South Coast Flame welcomed Blacktown City to Ian McLennan Park on Sunday in Round 3.

It was a great day for the sides claiming three wins from the three games.

U14 Girls | South Coast Flame 4 Blacktown City 1

Flame started the game slowly and were punished by Blacktown’s first attack of the game, conceding after just three minutes. 

The rest of the first half was back and forth with both teams seeing good chances go missing, with some help from some superb goalkeeping efforts from both sides. 

However, on 25 minutes, Maddison Hooten was able to beat the goalkeeper, low to her near post to send Flame into the break 1-1. 

Some minor adjustments made at half time and the changes were seen immediately as South Coast began to take charge, consequently taking the lead five minutes into the half. 

Ruby Milosevski charged down a clearance from City’s keeper and the rebound bouncing into the net. 

Confidence was sky high from here on and this showed, as the hosts started to create chance after chance. 

Indiana Garvan put the game to bed as she scored two goals in two minutes in an almost identical fashion. 

Madeline Steel breaking the Blacktown backline with a through ball, Indiana calmly placing the ball in the bottom right corner.

The side saw the rest of the game out comfortably with a very solid second-half performance.

Player of the Week: Abbey Haley

Abbey has moved from the backline into midfield this season and has made big strides playing the number-six position. 

Against Blacktown City, Abbey was defensively solid and was able to perform the half-time instructions given to her to great effect.

U15 Girls | South Coast Flame 2 Blacktown City 0 

For the first time this season, Ian Mclennan played host to Blacktown City. 

It was a very dominant overall performance by the Flame. 

Just moments after the first whistle, some nice combination play lead to a shot that was deflected for a corner. 

As the half progressed, the girls began to gain controlled possession and dictate the tempo of the game. 

The only thing missing from a holistic first-half performance was a goal as the sides went into the break unable to be separated. 

The second half began with some slight tactical adjustments to attempt to breach the Blacktown fortress. 

The same theme continued with the Flame having the lions share of the ball, attempting to break down City’s defensive block. 

The breakthrough came in the 55th minute as Sam Shallcross controlled a mishit clearance with her head, went round her defender and fired into the far top corner. 

After being frustrated for so long, two goals came within 70 seconds of each other. 

The second being scored by Alivia Beath after a strong, direct run from Mckenzie Webb. 

It was a pleasure to watch the girls execute the game plan that was asked of them.

Credit is due for remaining patient until their efforts were rewarded on the scoreboard. 

Player of the Week: Alyssa Nicovska 

Alyssa had a phenomenal week at training. She has shown vast improvement in her ball-striking, running with the ball and tactical awareness. 

She was crucial in our game against Blacktown and was a constant threat, regardless of the position she was playing in while still maintaining her defensive discipline. 

Well done Alyssa!

U17 Girls | South Coast Flame 3 Blacktown City 1

South Coast looked to continue their strong start to the season with a hard-earned win at home to Blacktown City. 

Flame started the game strongly, dictating possession and creating chances early. 

A low cross from the left found its way to Emily Kostovski on the back post who comfortably placed it in the net to give her team a 1-0 lead and her second goal in two weeks. 

As the half progressed, South Coast went from strength to strength, creating a number of good chances; the Blacktown City goalkeeper keeping her team in the game with two great saves from Piper Cowen attempts. 

On 25 minutes, Lauren Brooks got herself on the scoresheet as she pounced on a defensive error from Blacktown, tapping the ball into an open goal.

Three minutes later, City were given a lifeline as a defensive error led to a freekick outside the area, which the City player put over the wall and into the top corner. 

The Flame’s lead was halved heading into the break. 

The second half was quite a scrappy affair as both teams began to increase the intensity and physicality. 

It was South Coast who were able to come out the more composed of the two teams and it was Lauren Brooks again who restored the two-goal lead. 

A great splitting pass from Kate Gorham found Piper Cowen in space, who delivered a cross for Lauren Brooks on a silver platter. 

Lauren smashing it past the keeper to give South Coast a 3-1 lead and a well-deserved win.

Player of the Week: Kate Gorham

Kate has thrived in her new position at centre-back and has become a colossus in the Flame backline. 

Her defensive intensity and determination in the tackle are outstanding. 

Against Blacktown City, Kate made a number of important tackles in crucial situations and was calm and composed when in possession.