South Coast Flame returned to the winners circle following a 2-1 win over Prospect United at Ian McLennan Park on Sunday night.
Goals to Michael Trajkovski and Zander Alston set the platform for an important three points before Anthony Idehen scored what was a consolation goal right at the death for Prospect United.
The game started up tempo with Sam Alston slashing a volley over the top of the bar inside three minutes.
Flame dominated the early possession however it was Daniel Mihajlovic who got on the end of a cross for Prospect however the ball was safely gathered by Zinnato.
Flame hit the lead on 17 minutes with a long ball over the top catching Prospect napping. Trajkovski was first to latch on to it and he calmly chipped the goalkeeper to give Flame the go ahead goal.
Not long after, Genki Iwata and Trajkovski linked up well just outside the box. Trajkovski’s shot taking a wicked deflection as it just went wide. From the resulting corner, Iwata nearly caught Prospect out as he fired at the near post forcing a strong save.
Midway through the half, Trajkovski tore through the Prospect defence and a smothering save denied him a second.
Prospect settled the game as they weathered the Flame storm seeing out the half just one down.
Yianni Perkatis intercepted a loose ball on 53 minutes driving forward and letting loose a ripping shot that forced an outstanding save from Connor Gilbert.
Prospect failed to head the warning and just minutes later, Jay Gouveia combined with Iwata and a beautiful cross found Alston lurking on the far post as he thundered the ball into the roof of the net from close range to put Flame in control.
This seemed to trigger Prospect. Jacob Micallef piercing the Flame defence on 62 minutes and his low shot forced a strong save from Zinnato. Just a minute later, Tallon Zahra let fly a shot from 25 yards which brought about an amazing save from Zinnato.
Prospect finally started to look dangerous. Things were made a little harder for Flame as Matt Mazevski saw red following a second caution on 64 minutes.
The game started to open up and some great work from Sam Alston found Trajkovski on the edge of the box. His managed to turn his opponent and shoot forcing another good save from Gilbert.
On 76 minutes, Prospect perhaps put together their best move of the match which saw the ball played into Idehen who turned and shot however it just went inches wide.
As we moved into the last ten minutes, Reo Hirose forced a finger tip save from Zinnato.
On 86 minutes, Shaan Birring missed a free header from six yards as Flame were caught on the back foot following a whipped in corner.
Namito Tsuchiya nearly made it three for Flame in stoppage time as his shot was well saved on the near post.
Prospect did find a goal with the last kick of the game. Flame failed to clear a corner and the ball bell to Idehen who volleyed into the ground with the bouncing through a crowd of players and into the net.
It was the last kick of the game as Flame were relieved to take the points.
The boys travel to Sydney University midweek in a catch up fixture.
In the earlier match, the Under 20 were forced to settle for a 3-3 in a see sawing battle.
Matthew Page getting Flame off to a strong start with goals in the 11th and 30th minute. Ethan Kerek pulled a goal back for Prospect just before half time.
Lachlan Cremona converted a penalty to make it 2-2 before Jyden Harb scored a great goal on 67 minutes to put Flame back in front. Cremona volleyed home his second on 74 minutes to draw the sides level again.
Despite both sides pushing hard, neither side could find a winner and shared the points.
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