Matamata Swifts v Rotorua United

Recap

Waikato Stud Matamata Swifts fought their way to a nervous, but ultimately well deserved, come from behind win against Rotorua United on Saturday.

After observing a minute’s silence in memory of club legend, Eric van Waveren, Matamata started well but fell behind on 20 minutes when the visitors struck on the counter. A quick attack caught the back four out of position and led to a free header in front of goal that was comfortably dispatched.

Matamata struck back within eight minutes. After already looking dangerous from set-pieces, Jamie Baxter swung in another teasing free kick which Logan Allen poked home for the equaliser. The Swifts had good opportunities to go in front before the break, most notably through Scott Parsonage, but couldn’t break the deadlock.

The Swifts had the best of the second half, but had to wait until the 70th minute before they found the goal they craved. It came from another Baxter free kick, which rebounded to Jackson Allen who gleefully volleyed home. Matamata had a couple of excellent late chances through substitute, Ronan Costello, to stretch their victory margin, but in the end had done enough to bag an important three points.

Matamata appears to be far more comfortable playing at the Domain in 2015, which is just as well as three of their final four games this season are at home.