes for the 3rds, making their first appearances of the season, the Swifts' player count for the season is now up to 28. If only that was also the goal count.