Words & Image: FNQ FC Heat

A ten-man FNQ FC Heat recorded their fourth straight league win following a 2-0 result against Harimau Muda ‘A’ in Cairns on Saturday night.

More than 500 fans were on hand to see Heat defeat the Malaysian representative side, with Charlie Beverley and Matt Murphy netting the goals for the hosts.

Harimau Muda started impressively with their fast ball movement and high-pressing causing Heat problems in the early stages.

As the half progressed, Heat’s midfield established themselves and enjoyed extended periods of possession.

Left back Beverley opened accounts on 25 minutes when he headed home from close range after Harimau Muda failed to clear a Heat corner.

Striker Mgondisi Nkiwane and left winger Jamie Carroll combined to create several more chances for Heat before Murphy doubled the advantage just prior to the break.

A rush of blood from Harimau goalkeeper Damian Lim Chien Khai saw him misjudge a challenge on Nkiwane, who kept his head to play in Murphy for the easy finish.

The second term was marked by resilient Heat defending.

The hosts were reduced to ten men when right-back Jake Keslake was shown a second yellow card in the 51st minute.

Harimau exploited the numerical advantage but their series of crosses offered little danger as Josh Jennison proved a standout at the back for the hosts in his first start since a major knee injury last season.

Nkiwane was helped from the field after taking a rough challenge midway through the second half; Jamie Gosling made his return from a month-long layoff as his replacement.

Ultimately, the ten-man Heat held off the Malaysians to move to seventh in the laegue standings.

FNQ FC Heat 2 (Charlie BEVERLEY 25’, Matt MURPHY 40’)
Harimau Muda ‘A’ 0