South Coast Flame went down 5-3 to reigning champions Albion Park on Sunday afternoon at Terry Reserve.

The opening half an hour involved both sides settling into the contest and attempting to gain control of possession. 

The Flame showed their technical qualities and began to control more of the ball although Albion Park were looking very threatening on the counter. 

In the 29th minute, Park took the lead through a long-range strike that travelled through a crowd and caught the Flame keeper unsighted. 

This lead did not last long, however, as Brooke Love scored directly from a corner in the 34th minute to square the ledger.

In an entertaining finish to the half, Albion Park hit the front again with a neat finish over the keeper. 

Flame went into the break 2-1 down. 

The beginning of the second half saw Albion Park flex their muscles as they began to pull away, scoring two quickfire goals in the 54th and 58th minute to put them ahead 4-1. 

This sparked a tactical change from the Flame in an attempt to salvage something against the champions. 

These changes lead to a smart combination that found Emily Franklin in front of goal, who finished into the bottom left corner to pull one back. 

The momentum began to shift in South Coast’s favour and it took only three minutes for the Flame to find the net again through Jess Cruickshank to make the score 4-3. 

Despite continuing to push for an equaliser, the South Coast Flame were halted as Albion Park killed the contest with a fifth goal late in the game. 

Player of the Week: Brooke Love 

Brooke was challenged with a new approach throughout the week and shone on match day. 

Her organisation of the backline led to an overall collective improvement out of possession. 

She hardly put a foot wrong all game and scored a vital goal in a period in which Albion Park were threatening to run away with the game before half time. 

Well done Brooke.

MATCH DETAILS

Round 3 @ Terry Reserve

Sunday 25 April 2021

Albion Park – 5

South Coast Flame – 3 (Brooke Love, Emily Franklin, Jess Cruickshank)