Firebirds retain perfect record

The South West Firebirds remain unbeaten in the women’s State division one, following Sunday’s clinical 5-1 win over Fremantle City at Wauhop Park.

Despite the visitors making an enterprising beginning, the hosts took the lead in the 18th minute following a confident finish from a well rehearsed set piece.

However Stephen Suttie’s side refused to buckle, with Eleanor Coventry coming off the bench at the half hour mark.

With an appetite to score goals evident, Coventry’s up front striking partner Lucy Scott scored a quickfire hat trick in six minutes to secure all three points.

Post-game, Suttie told the South Western Times he was pleased with how his side performed in tricky conditions.

“It was a danger game and I was very worried about it,” he said.

“They had just knocked Queens Park off the top a couple of weeks ago and they narrowly lost to Subiaco.

“So they had been going along quite well and we had Asha McClurg out, along with Eleanor Coventry on the bench.

“But again, the girls pulled it together. It was a tighter match than 5-1 suggests, but at the end of the day we had a lot of quality in our final third and Fremantle didn’t.

“And we were able to punish them.”

Suttie commended Coventry’s performance off the bench and was delighted with how she applied herself on the pitch.

“She showed appetite to get things done and worked hard when we didn't have the ball,” he said.

“She showed a really good attitude and wants to be back in the team and start.

“And I’m sure it won’t be too long until she is.”

The Firebirds travel to Jubilee Reserve on Sunday and face second bottom Bassendean Caledonian FC, who have picked up five points from a possible 18 this season.

Despite Caledonian’s lowly position on the table, Suttie is well aware of the dangers they can pose to his side.

“Away trips we always have to be careful,” he said.

“It’s not easy because some of our girls have been sitting in the car for three hours to get to the Perth games.

“It’s always got that element of risk in it. Bassendean beat league leaders UWA Nedlands earlier this season, which was a real shock at the time.”