Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Karl Gough / Northern Fury FC

FNQ Heat have claimed derby bragging rights for another year after cruising to a 5-1 win over Northern Fury at Brolga Park on Saturday.

The visitors shared the spoils between five different goalscorers as Heat claimed the Frank Farina Cup.

The win is Heat’s second over Fury in Townsville in all competitions this year and sees the Cairns-based club move ahead of Fury into fifth place on the PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland table.

An attacking start to the contest saw chances for both sides prior to the opening goal- the best for Fury’s Jake Perry as he forced a save from Heat shot-stopper Nicholas Mooney.

Joshua Pin delivered the opener just prior to the quarter hour for Heat when he turned home a cross from Crios O’Hare.

O’Hare then spurned a gilt-edged chance to double the advantage from close range shortly after.

Heat began to dominate the midfield contest without reward - Pin going closest shortly after the half-hour with a headed effort that was saved by Fury goalkeeper Daniel Wilesmith.

The visitors would have to wait until immediately prior to half-time to further the lead when Cameron Nucifora struck a curling shot from the edge of the area for his first goal of the season.

Fury responded shortly after the restart when Jacob Crowley also broke his 2015 league scoring duck - guiding in a free-kick from the edge of the penalty area.

However, Heat responded promptly as club leading goalscorer Alex Smith delivered his tenth of the campaign only minutes later.

Substitutes Shaun Owens and Jamie Carroll then wrapped up the points with further goals in the final quarter hour.

Northern Fury FC  1 (Jacob CROWLEY 52’)
FNQ FC Heat  5 (Joshua PIN 14’, Cameron NUCIFORA 45’, Alex SMITH 56’, Shaun OWENS 75’, Jamie CARROLL 80’)