The boys took on Dunbar Rovers this week and there were some extremely competitive matches played with two clubs fairly evenly matched across all age groups. The conditions were cold, windy, and wet (extremely uncomfortable), yet the boys played a good level of football from both sides. After a good start to the day, Dunbar edged us out winning three from five. We are sure to meet them again once the draw reclassification takes place.

13 BOYS (WON 2-0)

A fourth home game in a row, and a game played under some poor weather conditions. This week, we welcomed Dunbar to the Fire Pit.

In what proved to be our toughest opposition to date, the boys really had a game on their hands as Dunbar pushed for a goal early on. With the Flame looking off the pace, it was Dunbar who looked like they were going to score. Some resolute defending in our own penalty area though put pay to that and the boys starting to play their football late on. There was no score going into the break.

It was a back to basics approach for the second half, get on the ball and keep it simple, whilst tightening up defensively across the pitch. In patches, the team was playing the football we are accustomed to seeing, and our pressure from the front allowed Declan Dimech to capitalise and score.

The Flame boys continued to push on as we knew one goal was not going to be enough. Late on, we found a second from a set piece with Jake Ueda tapping home from close range.

A good result in the rain, but the boys know they have a battle on their hands over the next few weeks.

Player of the Week: Declan Dimech

His desire and dedication to football and our playing style, a good performance each week and continues to work hard and learn at training. Capped off with a goal this week and was unlucky to grab a second.

14 BOYS (DREW 0-0)

What a day for football. ’The Fire Pits’ all weather capabilities were tested to the limit on Sunday as the 14 boys took on Dunbar Rovers in torrential rain. While the conditions were tough, the boys took to the field with a positive mindset and from kick off showed a great level of enthusiasm and commitment despite the tough conditions.

Following the game plan well, shifting play wide to get behind Dunbar’s narrow formation, Flame created multiple attacking raids and on any other day could have easily been a goal or two up at the break. Not to be though as the teams remained locked at 0:0 at the break.

Despite being without 4 regular team players (due to injury and suspension), the boys, supported well by the U13’s who stepped up, started the second half in a similar manner. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by all the team was exemplified when against play, Dunbar had a counter attacked and a very long ball looked to be rolling in for a goal, not to be however, with Jackson Beniuk chasing to the last inch and nudging the ball wide of the goals with a perfectly timed slide.

With a shot hitting the cross bar and another disallowed, it just wasn’t Flames day, however, loads of positives to take into this weeks ‘double header’ on Thursday and then Saturday.

Player of the Week: Ryan Plumridge

Stepping up from the 13s and playing a particularly good match in a solid defensive effort, while also organising and communicating effectively.

15 BOYS (LOST 0-2)

As we welcomed Dunbar FC to the Fire Pit on a very wet and windy afternoon, the boys were looking to bounce back from a disappointing result last week.

The boys were slow to jump out of the blocks and found it hard under terrible conditions to work themselves in to the game.

As we hit the mid-way mark of the first half, we started to show glimpses of what the boys can produce with some half chances created. As half time came, it would turn out to be the worst thing for us just as momentum was starting to turn our way.

With the second half underway and just nine minutes in, Dunbar opened the scoring from a corner that wasn’t dealt very well with a free player heading home.

As the boys rallied hard in testing conditions trying to pull back an equaliser, time was running out as we tried to push players forward looking to ask questions of Dunbar.

The killer blow came in the last minutes of the game and from another corner that would end our day with a 2-0 defeat.

Very disappointing in the end, but we will all need to stay positive, regroup and reflect on where we can be better and move our focus to Thursday night’s game against Bankstown.

Player of the week: Josh Bussoletti

A tireless effort in terrible conditions, always backing his ability and looking to get on the ball and create. Well done Josh

16 BOYS (LOST 0-4)

This week saw Dunbar rovers travel to Ian McLennan Park to take on our boys in conditions that proved exceedingly difficult to play in.

The first half kicked off and saw Dunbar take an early lead with a goal in just the 4th minute and we were on the back foot from there. Dunbar were able to capitalise on a mistake in the 33rd minute and put us two goals behind. Things only got harder after one of our key defenders was sent off in a last man challenge just before half time.

The boys seemed optimistic at half time with a belief that we would be able to come away with a result even though the odds were clearly stacked against us. Unfortunately, we were unable to create the opportunities needed to score even after going to a back three and two up front.

We were to concede again to what perhaps was a harsh penalty call in the 68th minute. The game looked out of hand and that was confirmed with a well struck goal to Dunbar in the 77th minute.

With torrential rain falling, the game finished on a sour note with a player from each team being sent off due to an altercation off the ball. The final score being 0-4 to Dunbar and some adjustment needed for our boys to continue to fight for the top of the table.

Player of the week: Mason Videla

Great work ethic and attitude.

18 BOYS (LOST 1-2)

Match report unavailable