The Swifts reserves failed to score for the first time this season as they went down in a tight match at Otorohanga. As in past years this has proved an unlucky ground for the Swifts as the effort was there but no reward.

In a sometimes bruising encounter the Swifts were knocked off their stride in the first half as Otorohanga took the game to them with the physical nature of their play. Both side's keepers had good games with the Swifts Richard Paradizo making some fine saves and it took a great strike for Otorohanga to take the lead midway through the first half.

Jono Monteith went close with one effort but the Swifts went into the break one down.

The second half did not get off to a good start with the home team extending their lead from a corner from which the Swifts Marcelo Marquez had to leave the field with a shoulder injury.

Showing more enterprise the Swifts had the edge in the second half but could not break down the Otorohanga rearguard or create many clear opportunities, although a Gabriel Valarino effort needed a fine save.

The Swifts were the more constructive through the middle of the park where Nicolas Sandoval had one of his best games and was the Swifts player of the day while Valarino attracted a lot of home team attention and has the bruises to prove it.

The Swifts defence, again ably led by Pete Challis, had a busy day with the direct nature of Otorohanga's play but reacted well. Julio Medina out wide was his normal non-stop self while Neil Wiseman up front also covered a lot of ground.

The next match is a home game against Unicol against whom the Swifts will be looking to regain their goal scoring touch.