Peter Vossen Builders Matamata Swifts have been defeated 3-1 at home by high flying Takapuna. The score may make this look like a comfortable victory to the visitors, but the realtity of the match, as is so often the case in football, was quite different.

From a Matamata perspective, all three of the Takapuna goals relied heavily on over generous officiating, while the Swifts goal came from an opening created by a defensive error. That was the nature of the game, with good goalkeeping and solid defensive play from both sides ensuring the genuine openings went without reward.

The visitors played their best football during the first half, winning a number of corners and taking a two goal lead into the break. The Swifts certainly played their part, however, and created enough early chances to be a goal or two ahead. Mark Knell had an angled drive well stopped, while Harry Redwood went close twice. His first effort was swept just wide of the upright while his second, and better, chance saw the Takapuna keeper get down well to his right.

This save came as the half hour mark neared and, as is the way in football, the visitors broke forward and, within 30 seconds, had opened the scoring. The timing sucked for Matamata, as did the fact that the Takapuna player who crossed the ball that was headed home was off-side when he was played through.

Worse was to follow for Matamata as they conceded a penalty right on the break. Danny Styles was the unlucky Swift this time as his tackle appeared to be clean and well timed.

The second half was another well contested 45 minutes of football. Both sides had their half chances before Alberto Romero handed Matamata a lifeline with a little more than 15 minutes remaining. A slip by one of the Takapuna centre-halves let Romero through one-on-one with the keeper and his side-footed finish was emphatic.

As Matamata surged forward for an equaliser they found the visiting keeper in fine form. He pulled off two fine reflex saves. The first came from a Ged Parkinson header and the second from a well hit Harry Redwood drive.

Matamata's day was pretty much summed up when Redwood was put clean through on goal but play was immediately, and correctly, stopped as two Takapuna players had clashed heads, leaving one of them with blood spurting everywhere from a massive gash above his eye.

The visitors had the final say with the last kick of the game. They were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area from a nothing challenge...and converted it expertly.

While the result wasn't exactly what Matamata was looking for, the side can take heart from the fact they contributed to an entertaining and free flowing match against one of the best performed teams in the league.