Olympic FC took their unbeaten start to the season to eight games on Saturday night, defeating Northern Fury 5-3 in an end-to-end contest at Goodwin Park.

The floodgates opened early in the high-scoring affair as the energetic Fury surprised the league leaders, Alex Read heading home confidently from Jake Navarro’s cross after barely five minutes.

Fury were denied a second by the post before Olympic turned their game up a notch – Nick Efthasis levelling terms when he nodded in from close range from a corner kick on 21 minutes.

Three minutes later Jake McLean put the hosts ahead when he finished off his classy run with an even classier finish from just inside the penalty area.

Tim Smits then extended his season tally to 12 goals with a trademark header on 38 minutes to give the hosts a comfortable 3-1 lead at the break.

The second half started with a flourish when Carl Tabulo extended the host’s lead with a firmly struck shot only a minute after the restart.

To their credit, Fury replied instantly with Corey Waples striking a screamer from 20 yards. However, Olympic re-established their advantage courtesy of captain Danny Byrne only a minute later.

Fury scored a third when Jake Navarro slotted a crisp shot on the turn with 13 minutes remaining, however Olympic held firm to see off the late challenge from the visitors.

The result sees Olympic FC stay top of the league, with other scores over the weekend increasing their buffer to 3 points; Northern Fury meanwhile drop to sixth.

 

 

Words: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland) / Image: Ian Judd (Aqua PD) / Video: Sports Recording Services