South Coast Flame And Newcastle Jets Book Grand Final Berths
The Football NSW League One Women’s Grand Final is set after two dramatic semi-finals unfolded across the weekend, with South Coast Flame FC overcoming Marconi Stallions FC before Newcastle Jets FC defeated Premiers SD Raiders FC in a penalty shootout to book their places in the decider next Sunday at Valentine Sports Park.
South Coast Flame secured a 2-1 victory at Marconi Stadium on Saturday night, while Newcastle Jets completed a remarkable comeback from two goals down before prevailing 3-2 on penalties after the scores were locked at 2-2 following 120 minutes.
Semi-Final 1: Marconi Stallions FC 1-2 South Coast Flame FC
South Coast Flame FC secured their place in the Grand Final with a pulsating 2-1 victory over Marconi Stallions FC at Marconi Stadium on Saturday night.
The Stallions, a testament to their season, fought until the final whistle after falling two goals behind, with Kaitlin Kiparizov pulling one back in the 53rd minute before Marconi threw everything at the Flame in search of an equaliser.
However, South Coast goalkeeper Sophie Emery stood tall throughout the second half to preserve the lead and send the Flame into their first Grand Final.
South Coast set up the victory with a fabulous first half, with Sariah Wilson and Shaylee Meehan finding the back of the net.
It was a tense start to the semi-final, with Hannah Voloder having a half-chance as the two sides worked each other out.
The Flame produced the first genuine opportunity when Wilson drove an effort from a tight angle, forcing Stallions goalkeeper Elizabeth Kerkham to parry the ball away.
South Coast then broke the deadlock in the 20th minute.
Meehan played a fantastic pass into the path of Wilson, who finished well to give the visitors the lead.
Buoyed by the opener, the Flame surged forward again.
Lara Dipple ghosted in from a free-kick but could only produce a tame effort straight at Kerkham.
The visitors doubled their advantage in the 36th minute.
Cristina Barraza produced a defence-splitting pass for Meehan, who swept home to make it 2-0.
Erinn Cleghorn was tireless for the Stallions throughout the first half, with her industry helping win possession before she looped an effort into the hands of Emery.
The Flame held off a late charge to take their two-goal advantage into the break in front of a healthy visiting contingent.
Marconi came out charging in the second half.
The ball fell to Bonovas on the edge of the box, forcing Emery into her first save of the half.
The Stallions pulled one back in the 53rd minute.
A perfectly delivered corner found Kiparizov, who turned the ball home to make it 2-1.
The energy of the game immediately shifted in Marconi’s favour.
Bonovas almost curled an effort into the net before having another free-kick saved, while Jasmyn Windsor showed off her pace to beat her defender and drive a low effort towards goal that Emery saved.
Momentum was with the Stallions as the game entered its final 15 minutes.
Marconi hunted the equaliser but could not find the finishing touch.
Cleghorn produced a fabulous cross which Windsor was unable to poke home before the Stallions threw everyone forward in stoppage time.
Emery stood tall once again, making another crucial save to preserve the Flame’s advantage and secure their place in the Grand Final.
Post-match, Marconi Stallions boss Michael Beauchamp reflected on a tight contest that could have gone either way.
“I think credit to our players for showing that we fight until the end. We had chances but it didn’t want to go in at the end,” Beauchamp said.
“It is another step forward for the side and now we look forward to next season and go again.”
South Coast Flame coach Daniel Naumovski praised his side’s first-half performance, which ultimately set up the victory.
“We were excellent in the first half and executed the game plan well before losing our way a bit in the second half,” Naumovski said.
“It has been a slow journey for the club but a calculated one which the girls deserve to celebrate.”
Match Stats
Marconi Stallions FC 1 (Kiparizov 53’)
South Coast Flame FC 2 (Wilson 20’, Meehan 36’)
Saturday 29 August 2026
Marconi Stadium #2
Referee: Charlotte Flynn
Assistant Referees: Hannah Pola & Sarah Ratcliffe
Marconi Stallions FC: 2. Elena Lekov, 3. Hannah Voloder, 4. Daniela Brekic, 5. Erinn Cleghorn, 6. Pene Bonovas, 8. Marie Herrera, 10. Hannah Voloder (14. Tania Baban 80’), 16. Carissa Herrera, 17. Kaitlyn Kiparizov, 19. Jasmyn Windsor, 34. Elizabeth Kerkham
Unused subs: 7. Ilana Kola, 12. Charmaine Marquinez, 20. Olivia Cole, 22. Angelica Manago, 32. Mary Hussain, 36. Ella Stewart
Yellow cards: M Herrera 65’
Red cards: Nil
South Coast Flame FC: 1. Sophie Emery, 2. Chrystal Duggan, 4. Alexis Malizis, 6. Abigail Jordan (23. Kaitlyn Colwill 85’), 7. Shaylee Meehan (15. Abbey Crapp 61’), 8. Lara Dipple, 10. Cristina Barraza (5. Ruby Blanch 68’), 11. Emily Kostovski, 12. Sariah Wilson, 16. Amanda Radmilo (13. Jessie Abbott 68’), 47. Amie Mastop
Unused subs: 3. Libby Loveday, 14. Olivia Cornall, 21. Stacey Ellis
Yellow cards: Colwill 86’, Kostovski 90+3’
Red cards: Nil
Semi-Final 2: SD Raiders FC 2-2 Newcastle Jets FC – Jets win 3-2 on penalties
Newcastle Jets FC won a dramatic penalty shootout after the scores were locked at 2-2 following 120 minutes to book their place in the Grand Final at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday night.
