Words: Michael Flynn

Palm Beach SC struck two goals in the final five minutes to see off Northern Fury 3-0 at Ingham Showgrounds on Saturday night.

Roman Hofmann delivered the opener for Sharks only six minutes into the match but the visitors had to wait until the dying stages to seal the victory as substitute Ethan Grimley added to an own goal.

The win extends Sharks’ unbeaten run to four straight Playstation® 4 NPL Queensland matches.

Fury went into the match with a depleted squad missing six first-team regulars, including key defender Ari Isman and midfield maestro Jacob Crowley.

Sharks took full advantage only minutes into the match when Hofmann broke free of the Fury line and slotted a one-on-one finish past Fury goalkeeper Daniel Wilesmith.

A scrappy and physical contest ensued as both sides failed to find their attacking rhythm before Sharks were forced to substitute recent recruit Ben Litfin with injury on the half hour.

Fury were further hindered by the absence of coach Ian Ferguson from the technical area due to an accreditation issue.

Sharks dominated possession for much of the second half as they sought to tire Fury in defence but clear cut chances proved elusive.

The visitors ultimately overran their opponents late in the second half as Grimley fashioned space at the far post before slotting a composed finish.

The win was sealed two minutes later when Thomas Venitis sought to diffuse a Sharks pass across the face of goal but inadvertently turned it into his own net.

The result marks the second straight clean sheet for Sharks and their fourth of the campaign overall.

It is the second time Sharks have defeated Fury this season following a 2-1 win at Mallawa Complex in March.

Northern Fury FC  0
Palm Beach SC  3 (Roman HOFMANN 6’, Ethan GRIMLEY 86’, own goal 88’)