Now I'm no expert but I got Mate working maybe there are some shortcuts I did not take, but it works great. So feel free to point out any flaws or improve it,
#!/bin/sh -vx
packages='
cryptsetup
libblockdev-crypto2
engrampa
firefox
ffmpeg
libavcodec-extra
gufw
lightdm
lightdm-settings
slick-greeter
ubuntu-mate-wallpapers-common
mate-desktop-environment-extras
mate-applet-brisk-menu
mate-applets
mate-calc
mate-indicator-applet
ayatana-indicator-application