Words: Steve Pitman
Image: Tony Gwynne-Jones/Brisbane Strikers

Two second half goals has seen FNQ FC Heat move to third in the standings after defeating Brisbane Strikers 2-0 at Perry Park on Saturday night.

Mqondisi Nkiwane and Crios O’Hare pounced late in the contest to leave Strikers lamenting a host of missed chances in the first half.

Despite their extra-time midweek win in Newcastle, there was no evidence of fatigue for the hosts early in the contest despite being let down by poor finishing.

Matt Thurtell and Josh McVey both spurned good scoring chances from close range, before McVey delivered a 20-yard free-kick that was ruled out by referee Adam Kersey for offside.

Returning with the scores still locked at the break, the visiting Heat opened the scoring just after the hour.

Loping winger Mqondisi Nkiwame reacted quickly in a goalmouth scramble caused by ex A-League midfielder Zenon Caravella’s cross to toe-poke past Strikers goalkeeper Michael Turnbull from close range.

Turnbull kept Strikers in the contest as his teammates began to tire, performing three saves from Heat forward Crios O’Hare.

However, O’Hare benefitted from Turnbull’s wayward throw to double the visitor’s lead in the final ten minutes, controlling quickly before steering it past a stranded Turnbull at the edge of the penalty area.

Strikers rallied one last time as Alex Schiavo shot narrowly wide, before ceding the three points to Heat.

The result leaves Strikers in fourth place with a difficult midweek catch-up game against top of the table, Palm Beach Sharks, on the Gold Coast.

Heat will also next face Sharks in Cairns this Saturday night in a busy week for the league leaders.

Brisbane Strikers 0
FNQFC Heat 2 (Mqondisi NKIWANE 62’, Crios O’HARE 82’)