South Coast took the lead through a Matthew Mazevski penalty, before Nepean levelled the scoreline after two dubious red cards for South Coast.

Nepean are tipped as one of the State League's competition favourites in 2019, and looked to assert their dominance early in the piece.

Their first true chance of the game came in the sixth minute, after some beautiful combinations from their midfield forced the ball towards the head of Farres Aoun.

Aoun's header hit the crossbar, as Nepean threatened from the get-go.

South Coast had a chance to take the lead in the 16th minute after a link-up between Justin Smith and Hiroaki Ushijima troubled the Nepean defence.

Smith was able to find Ushijima's feet, before the Japanese attacker was able to turn and shoot towards goal.

The shot brushed past Nepean's left post, and the scores remained level.

As the first half went on, the Flame were allowed more possession of the ball and were able to create some dangerous attacks.

In the 29th minute, Ushijima was able to slot the ball out wide to Louis Connell.

Connell was able to hit a dangerous cross into the Nepean penalty area, but the power of the cross was too much for Ushijima in the box as the ball breezed past the oncoming attacker.

The first half concluded with neither side able to break the deadlock.

There was plenty of intensity from both squads, however no goals to show.

South Coast were an improved outfit in the second half, and began to control more possession more so than what they were able to in the first half.

The game was brought to life in the 54th minute, after South Coast were able to take the lead.

Mazevski was able to lob the ball over the Nepean defence into the path of Ushijima, who was fouled in the box after gaining possession of the ball.

Mazevski thundered the ball into the top left corner, converting his third penalty in two weeks.

Nepean were awarded a penalty of their own in the 59th minute, after Reec was fouled in the box following a defensive scramble.

Captain Matthew White was able to save Aoun's powerful penalty, and a sense of belief was instilled into the Flame's squad as the chances of an upset grew greater.

Tension grew around Ian McLennan Park after Smith was shown his second yellow in the 78th minute, and South Coast had to hold firm despite the adverse circumstances.

Things went from bad to worse for the Flame, after Nepean were awarded a dubious penalty in the 79th minute - which lead to Jayden Smileski being shown his second yellow card of the night as South Coast were reduced to nine men.

White could not save Reec's penalty, and Nepean found an equaliser.

The Flame had to hold firm if they were going to get a result, and that is exactly what they did.

South Coast continued to fend away a barrage of Nepean attacks in the closing stages of the match, and were able to hold on for a well-fought draw against the club championship favourites.

South Coast Flame coach Paul Robaard was delighted with his side's resilience against the competition heavyweights, even after finishing the game with 9 men.

"They worked hard. We had two players sent off but we worked hard all the way to the end and everyone put in, so it was a great effort from the guys" Robaard said.

South Coast's first grade side travel to Chopin Park mid-week to face the Western Condors in the FFA Cup.

South Coast will be out to avenge their 7-nil defeat to the Condors just two weeks ago, which will make for an interesting contest.

South Coast return to Ian McLennan Park next Saturday to face another State League heavyweight in Central Coast United, in round four of the FNSW State League - kick-off at 4pm.