Recap

Waikato Stud Matamata Swifts 3-3 Ngongotaha
Loaded WaiBOP Premiership

Waikato Stud Matamata Swifts completed an encouraging 2016 Loaded WaiBOP Premiership campaign with an engaging draw at the Domain against champions, Ngongotaha.

Both teams were missing regular starters and that, combined with the wet, sticky conditions could have led to a drab match. But both teams brought attacking intent and a will to win which led to an open, entertaining final match of the Premiership campaign.

The Swifts took the lead on 18 minutes when Chris Walker slotted home, then doubled their lead 15 minutes later through Ben Vogt. To this point, Matamata had looked comfortable, with the visitors looking occasionally dangerous on the counter. But they struck back almost immediately and the Swifts headed to the break with a slender lead.

Matamata worked an excellent passing move which led to Vogt’s second goal ten minutes into the second half and at that point the Swifts looked like ending Ngongotaha’s season-long unbeaten record and gaining the win they need to finish second on the Premiership table.

But Ngongotaha have scored over 100 goals this season, so more were always likely. They reduced the margin again with 20 minutes left before Matamata goalie, Jordan Wise, was forced from the field after a crunchingly brave save at the feet of a Ngongotaha attacker.

Ngongotaha got the equaliser a minute into the extended period of added time. Both sides pushed for a winner but a high scoring draw was a fair result after an entertaining game. It meant Matamata maintained their unbeaten home record while it was only the second time all season Ngongotaha had dropped points.

The Swifts finished level on points with 2015 champions, Cambridge, but third on goal difference.

Details

Date Time League Season
September 17, 2016 2:45 pm WaiBOP Premiership 2016

Ground

Matamata Domain
7 Huia Street, Matamata 3400, New Zealand

Results

Club1st Half2nd HalfGoalsOutcome
Matamata Swifts213Draw
Ngongotaha123Draw

Matamata Swifts

# Player Position Goals Assists Yellow Cards Red Cards
1Jordan WiseGoalkeeper0000
4Jamie BaxterMidfielder0000
5Michael DawsonDefender0000
7Brad WestMidfielder0000
8Scott ParsonageMidfielder0000
12Ben VogtForward2000
16Chris WalkerForward1000
17Logan RaynelMidfielder0000
18Shaun RichardsonDefender0000
19Dwayne SignelDefender0000
22Mike CandyDefender0000
3Hardeep ShettraDefender0000
12Joe TompsettDefender0000
20Chris MonteithDefender0000
 Total 3000

Ngongotaha

Position Goals Assists Yellow Cards Red Cards
 0000