Words: Chris Doherty-Fisher
Image: Sam Wood/FNQ FC Heat

FNQ FC Heat shored up their hopes of a top four finish on Tuesday night, defeating Harimau Muda ‘A’ 3-2 in Cairns.

Goals to Jamie Gosling, Josh Jennison and Alex Smith secured Heat the three points, while Azlin and Abu Hassan chimed in for the visitors.

Heat opened accounts only two minutes into the contest, after Heat winger Jamie Carroll earned his side a penalty and Gosling, who was instrumental in the build-up, converted the spot kick.

Harimau Muda saw a pair of chances to restore parity inside ten minutes as Saidin missed the target and Abu Hassan saw his shot blocked.

A minute later the visitors drew level after Badrul Hisham cutback for the lurking Abu Hassan, who saw his initial shot blocked by Heat goalkeeper Daniel Valcicak only for Azlin to turn the ball in.

Heat increasingly sought a direct route, and restored their advantage on 18 minutes as Jennison headed over the Harimau Muda goalkeeper from Smith’s chipped free-kick.

Saidin had a similar opportunity from a free kick in the 23^rd minute, but he blasted his attempt on goal well over the bar.

The side’s continued to exchange counter-punches as Gosling saw his volley from another Smith free-kick cleared, before Azlin struck the post for Harimau Muda following a cut-back from Ghazli.

Smith remained heavily involved for the hosts – heading over the bar before supplying O’Hare, who converted the chance only for the goal to be overturned by the offside flag.

The attacking football continued in the second half as Jennison directed his free header straight at Muhamad soon after the restart.

Harimau threatened from a series of corners before Smith doubled Heat’s advantage just after the hour – heading home from Gosling’s pin-point cross for his 16^th goal of the campaign.

Nasir responded straight away for Harimau Muda, delivering a blistering strike that forced a parried save from Valcicak.

The visitor’s continued to threaten as Abu Hassan miscued his attempt with 14 minutes remaining and Robbat forced another save from Valcicak shortly after.

Harimau Muda received their reward on 89 minutes when Abu Hassan turned in a corner, however an equaliser failed to materialise in injury time as Heat held on for their second straight win.

Heat move level on 42 points with defending NPL Queensland champions Olympic FC, but sit in third on goal difference.

FNQ FC Heat 3 (Jamie GOSLING 2’, Josh JENNISON 18’, Alex SMITH 62’)
Harimau Muda ‘A’ 2 (Adam Nor AZLIN 11’, Nurridzuan ABU HASSAN 89’)