SENIOR PREVIEWS | 23 MAY

Off the back of Flame largest-ever margin of victory last weekend, the side will travel to face powerhouse Newcastle Jets at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility on Sunday.

Flame recorded a whopping 6-0 victory over Western NSW last Saturday with Cody Waller earning a hattrick, Daniel Cooper picking up a brace and Jordan Host also getting on the scoresheet.

This result sees Flame keep their semi-final hopes alive as they sit seven points adrift of fifth spot as we make the halfway turn in the season.

The Jets currently sit three points off top spot with a game in hand, but they arguably have the best squad in the competition with a host of talented youngsters all looking to impress as they look to break into the A-League squad.

Newcastle have scored 49 goals in just 10 matches this season which is the highest rate across all four divisions of National Premier Leagues NSW competitions, and they have been ruthless at home so the boys will be in for a stern test.

Most recently, Newcastle defeated league-leaders Fraser Park 4-1 last Saturday night.

The side also got the better of the Flame in Round 1 as the boys were comprehensively beaten 5-0. It is a bit of a new look Flame side and the boys have been playing with much more confidence this month, so we hope to expect a more competitive match from the team.

The under-20s picked up their second point of the season sharing the points in a 2-2 draw with Western NSW.

Defensive errors are still hurting the team’s chances of getting better results and coming up against the league front runners this week, the boys will need to really be switched on defensively.

In the reverse fixture, the Jets showed no mercy dispatching the guys 10-0 but there continues to be improvement and with some of the fringe first team players now getting minutes in the U20, we can expect a closer game.

MATCH DETAILS

Newcastle Jets v South Coast Flame @ Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility

Sunday 23 May – 3.00 pm and 5.00 pm respectively.

The South Coast Flame Women’s side will face a trip to King Mickey Park when they take on Warilla Wanderers on Sunday afternoon.

Flame went down to Shellharbour Scorpions last round with a 3-2 defeat.

Jess Cruickshank and Sariah Wilson got the goals for South Coast with the side going in at the break 2-2.

A goal with just six minutes to play condemned Flame to their fourth defeat this season.

It is a young side who is learning some harsh lessons but there is no doubt that they will be better for the experience.

Warilla on the other hand sit level on points with Flame heading into this one and last Sunday lost 5-1 to Thirroul.

This is anyone’s game and it is a real opportunity for the Flame to get their second win of the season.

MATCH DETAILS

Warilla Wanderers v South Coast Flame @ King Mickey Park

Sunday 23 May – 2.00 pm.