The Strikers’ run of three games unbeaten was brought to an end when the home side went on a goal-scoring spree after half time.

With the scores tied 1-1 at the break, the hosts went ahead eight minutes after the restart, before Alyson Pym leveled it up again for the Ballarat girls in the 57^th minute. However, South put the result beyond doubt with further goals in the 60^th, 73^rd and 75^th minutes to complete the 5-2 triumph.

Claire Demuth scored in the first half for the Strikers, which were led by coach Rick Romein for the first time since returning from an extended layoff for health reasons.

Ballarat was left a little under-strength on Sunday, with four senior players unavailable for the clash. This saw Jas Emselle and Breanna Coombes elevated to the starting line-up.

The Strikers, fifth on the Football Federation Victoria women’s state league one north-west table, will break next weekend for a catch-up round.