South Coast Flame picked up their first ever round 1 win at home following a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Gladesville Ryde in front of a good crowd at Ian McLennan Park.

Flame started well controlling possession with the first effort falling to James Baldacchino inside six minutes. His header from a looping corner had to be tipped over the bar by Gabriel Koliomihos. From the resulting corner, the clearance fell to Sam Alston who drove a long-range effort that had everyone holding their breathe.

Just a few minutes later, Genki Kohyama forced a strong one handed save from Jordan Bruce which fell to Lucas Fontes who should have perhaps done better as he scuffed his shot wide.

Flame was back up the other end and a series of shots were desperately blocked with Aaron Khan putting his body on the line to defend Magic’s goal.

The home side were poking and prodding throughout the first half and were rewarded on 25 minutes after Mitchell Turner played the ball into Michael Trajkovski. His neat flick put Genki Iwata in behind the defence as he drove the ball low and under the Koliomihos to put Flame ahead.

Just five minutes later, Iwata turned provider as he cut back a ball to Turner who turned the ball past the Koliomihos to double the hosts’ lead.

With Flame on top and just seconds later, Trajkovski forced a stinging save off Koliomihos.

On 35 minutes, Christopher Andry put in a dangerous cross that alluded everyone and just went the wrong side of the post.

Just seconds before half time, Sam Alston showed some neat footwork to create some space before firing a shot that went agonisingly wide.

Right after half time, Turner chased down a ball that looked like it was going out and crafted a chance that forced a strong save by Koliomihos.

On 62 minutes, Matt Mazevski won the ball in midfield with a strong tackle and slid the ball to Trajkovski who turned the defender and slipped it past the goalkeeper for Flame’s third goal.

On 70 minutes, Stefan Baker showed good footwork to cut in and shoot however unfortunately for the visitors, it went wide.

Gladesville will take some heart from the way they finished the game as on 76 minutes, Chris Gaitatzis forced a great save from Bruce and just two minutes later, they really should have pulled one back when Fontes missed a guilt edged chance deep into the game.

Flame managed to see out the win with coach Andrew Paine not getting too carried away with the result.

“Overall, it was a good start for us. We played some exciting football at times, but we need to be more consistent and avoid straying from the football we want to play. It was definitely a good starting point though”.

In the earlier game, an early goal from Ryan Plumridge was cancelled out by Zachary Morsink as both sides when into the break at one a piece despite Flame having the greater possession and chances.

Flame lit up in the second half as Antonio Sansone went on a weaving run and blasted Flame into the lead just minutes after the restart before U18 debutante Jake Morris chimed in with a neat finish to put Flame in command on 52 minutes.

Ten minutes later, Jay De Gouveia thumped a shot that went in off the post to make it four. Ryan Chard managed to bag a double inside the last 15 minutes before a defensive error saw Morsink grab a second and consolation for Gladesville.

The 20’s scoring a resounding 6-2 win in the season opener which will give them great confidence heading into the next few games.