It looks like Xero does NOT use the invoice reference when matching payments from bank statement. This is an issue because inTennis puts the original inTennis invoice number in the “reference” field. This is the reference that most customers would put in when making bank transfer.

According to Xero support (on 31/03/2017):

Hi Mark

At the moment matches between the statement line, and transactions that have been entered in Xero are based on amount, then closest (due) date, then the contact name.

We’ve had requests for the Reference information to be included as part of the Find & Match logic, and I’ve added your vote to these.

Kind regards

Sarah