Words: Matt Dorman

Sunshine Coast Women held off a fast-finishing Peninsula Power Women to win a 5-4 thriller at A.J. Kelly Park on Sunday.

Fire led 5-1 just after half time but were forced to endure a nervy final 10 minutes in order to record a third straight victory.

An indicator of the action to come arrived in just the 5^th minute as Power opened the scoring through midfielder Samantha Harrington.

After the hosts failed to capitalise on a few other early chances, the match was turned on its head in a devastating spell from Fire striker Samara Christmas.

The 18-year-old equalised in the 28^th minute before adding another two in the next 10 minutes for her third hattrick of the season, while Sofie Persson still found time to grab one of her own for a 4-1 lead at the break.

Not content with that stunning surge, Fire seemingly put the result beyond doubt just three minutes after the restart thanks to Danielle White’s third goal of the year.

Brittany Whitfield had other ideas though and set about dragging the home side back into the match with her first of the afternoon in the 57^th minute.

The 20-year-old then converted from the spot five minutes later, before incredibly pulling Power to within one goal by completing her own treble with 10 minutes remaining.

The mountain ultimately proved too much as Fire held on to add to last weekend’s defeat of league-leaders Eastern Suburbs Women.

Speaking after the match, Power coach Allan Waller rued the manic first half action.

“We started well. We certainly had a few chances but didn’t take them and then in a 15-minute period were totally outplayed," Waller said.

Fire coach Dave Bensted was pleased to secure victory but felt his team had room for improvement.

"Obviously to get the three points is important but overall the performance was only good in patches," Bensted said.

Peninsula Power FC Women 4 (Samantha HARRINGTON 5’ Brittany WHITFIELD 57’, p.62’, 79’)
Sunshine Coast FC Women 5 (Samara CHRISTMAS 28’, 32’, 38’ Sofie PERSSON 43’ Danielle WHITE 48’)