Words: Matt Dorman, Olympic FC
Image: Gavin Foster, Olympic FC

Olympic FC sensationally snapped FNQ FC Heat’s eight-match winning streak on Thursday night with a stunning 4-3 come from behind win at Goodwin Park.

Heat took an early two goal lead courtesy of Camoron Nucifora and Mqondisi Nkiwane, and led 3-1 at half time, before three second half goals to Kazuya Ito, Terry Hughes and Reuben Way secured Olympic the points.

The visitors started the contest positively when Nucifora applied to the finishing touch to a well-worked set-piece barely eight minutes into the contest.

Mqondisi doubled the advantage just two minutes later by losing his marker and drilling home a right-sided cross.

The hosts didn’t manage a shot until the 19^th minute when Darren Gray hit over, although efforts from Hughes, Way and Danny Byrne soon followed.

The hosts pulled a goal back on 42 minutes from a set-piece, when central-defender Nick Efstathis rose above his marker to nod home. However, FNQ restored their two goal advantage immediately courtesy of an Olympic own goal, referee Ashley Stout dismissing an offside flag from his assistant in the build-up.

Way had an opportunity to reduce the deficit on the hour when he was fed in behind by Jake McLean, but Heat ‘keeper Daniel Valcicak was quick off his line to smother the chance.

McLean soon had better luck as in the 65th minute he was able to shimmy towards the byline and deliver a cutback for Kazuya Ito, who buried the chance.

Seven minutes later Olympic were level as Hughes picked out Danny Byrne’s smart run. Byrne took the pass in his stride and drew a foul inside the penalty area from Valcicak, Hughes converting with a cheeky ‘panenka’ from the spot.

Though Carroll had a cutback cleared at the other end, the champions’ push for a winner was ultimately rewarded in the 87th minute.

Captain Byrne stood up in possession on the left and expertly picked out Way at the far post, who chested the ball down, cut inside and fired clinically inside the near post to complete the remarkable comeback.

Alex Smith saw a late chance to earn his side a point, but headed his effort straight at Olympic goalkeeper Brandon Cuminao.

The result lifts Olympic above Heat and into third place in the league standings, one point behind second placed Moreton Bay United and seven behind league leaders Palm Beach.

Olympic FC 4 (Nick EFSTATHIS 42′, Kazuya ITO 65′, Terry HUGHES 72(p)′, Reuben WAY 87′)
FNQ FC Heat 3 (Cameron NUCIFORA 8′, Mqondisi NKIWANE 10′, own goal 45′)