FNQ Turn Up The Heat
Words: Chris Doherty-Fisher, FNQ FC Heat
Image: Sam Wood, FNQ FC Heat
FNQ FC Heat recorded their third straight NPL Queensland win on Saturday night with a convincing 3-1 performance against Western Pride at Port Douglas Sports Complex.
Captain Alex Smith continued his recent goal scoring form, netting twice for the hosts to take his tally to eleven goals in four games across all competitions, before Jamie Carroll rounded out the result late.
Both sides saw goal-scoring chances in the early exchanges, with Smith's long ball to right winger Matt Murphy creating to the best opportunity of the first ten minutes.
Murphy ran clear of the Pride back four but striker Mgondisi Nkiwane couldn't manage to get on the end of the inviting cross.
Smith opened the scoring on 23 minutes as he tapped in Nkiwane's cut-back.
Pride responded well, creating several chances in the ten minute period following the opening goal and restored parity after Aaron Christensen was brought down in the box - the midfielder duly converting from the spot.
Heat were given a scare after the restart when centre-half Cameron Morrison required treatment following a heavy challenge in the middle of the park, however he was able to continue.
American shot-stopper Daniel Valcicak was kept busy by a series of Pride shots in the early stages of the second half before the hosts regained control of the match, dominating possession and creating a bevy of chances.
Smith put the Heat back ahead on the hour mark with a sweetly struck shot into the bottom right corner of the net from 25 metres out.
The Heat continued to threaten with several chances going wide or over the goal as left winger Carroll looked to impose himself upon the contest.
Pride striker Peter Drager struck the crossbar with a cross-cum-shot as he battled to bring his team level once again.
The last five minutes saw several chances with both sides go close before Carroll bagged Heat’s third goal to seal the win with three minutes left on the clock.
The win moves Heat into seventh place on the NPL Queensland ladder.
FNQ FC Heat 3 (Alex SMITH 22’ 60', Jamie CARROLL 88')
Western Pride 1 (Aaron CHRISTENSEN 32'p)
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