The South West Phoenix Firebirds kicked off their 2019 season campaign with a 4-2 win over Wanneroo City on Sunday afternoon.
The Firebirds came back from 2-0 down to prevail, defeating last year's runners-up in a positive start to the season.
The Firebirds went into the match following a bye in Round One and a postponed fixture in Round Two. Despite a long, hard pre-season, the team was scratchy in the first half.
Wanneroo City dominated much of the opening half-hour and scored two goals, while the Firebirds were unable to keep possession.
The Firebirds were uncharacteristically poor in possession. Their pace, however, always looked likely to cause problems for Wanneroo.
Just before half time, Eleanor Coventry used her pace to burst free of the Wanneroo defence and score in typical fashion. Her efforts got the Firebirds to within striking distance.
After a stern talking-to at half time, the Firebirds came out a different team in the second half.
Asha McClurg took control in defence and Shauna Wetherell started to dominate in midfield.
Wetherell started the move which led to the equaliser. She fed the ball to Katie McDermott, who then passed to Nicole Suttie. Suttie kicked to Coventry, who ran through and slotted her and the Firebirds' second.
Coventry claimed her third, after she headered it in from Wetherell's corner.
The Firebirds took control, and Captain Lucy Scott rounded out the scoring with a fine individual effort, with ten minutes remaining, to make it 4-2.
Following a slow start, the result and second half performance were pleasing.
"The first half was below the standards we set, but credit to the players for the way they turned it around," Firebirds coach Stephen Suttie said.
"The second half was very good, and we're glad to get the win on the board."
This weekend, the Firebirds travel to newly-promoted Port Kennedy in search of another win.
South West Phoenix's Under 13s sit third on the ladder after five rounds (with two wins, one draw, and a loss).
The U14s and U15s have achieved mixed results so far, while the U16s have already picked up 3 wins, one loss, and a draw.
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