Metso Matamata Swifts have defeated the previously unbeaten Waikato Premier League (WPL) leaders, Otorohanga, in their latest fixture at the Domain.

The Swifts were well worth their victory and, but for the usual profligacy in front of goal, should really have won by a larger margin. The win has breathed new life into the WPL title race, with four teams, including Matamata, now in with a real chance of lifting the Simmo Trophy.

This match was a contrast in footballing philosophies. Matamata's more cultured passing and possession game was pitted against Otorohanga's bustling kick and chase style and thankfully, both for the home fans and neutrals alike, the Swifts' method won the day.

Matamata was excellent during the first half. The team scored twice during this period to put their younger opponents on the back foot and, effectively, out of the game. For the first time in a long while the Swifts scored reasonably early through Hayri Cihan's composed left-footed finish. Jason Collins, back in the side after a two match injury and suspension-related absence, doubled the lead well before the break when he side footed the ball home from close range. John Massey was instrumental in creating both goals.

The visitors barely registered as an attacking threat during the first 45-minutes as they were under such pressure. They did, however, do well to keep the half time margin to just two goals, thanks largely to their energetic defending.

After the break the match settled into a more even contest. The Swifts were a little flat at the start of the second half, but extended their lead thanks to another composed Cihan finish. At that stage it really looked like it would be a case of how many goals Matamata would rack up, but they seemed to take their collective foot of the Otorohanga throat and failed to add to their tally. It wasn't really for want of trying as second half substitute Adam Graham could really have had a hat trick in the 25 minutes he was on the field. He was most unlucky to hit the cross bar with a hammering drive from 30 yeards.

Matamata gifted Otorohanga the goal that gave the visitors a faint sniff. Some lazy defending, in an otherwise solid performance at the back, allowed Otorohanga to tap the ball home from close range. The Swifts survived a late scare as the visitors went close to adding to their goal haul during the final desperate minutes.

The Swifts will be pleased with this performance and result, but they won't get carried away with it as victory by anything less than the two goal margin would have been a crime against football. The team was more productive in front of goal in this game, while the back three of Ged Parkinson, Scott Parsonage and man of the match, Bevan Shelley, an early substitute for the injured Colin Taylor, were brilliant.

In midfield, captain, Andy Birchenough put in another powerhouse performance and beside him Alberto Romero literally toyed with his markers all match.

Matamata now looks forward to a busy Queen's Birthday weekend. They are back at the Domain on Saturday in their next WPL fixture, against West Hamilton United, then on Monday travel to Links Ave in Tauranga to play Northern Premier league side, Tauranga City United, in the second round of the Chatham Cup. Their improving form means it could be an entertaining, if difficult, long weekend..