The Swifts reserves fielded a mini league of nations when they travelled to Te Awamutu on Saturday.

Although suffering from a number of absences the reserves are still striving for a top finish with five teams still in the running for the runners up spot now that Wanderers Campbell have surged clear of the field.

After having the advantage in possession the Swifts had to wait half an hour before Jono Monteith opened the scoring with a rasping shot. The defensive line of Enrique Ramirez, Andrew Monteith, Pete Challis and Joe Dew were stifling most of the home teams attacks and forcing them to shoot from distance which was just as well as Dave Mann had drawn the short straw for the keepers position.

The second half followed the pattern of the first half with the Swifts having the best opportunities. Matt Monteith extended the lead but Andrew Monteith couldn’t get the family trifecta as his shot (!) was wide.

Marcelo Marquez made the game safe for the Swifts when he converted a penalty following a hand ball.

The midfield of Jono Monteith, Luis Maldonado, Marcelo Marquez and Chris Bedford worked hard all day creating opportunities for Matt Monteith, Salen and Le Roy up front for what in the end was a comfortable win.

The Swifts face a tough assignment when they take on Otorohanga at the Domain on Saturday aiming to reverse the narrow loss from the first round.