South Coast Flame earned their first-ever victory in the Women’s Division 1 on Sunday afternoon with a 2-0 victory at Ian McLennan Park. 

Maya Turner put the hosts ahead with a low-driven finish into the left-hand corner midway through the first half before Sariah Wilson doubled the advantage with a powerful effort just after the break. 

The tempo of the first half was largely decided by the Flame as Fernhill looked to sit in their block and spring sharp counter attacks. 

It took until the 27th minute for the deadlock to be broken. 

Some strong combination play from the girls created Maya Turner some space on the right-hand side of the penalty area who send a low drive into the bottom left corner.

The Flame went into the sheds with a 1-0 advantage.

It did not take long for the Flame to get back into their rhythm following half time.

A move that involved rapid, forward, ball progression with three one-touch passes eventually found Sariah Wilson’s forward run and she made no mistake in hammering the ball into the roof of the Foxes’ net. 

The Flame began to manage the contest and slowed down the tempo of the game until the 70th minute when Wilson was forced from the field through injury.

With no replacements available, the hosts had to finish the game with 10 on the park. 

Fernhill consequently took the ascendency in the match and had their best spell of the game, going close on two occasions only to be denied by Sage Dixon in the Flame goal. 

The girls saw the game out to earn a memorable first victory in what was a fantastic outing for the side.

Player of the Week: Caitlin Russel

Caitlin was a constant threat with her forward movement and late arrivals into the opposition penalty area. 

It was a gutsy performance as she showed plenty of determination in winning the ball back for her team and looking to be effective in possession. 

Her role changed throughout the afternoon and she adapted to all tactical instructions given with great competence. 

Congratulations Caitlin.

MATCH DETAILS

Round 1 @ Ian McLennan Park

Sunday 28 March 2021

South Coast Flame – 2 (Maya Turner 27’, Sariah Wilson 46’)

Fernhill Foxes – 0

SOUTH COAST FLAME: 1. Sage DIXON, 2. Ruby BLANCH, 5. Taya KELLY, 6. Monique KOLOSKI, 7. Brooke LOVE, 8. Bethany PORTELLI, 9. Caitlin RUSSELL, 10. Maya TURNER, 12. Sariah WILSON, 13. Ernika BAKHTIARI, 14. Zinah HASAN