The Flame First-Grade Men’s side will have been disappointed to only take a point last weekend against Western Rage at the Furnace despite trailing in the opening match of the season.

On the positive side, it was great to see several Flame graduates getting their first official senior men’s cap.

Debutant Lucas Ayala and Matthew Mazevski got the goals for South Coast in a 2-2 draw.

Flame have not managed to beat Parramatta in their short history having managed two draws from their previous four match ups. Flame will however be keen to break this mini-hoodoo and pick up all three points this time around at Melita Stadium. In the corresponding fixture last year, the Eagles prevailed 1-0. The Eagles showed strong form in the abandoned 2021 season finishing fourth.

Parramatta was downed 4-0 by Newcastle Jets last week, with a comprehensive first-half performance seeing Newcastle take a 3-0 lead at halftime, before adding another just after the resumption of play.

Flame will be buoyed by the return of Jack Balmforth (see Flame TV here) as well as Logan Mathie from suspension and will be sweating on the fitness (injury) of a couple more players. One suspects there will not be much between the two sides on Saturday night.

In the Under-20s, Flame earned a 2-0 win over Western Rage.

Two second-half goals from Jordan Wright and Hasan Ayoub saw the side take all three points. It wasn’t one of their most fluent performances however given the number of players missing through promotion and injury, Stan Pappas will be pleased to have got the win.

Flame will go into their match this week with great confidence and will be keen to carry on their recent form against Parramatta on Saturday afternoon.

MATCH DETAILS

Parramatta FC v South Coast Flame @ Melita Stadium

Saturday 19 March:

U20s: 3:00 pm

First Grade: 5:00 pm

The Youth Boys had another good showing with three wins and two defeats against Bonnyrigg White Eagles. The boys travel to Valentine Sports Park taking on Northbridge Bulls.

It was pleasing to see Flame finish on the right side of the scoreboard in some of the close games this week. Some great character shown by the boys.

The 13 Boys continue their hot start to the season and sit in third spot. They will fancy their chances this week against the Bulls who have only managed one win from four games.

The 14 Boys face a stern test against the competition leaders, and they will need to show some steel if they are going to get anything out of their match this week.

The 15 Boys have lost their last three matches and will be looking to arrest that form this week. If they can put it together, they are a chance at getting their season back on track.

The 16 Boys are undefeated so far and find themselves in second spot. They have been quite stingy in defence having conceded just two goals from four matches. Expecting a low scoring affair here with Flame hopefully getting the chocolates.

It was the first win of the season for the 18 Boys last week and they were forced to work for it. It was great to see the boys finally win a close one. Hopefully, this will spur them on for back to back wins.

MATCH DETAILS

Northbridge Bulls v South Coast Flame @ Valentine Sports Park

Saturday 19 Match:

Youth Boys: Starting from 8:30 am

The Women’s First Grade went down 5-2 last weekend against South East Phoenix.

Despite a disappointing result, there were plenty of positives for the side with Kellie McIntyre scoring a goal, as well as Jess Cruickshank, continuing her fine goalscoring form this season.

Flame had a poor first half by their standard and despite dominating the second half, they simply left themselves too much to do.

This weekend, Flame will travel to face Hills United who have won all three of their games this season so far. This will be another stern test for the Young Flame team.

Flame captain Emi Skopal put in an inspiring performance against South East Phoenix and will be looking to lead the team into what may be considered an upset this Sunday.

After a slow start to the season, the Under-20s made it back-to-back wins with a 2-1 victory against South East Phoenix last Sunday.

Brooke Love and Monique Koloski scored the goals for the Flame, seeing the side in sixth position. Libby Loveday also played well showing great composure against the Phoenix.

Flame will fancy their chances with their third victory in a row against a Hills United side that have failed to pick up a win this season.

It was a challenging week for the Youth Girls’ teams with two defeats and a draw against South East Phoenix.

The girls will be hoping for a stronger set of results this weekend against Hills United where they have met a number of times through the former Girls Conference League competitions.

The 14 Girls were involved in a goal fest last week. One would normally expect to win a game having scored five goals however it wasn’t to be. They will probably start as favourites to beat Hills this week.

The 15 Girls lost a narrow one and one can expect another very close game against a team they have enjoyed great rivalry with over the past few years.

The 16 Girls may well be a little disappointed not to get all three points last week as they were forced to settle for a draw. They face a battle against an in-form Hills side this week.

The Under-14s and Under-15s will also be in action on Friday night against Camden Tigers in some catch-up games at Ian McLennan Park.

Hills United v South Coast Flame @ Bella Vista Public School 

Youth Girls: Starting from 8:30 am

U20s: 1:30 pm

First Grade: 3:45 pm