SD Raiders looked in control during the first half, with Golden Boot winner Taiana Almeida scoring in the 12th minute before Aoife Horgan doubled their advantage in the 17th minute.
However, Newcastle produced a comeback for the ages.
Mackenzie Preston-Poole pulled one back in the 62nd minute before Makayla Clifton levelled the scores in the 83rd minute.
With neither side able to find a winner during extra time, the contest went to penalties, where Newcastle goalkeeper Ally Boertje became the hero, saving three spot-kicks to send the Jets into the Grand Final.
The Premiers started the game on the front foot, with Jessica Neville seeing a long-range effort comfortably saved by Boertje.
Preston-Poole tried to get the Jets off the ground, flying down the wing but unable to produce an effort towards goal.
SD Raiders opened the scoring in the 12th minute.
Horgan rattled the crossbar with a shot before Almeida followed up to tap home and make it 1-0.
The Jets attempted to respond from a set piece, with Navah Crofton standing over a free-kick before firing over the bar.
SD Raiders doubled their advantage in the 17th minute.
Horgan showed off her wicked shot once again, sending an effort into the top corner to make it 2-0.
Full of momentum, the Premiers went forward again, with a corner falling to Sharina Harris, who volleyed wide.
Abigail Boag then cut inside her defender and curled an effort straight into the hands of Boertje.
The leaders came out of the break with intent, with Boag weaving past a defender before flashing an effort across goal.
SD Raiders had a chance to make it three in the 55th minute when Almeida was brought down inside the box.
The Golden Boot winner dusted herself off to take the penalty, but Boertje produced a stunning save to keep Newcastle in the contest.
Horgan then roamed forward again and linked with Sophia Furia, whose effort was denied by a defiant Boertje.
Newcastle finally halved the deficit in the 62nd minute.
Preston-Poole strode into the box, rounded the goalkeeper and slid the ball home to make it 2-1.
She tried to repeat the dose moments later with another stinging shot, but SD Raiders goalkeeper Natasha Pentecost pushed the effort wide.
The Jets completed their comeback in the 83rd minute.
Preston-Poole sped past her defender before cutting the ball back for Clifton, who finished to make it 2-2.
Neither team could find a dramatic winner, sending the contest into an additional 30 minutes.
Horgan had a pair of opportunities to put SD Raiders back ahead during extra time, but the Jets defence held firm.
Clifton had Newcastle’s best chance of the additional period, firing an effort towards goal that Pentecost dealt with well.
After 120 minutes could not separate the sides, it was down to penalties.
Boertje proved the difference, saving three spot-kicks to send Newcastle Jets into the Grand Final.
Post-match, Newcastle Jets coach Jamie Dunning reflected on a stunning comeback from his side.
“It was a great second half from the girls. We changed the game and it worked for us, hanging tough,” Dunning said.
“[Ally] Boertje was amazing and she had a fantastic game to help us make the Grand Final.”
For SD Raiders coach Samir Al-Seblani, it was a tense contest that brought an end to an otherwise successful season.
“It was a game of two halves tonight. We were composed in the first half and took our chances but then took our foot off the gas,” Al-Seblani said.
“When it gets to penalties, it is a coin flip really.”
Match Stats
SD Raiders FC 2 (Almeida 12’, Horgan 17’)
Newcastle Jets FC 2 (Preston-Poole 62’, Clifton 83’)
Newcastle Jets FC won 3-2 on penalties
Sunday 30 August 2026
Valentine Sports Park #2
Referee: Lara Hogan
Assistant Referees: Amber Morris & Grace Williams
SD Raiders FC: 1. Natasha Pentecost, 2. Sharina Harris, 6. Jessica Neville, 7. Abigail Boag, 8. Layne Knight, 9. Aoife Horgan, 10. Taiana Almeida, 13. Sophia Furia (14. Sarah Mandile 69’), 17. Madeleine Malone (22. Erin Phelan 73’), 33. Elana Topalidis, 39. Shayla Malouf (19. Brittany Dugan 61’)
Unused subs: 21. Caitlin Britton, 26. Maya Farrell, 34. Mia Stanmore, 37. Georgia Alexis
Yellow cards: Nil
Red cards: Nil
Newcastle Jets FC: 1. Ally Boertje, 5. Aaliyah Kilroy, 15. Lara Turner (35. Sunny Alston 69’), 16. Layla Sharpe (7. Charlotte Lowrie 60’), 17. Lillia Rae, 18. Mackenzie Preston-Poole, 19. Makayla Clifton, 33. Sarah Patmore (13. Julieanne Fox 60’), 36. Sophie Howarth (26. Ellie Boulton 113’), 37. Navah Crofton, 38. Isabella Walshe (70. Matilda Fleming 60’)
Unused subs: 40. Lily-Rose Dunbar
Yellow cards: Howarth 71’
Red cards: Nil
By Justin Davies
