UNDER 14 GIRLS | SOUTH COAST FLAME 0 – 3 NORTHBRIDGE BULLS @ THE FURNACE | SAT 20 AUG 2022

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UNDER 15 GIRLS | SOUTH COAST FLAME 1 – 5 NORTHBRIDGE BULLS @ THE FURNACE | SAT 20 AUG 2022

With a few players missing due to injury and players playing up in the older age groups, the Flame girls were up for a test on Sunday morning against high-flying Northbridge.

With several U14’s players featuring, with our eleven on the pitch featuring five U14’s players at one point – the Flame girls played some attractive football in patches and did not let themselves down in adverse circumstances against quality opposition.

The girls can hold their heads high given the circumstances, with this game giving us a great opportunity to give several U14’s players some minutes in the older age group.

Special mention must go to Izzy Nitor from the U14’s who made her U15’s debut in the last half an hour on the left wing. You could make an argument that she was the best player on the pitch from the moment she stepped onto the pitch. Well done girls!

Player of the Week | Sophie Bailey

In a game where she was called upon quite a few times, our young goalkeeper showed maturity beyond her years in a strong performance between the sticks despite the score line.

UNDER 16 GIRLS | SOUTH COAST FLAME 2 – 2 NORTHBRIDGE BULLS @ THE FURNACE | SAT 20 AUG 2022

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UNDER 20 GIRLS | SOUTH COAST FLAME 0 – 6 NORTHBRIDGE BULLS @ THE FURNACE | SAT 20 AUG 2022

• No report available –

FIRST GRADE WOMEN | SOUTH COAST FLAME 0 – 1 NORTHBRIDGE BULLS @ THE FURNACE | SAT 20 AUG 2022

Coming into this match, Flame were looking to maintain their five-game unbeaten record.

The last time the girls encountered this Northbridge team, the score line was very skewed towards the opponent. The objective of the game was to compete and win at home versus a top of the table team.

After defending multiple corners in the opening 14 minutes, Flame got into the flow of the game. On the 15 min mark, some crafty dribbling and explosive play by Lulu Lozano down the left-hand side led to a cut back cross into the box by Rachelle Wang to get Lexi Malizis free to fire home a shot. Unfortunately, it was directly at the goalkeeper.

The game continued with no real clear-cut chances by either side for a long period of time. Off the back of a Charlotte Palmisano kick, the opponent central defender struggled to control the ball. Malizis pressed hard and with Jess Cruickshank in support, she was able to make a tackle to get the ball free to Lozano. The Northbridge keeper was out of position and Lozano fired from deep range to unfortunately strike the inside of the post. The ball looked to have gone in, but the Bulls defender cleared it off the line.

Flame and Northbridge were evenly matched showing great defensive structure and resolve. Going into half time a few tweaks were made in the tactical objectives.

The visitors came out of the break rapidly. Three minutes in, Palmisano came out to punch a high ball. blocks a more shot and then made the save after the rebound fell to an opponent player. Great work by the Flame goalkeeper.

Only moments later, Bulls were able to get the first goal of the match. Flame were caught on transition and couldn’t clear the cross from wide. Bulls’ striker Cate Gyzen heading it home cleanly with a smart run in behind the defenders.

On the back of this, Flame kicked into gear. Caitlin Russell made a tackle deep in our half to get the ball out wide to Wang who combined with Malizis. She was able to find Lozano sprinting out wide and down the line. Lozano collected the ball, squared the defender, and rifled a show away only to find the in inform Bulls goalkeeper.

The Bulls were rampant in attack for the next ten minutes, but the Flame held them off, limiting them to some half chances but nothing worrying.

In the 70th minute, Malizis was busy again, winning the ball in the middle of the park, she combined with Lozano, to get Sariah Wilson free on the edge of the box. She again only found the hands of the goalkeeper.

Into injury time, Russell again won the ball on the edge of her box where she found Caley Tallon-Henniker out wide and free. The crowd held their breath as she made a 60-metre run, skipping past two defenders to fire a shot at goal which went agonisingly wide. Unfortunately, that is how the game ended.

Player of the Week | Alexis Malizis

Excellent performance against Northbridge Bulls