The day got off to stuttering start against F6 neighbours Sutherland with losses in the opening two games before the safety of players and officials was observed due to lightning in the area. This appeared to disrupt the visiting club as they came up short the rest of the day with the highlight the win in the Open Women’s.

14 Girls | South Coast Flame 0-5 Sutherland FA

The Furnace was anything but firing on a rainy, dim morning at Ian McLennan Park. Conditions made a big impact on the game as the ball and players alike were slipping and skidding all over the place.

Sutherland began the game in a strong manner and were consistently getting opportunities to deliver the ball from a wide area. This eventually resulted in a parried cross from the Flame goalkeeper which was pounced upon by the Sutherland forward to make the score 1-0.

The misery was compiled when the Shire’s fast start was rewarded with a second goal in as many minutes. Some defensive changes stemmed the flow of Sutherland attacks, but the Flame couldn’t prevent the visitors from scoring a third on the stroke of half time.

In the second half, Flame approached the game with renewed vigour and managed to fashion some chances through Isabella Elsner and Caelin Rogers.

As conditions began to settle, the contest became more competitive but a few injuries late on ensured that Sutherland would continue to pile on the pressure and scored two more goals late in the match to complete scoring.

We send our thoughts to Isabella Hinds who suffered a fractured wrist late on in the contest. We wish you a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing you back on the pitch very soon!

Player of the Week – Grace Manzau
Grace did a tremendous job covering for defenders and seemed be everywhere in the second half. Her judgement of the aerial ball in wet conditions deserves a special mention. After a week out, Grace returned and made a big impact on game day. Well done!

15 Girls | South Coast Flame 0-1 Sutherland FA

Our U/15’s hosted an in-form Sutherland Shire over the weekend – a team currently equal-top of the ladder on points.

We got off to a brilliant start early in the game and dominated the early stages. An unfortunate injury to Amity Longbottom early in the game had us make a change to our backline which was already missing key players, leaving us with a makeshift back four including some midfielders and U/14’s players who did a mammoth job.

Momentum was slightly halted after the injury break, but the squad continued to battle well and create numerous chances, but we couldn’t find an opener and went into the break at 0-0.

The fight continued into the second half until Sutherland scored an unfortunate goal caused by fatigue in our backline. Nevertheless, we continued to push on.

Unfortunately, five minutes after Sutherland’s goal, the game had to be called early due to lightning in the area – handing us an unfortunate 1-0 defeat.

The U/15’s should keep their heads up high after the weekend as this game showed that they do belong and can outperform the best teams in this competition.

Player of the Week – Matilda Armitt

Both at training and in games, Matilda Armitt is showing great progress on the pitch. Her dynamic runs down the left wing make her a dangerous prospect for opposition fullbacks and help us in creating overloads in wide areas.

16 Girls | South Coast Flame v Sutherland FA (abandoned)

Unfortunately, the U16’s tie between the South Coast Flame and Sutherland Shire FA was abandoned due to lightning in the area and the contest will be replayed at a later date.

Under 20 | South Coast Flame 1-1 Sutherland FA

South Coast Flame welcomed Sutherland Shire FA to Ian McLennan Park for the first competitive local derby between the two clubs at this level and grade.

Flame started well in possession and were able to break open the Sutherland defence early with Emily Kostovski and Mia Riza both getting chances in the opening minutes. Sutherland were disciplined in their press and were able to force mistakes from the Flame backline on multiple occasions, fortunately, 13 year old debutant Sophie Bailey in the Flame goal stood tall and repelled their attempts.

However, on the half hour, a Sutherland shot destined for the top corner was parried away by Bailey, only for the rebound to drop to the feet of the Shire attacker who reacted fastest and tapped into an open goal from a tight angle to give Sutherland the lead.

Flame recovered well and continued to build attack after attack on the Shire goal. Their persistence was rewarded two minutes before half time. Emily Kostovski beat the offside trap with a delicate first touch that took her 1v1 with the goalkeeper. Kostovski making no mistake, finishing into the right corner to level scores just before the break.

Flame continued to play good football in the second half as the rain continued to fall and make conditions tricky for both teams. Lili Rosandic entered the field and her delivery from the left channel caused havoc with the Shire defensive line. Emily Kostovski getting on the end of a Rosandic cross only to be brought down in the area, but the referee seeing no foul and waving play on. Both teams pushed for the winner but falling short.

A draw probably being the fair result on the balance of play of what was an entertaining game of football.

Player(s) of the Week – Emily Kostovski + Sophie Bailey
Emily’s start to the season has been outstanding, as she has often been the best player on the field for Flame. Her first touch for the goal in the first half was straight out of the top drawer and her determination throughout was critical to the team’s performance.

There must be a mention for 13-Year-old Sophie Bailey who stepped into goals on Saturday and owned the position from the outset. Composure beyond her years and safe hands throughout the match. A star in the making and one to watch for the future. Congratulations Sophie!

Senior Women | South Coast Flame 2-1 Sutherland FA

The Flame went into the game with a new mentality and a good week of training preparation. A new debut for the club with the 16-year-old Tahlia Sharrock stepping up to First Grade to replace Charlotte Palmisano (injured) in goals.

The game started at a high intensity, and it was clear that this had local derby written all over it.

The combination of Kellie McIntyre and Alexis Malizis allowed the wingbacks of Caley Tallon-Henniker and Caitlin Russell to get in behind to deliver regular cut back crosses into the box for the likes of Emi Skopal and Jess Cruickshank to get on to.

A new look backline of Libby Loveday, Darby Walsh and Kellie McIntyre were organised and persistently kept the Sutherland’s attack at bay.

Tahlia Sharrock was playing a high line in goals, and this meant that she could sweep the long balls over the backline, allowing us to get on the counterattack.

Throughout the first half Cruickshank pressed hard and her aggression in the forward line led to her cutting out passes or winning 1v1 duels to get the Flame chances on goal.

It was the fearless leader Skopal who opened the scoring after keeping calm as she launches a long range shot that found the bottom left as it brushed the inside of the net nicely to make it 1-0 to Flame.

Sutherland perked up and started to play harder. Ebony Freeman and McIntyre again leading the way with bone crunching tackles firmly taking control of the centre of the park.

Against the run of play, Sutherland capitalised on a loose ball and scored a long-range effort of their own to draw level.

Flame came out fired up in the second half dominating the game and pressing collectively. Flame was winning the battle and starting to get control of the game. The press was effective and winning the ball high led to a Flame corner. Sariah Wilson whipped in a in swinger at pace. The reliable Cruickshank was at the end of it with a thumping header giving the goalkeeper no chance.

Flame maintained the pressure and held out the game to comfortably take home the three points.

Player of the Week – Kellie McIntyre

Outstanding performance against Sutherland. Displaying a winning mentality and execution of tactical tasks.