It was a beautiful night for football with the sun setting over the South Coast Flames home pitch, Ian McLennan as the opening whistle blew.
Flame and Blacktown City were forced to share points after an entertaining 3-3 all draw. Cristina Barraza and Paula Mitchell both contributing to the score sheet.
Blacktown tested the Flame goal keeper, Ciara Wade early with a through ball from their midfielder, Cassidy Chidgey into the feet of Ashley Bax who drove a low ball pushed just outside of the post.
However, the Flame home side showed a controlled approach maintaining a large percentage of the possession in the first half. We often witnessed centre backs Alexis Malizis and Gemma Bishop dictating play and the side patiently building up through the lines until they reached the final third.
The heavily possessed flame side had their fair share of opportunities in the final third, although struggled to put them away
One notable moment, when Jarrah Fuz rolled off the shoulder of her defender near the by line, zipping the ball into Barraza at the top of the box who then fed the ball into the path of fullback Jessie Abbott. Abbott hit a first time shot which just tipped over the crossbar leaving the crowd on the edge of their seats.
Although Flame was eventually rewarded for their diligent approach after Malizis’s long ball was deflected off a Blacktown defender we saw the ball land at a calm and collected Barraza square in front of goal. Barraza volleyed the ball into the bottom of the net placing the home side into the lead in the 27th minute.
Not long before half time in the 42nd minute Blacktown managed to equalise. A clever flick on pass from Chidgey into wide channel for Claire Szymoniczek who then beat her defender and drove the ball across the face of the goal left flames defence scrambling. Flame managed to clear the ball, however, a quick regain of possession just outside the box gave Chidgey the chance to even the score line, burying the ball into the top corner.
The two sides finishing the half with one goal.
The Flame side came into the second half eager, creating their first chance only a couple minutes in. Ashley Kotevski feeding Fuz into the wide channel who attempted to square the ball for Mitchell back post, however, was the ball was neatly scoped up by goal keeper Amy Harkin.
The away side responded quickly with their own penetrating run out wide, this time, centreback, Malizis sliding into action and stopping the ball from reaching the feet of Chidgey in front of goal. The away side was awarded a corner that was bravely cleared by the head of Abbott.
In the 51st minute Barraza again placed her team in the lead with a memorable left foot goal. A lofted ball over the top from Fuz, found the head of Mitchell just outside the box who was able to flick the ball into the path of Barraza. Barraza gave the Blacktown goal keeper no chance with a screaming drive into the top netting.
It wasn’t long before the Flame side were able to extend their lead, Mitchell scoring just 3 minutes later. A penetrating run down the right side from Fuz resulted in a cross that landed at the head of Lisa Prior who managed to flick the ball back to the feet of Mitchell. The already committed keeper left an open goal for Mitchell to place the ball into the bottom corner.
However, the Blacktown side showed some impressive fight responding with a goal less than 10 minutes later threatening Flames lead. A risky loss of possession and accidental handball in the box lead to Blacktown being awarded a penalty. Chidgey comfortably slotted the ball into the corner beyond Wade.
Their courage didn’t stop there, with another goal in the 66th minute to even the score line. A throw into the feet of Amelia Savetta who placed a quick ball in behind the flame defence leading to cross being played into the box being met at full pace by striker, Szymoniczek. Szymoniczek first-time hit the ball beyond flame keepers reach, finalising the score 3-3.
Flame unfortunately couldn’t manage to maintain their lead, however, showed moments of attacking brilliance and patient possession which will continue to serve them as they move further into the season.
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