Metso Matamata Swifts has pulled off an upset victory over Northern League 2nd Division side, Cambridge, in the first round of the Chatham Cup. As has been the case quite often recently the Swifts had to rely on a Ged Parkinson penalty to secure the win and with it safe passage into the next round, but they were well worth their victory over higher ranked opponents.

On the day the experience in the Matamata side was enough to edge it over their more youthful opponents. Both sides created chances, although the Swifts were more prolific in this department and would have been disappointed with anything other than their well deserved victory.

Cambridge kept the local side honest, relying on fast breaks and speedy counter attacks to keep the Matamata back three busy. The Swifts' more patient and measured build up moved their opponents all over the pitch and, but for the odd moment of eccentricity that kept the local fans on the edge of their seats, they always looked the side more likely to win.

The first half, while lacking goals, was really the period when Matamata should have turned their possession and endeavour into at least one goal. On the twenty minute mark they had a gilt edged opportunity to do so, but neither Hayri Cihan or Neil Slater could turn the ball into the welcoming goal. In the ensuing scramble the ball was cleared off the line from the follow up shot.

Cambridge should also have had a goal not long after. One of their attackers pounced on a glaring defensive error from the Swifts and did well to chip the advancing monstrosity that is Matamata goalie, Gary Darkes. Fortunately he didn't quite do enough to get the ball under the cross bar.

The Swifts made a change to their shape at half time, bringing on Adam Graham to play in the middle of a front three. Commendably, the side went into the second 45 minutes looking to force a result rather than to sit on what they had.

After twenty minutes of poking and prodding from the Swifts the breakthrough finally came. Predictably enough, it came from the penalty spot, after Hayri Cihan was tripped just inside the box. Big Ged Parkinson stepped up to slide the ball home although, to his credit, the Cambridge goalie got a finger to the ball and almost pulled off a remarkable save. Parkinson hasn't missed from the spot in living memory, so the keeper got close to creating a small piece of local history.

With such a slender lead the next twenty five minutes was always going to be a little dicey for the Swifts. Cambridge had a couple of good efforts on goal from distance, while Matamata, still largely in control of things, couldn't manage to grab the second goal that would have made things safe. Juan Carlos Rodriguez had a good headed opportunity which skimmed the crossbar and man of the match, Alberto Romero, sent a late free kick just over the top.

Matamata now goes into the second round draw and can expect to play one of the heavyweights from the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region. The next round is due to be played on Queen's Birthday Monday.

In the meantime, Matamata must now prepare for another mouth watering fixture. This coming Saturday they take on current Waikato Premier League (WPL) leaders, Otorohanga, in a must win fixture. Otorohanga is the only side in the last eighteen months to beat Matamata in the WPL. Anything but victory will spell the end of Matamata's title chances.