South Coast Flame travelled to Seymour Shaw to face UNSW in the club’s first-ever matchday in the FNSW Youth Girls League Two. 

U14 Girls | UNSW 0 South Coast Flame 1

The Under-14s first competitive match as a team would kick off Flame’s first-ever campaign in the FNSW Youth Girls League Two.  

There were some clear early game jitters from both sides which resulted in a few half chances for UNSW.

After the early exchanges, it was clear that the Flame were winning the midfield battle and began to control more of the ball. 

South Coast looked most dangerous with runners in behind the opposition while UNSW’s best moments came from set pieces. 

Despite chances falling for both sides, they headed into the break locked at 0-0. 

The second half saw more of the same with the Flame dictating the tempo of the game through midfield. 

This is ultimately where the girls found their winner as in the 50th minute, Caelin Rogers timed her run to perfection and found herself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom, right corner. 

With 20 minutes to play, it was clear that this changed the mindset of both teams as UNSW began flooding numbers forward and the Flame settled into a more defensive shape. 

Goalkeeper, Abigail Inman bailed the girls out in the 60th minute with a terrific 1-on-1 save to ensure the points were coming back down the M1. 

A special mention should be made to the travelling support who cheered and kicked every ball with our girls. A holistic, well deserved victory to kick off their campaign. 

Player of the Week: Isabella Elsner

Bella executed her tactical instructions with great proficiency on game day. She was a constant threat to the opposition and continually picked the ball up in dangerous areas, in between opposition lines. She has shown clear progression in her ability to play killer passes and was key in securing the girls’ first three points.

U15 Girls | UNSW 4 South Coast Flame 1

South Coast Flame Under-15s girls began their season on a warm morning at Seymour Shaw Park on Sunday morning. 

Flame were able to grab an early goal through brilliant perseverance from Ruby Milosevski in the third minute, and the girls enjoyed the majority of territorial dominance for the first 20 minutes. 

UNSW were able to claw themselves into the game from there onwards and began to enjoy the majority of the ball, as they were able to score two goals to be up 2-1 at halftime. 

With the squad already suffering from a few injuries and players suffering from dehydration on the day, UNSW proved to be too strong in the second half and ran out 4-1 winners.

Despite the injuries, it was great to see four of our Under-14s leading the way in the second half with Isabella Elsner, Shaelyn Petkovski, Zali Oliver and Caelin Rogers all backing up from the previous game. 

Player of the Week: Samantha Shallcross 

Sam Shallcross put in a massive effort in supporting the Under-15s squad this week. 

Filling in for three positions throughout the game as well as playing longer than planned before backing up for the Under-16s game, Sam showed great determination this week.

U16 Girls | UNSW 1 South Coast Flame 0

The Under-16’s started their campaign by travelling up the M1 on a hot morning to face UNSW at their temporary home, Seymour Shaw Park. 

The first 10 minutes indicated that this was to be an end-to-end game with two committed sides attempting to attack from the off. 

UNSW found most of their attacks down the right-hand side as they attempted to break the lines and put balls into the box while the Flame managed to create an overload in midfield to progress the ball. 

Despite having slightly more of the play, the Flame struggled to find the right options in the final third and were left slightly frustrated heading into the break at 0-0. 

As the second half began, it was clear that the heat was taking its toll and the already thin, Flame squad was pushed to their limits. 

This would not stop the girls from finding their best chance of the game though, as Maddison Day timed her run to perfection and found herself bearing down on goal, only to have her legs taken from under her at the vital moment. 

The resulting freekick was taken by Lili Rosandic who scraped the outside of the right-hand post with her effort. 

This wouldn’t be the final moment of drama in the contest as with 10 minutes to play, UNSW crossed a seemingly innocuous ball into the box which resulted in a misjudged clearance that brushed the outside of a Flame defenders arm. 

UNSW would convert the penalty kick and steal all three points. 

It was a harsh way to lose the game and the Flame can count themselves extremely unlucky in a contest that could have gone either way. 

The travelling support was strong as always and we look forward to Round 2.

Player of the Week: Ella Churchill 

Ella had a strong week in training. 

She has been challenged with a new role and position in the team. 

Her commitment to perform regardless of the position she plays in was on full display as in her first game as captain, Ella lead through her voice and actions. 

She was resolute in her defensive duties and won the ball with strong challenges on numerous occasions.

Well done Ella!