Peter Vossen Builders Matamata Swifts have been relegated from NRFL division 1 following a 3-1 loss at home to Manurewa.

Matamata went ahead in the 11th minute thanks to a screamer from Harry Redwood. Having missed a sitter in the opening exchanges, Redwood more than made up for things with a superb left footed volley from outside the area.

The visitors were virtually shotless until the 32nd minute when the match officials decided to change the game. Tom Pamment was sent from the field in the biggest talking point in a match of talking points (and, as we said on the home page, given they were talking points and not writing points they will be talked about and not written about. Not on here, at least...).

Jamie Baxter stepped into the number 1 shirt and was barely troubled in the lead up to half time.

After the break it was a different game as the ten men from Matamata set out their stall to make things as difficult as possible for their promotion chasing opponents.

The Swifts held their nerve and their lead until the 68th minute, when the visitors found the equaliser. Manurewa finally went in front with twelve minutes remaining then secured victory and with it promotion to the Premier League with a last minute penalty.

While the result, along with a fair amount of the officiating, wasn't exactly to Matamata's taste it was a thrilling encounter for the large crowd, which included a fair contingent from Manurewa. The match had everything, from stunning goals, to mistakes, to controversy. Not good for the heart if you're involved with either team, but a fantastic afternoon out for the neutral fan.

Matamata's congratulations go to Manurewa and we wish them all the best for their 2012 Premier League campaign. Congratulations also to Eastern Suburbs for their 5-1 victory at Birkenhead, which secured them the league title.