Words: Matt Dorman
Image: Emily Wilson/Sunshine Coast FC

Bethany Ashton’s swift hattrick has led The Gap Women to a 3-2 win over Sunshine Coast Women on Sunday despite a late Fire fightback.

Fire pulled to within a goal in the closing stages at Kawana Soccer Club but were unable to completely recover from Ashton’s opening salvo.

The Gators forward struck three times in the first 20 minutes to give her side a healthy early lead in what appeared an ominous sign for the hosts.

Play began to take on an end-to-end complexion, however, as Fire fought their way back into the match, eventually breaking through for a goal courtesy of Jessica Davy.

Marcena Hunter netted soon after and it seemed as if the hosts might snare a hard-earned draw, but the comeback was ultimately left too late as the away side held on to take all three points.

Speaking post-match, Gators coach Rob Askew registered displeasure with his team’s failure to control the contest.

“It wasn’t our greatest performance by any means, in fact it was probably one of our more ordinary performances of the last few seasons,” Askew said.

The sentiment was reversed for Fire coach Dave Bensted, who drew positives from the late comeback.

“To be 2-0 down against a team like The Gap is always going to be hard but we got back into the game so I was pleased,” Bensted said.

Listen to the full post-match interviews below.

Sunshine Coast Women 2 (Jessica DAVY, Marcena HUNTER)
The Gap Women 3 (Bethany ASHTON x3)