Words: Brent O'Halloron, FNQ FC Heat
Image: Sam Wood Photography

FNQ Heat's hot form continued as they their unbeaten streak to five matches in all competitions with a convincing 3-0 win over Brisbane Strikers at Endeavour Park, Cairns on Saturday night.

Former A-League and Heat forward, Alex Smith was the chief destroyer, bagging his second straight NPL hat-trick following last week’s match-winning performance against Sunshine Coast Fire.

Injuries played a telling part in proceedings with Heat striker Crios O'Hare a pre-match exclusion due to an ankle injury while Strikers' influential midfielder, Keenan Dumpies pulled his hamstring just 30 minutes into the contest.

O'Hare's replacement proved to be one of the host's top performers on the night. In just his second start, Mgondisi Nkiwane showed great industry, regularly tracking back and robbing opposing midfielders of possession.

Nkiwane also held the ball up well to include wingers, Matt Murphy and Jamie Carroll in attacks, but Heat were unable to find a killer final ball in the first 45 minutes – Smith and Murphy provided the few first half shots.

At the other end, Matt Thurtell and Jheison Macuace had several attempts from range but Heat goalkeeper, Daniel Valcicak was mostly untroubled.

Valcicak was much busier in the second term. The American shot-stopper pulled off a couple diving saves before storming out to sweep Thurtell's feet after a well-weighted through ball.

Murphy came close to claiming his second goal in Heat colours after rounding the keeper but finding himself at too acute an angle to shoot.

Both sides channelled their frustrations into their challenges with three yellow cards were handed out within five minutes – Strikers' Alex Schiavo and substitute, Chris Burley along with Heat's Smith the offenders.

Striker turned Heat midfielder, Josh De Nittis received a massive ovation from the 200-odd fans when he came on as a 63^rdminute substitution to face his former club.

But the biggest roar of the night came three minutes later when the Heat finally broke the deadlock - Smith won the ball in the middle of the park, weaved his way past two defenders then played in Carroll on his left.

Carroll then cut back to Smith who belted a first-time shot past Strikers 'keeper David Chambers.

Smith's second came from a free kick soon after when the former Wellington Phoenix player's curled a 25 yard strike in front of Chambers who, despite getting his hands to it, could not keep it out.

With a two goal lead, Heat interim coach Martin Docherty made an immediate tactical shuffle, replacing midfielder Cam Nucifora with defender Jake Keslake.

The defensive-minded changes didn't stop the goal scoring as Smith completed his hat-trick in fine style, picking up a loose ball outside the box and striking it low and hard into the corner of the net.

The 3-0 win follows a string of successful Heat performances, winning their past two matches and unbeaten in their past four league outings.

FNQ FC Heat 3 (Alex SMITH 73' 79' 82')
Brisbane Strikers 0