Words: Staff Writers

FNQ Heat’s kept their Finals Series push alive following a 2-0 win over Western Pride at Briggs Road Complex on Saturday.

Alex Smith and Jamie Gosling struck goals in the final half-hour to secure Heat their third consecutive three points and move to regain fifth spot in the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland standings.

The result sees Pride’s hopes of first ever Finals Series appearance fading rapidly, with the club dropping to ninth with five matches remaining.

An attacking and open contest saw plenty of chances for both sides, however the scores remained deadlocked at nil-all at the break.

Pride goalkeeper Bon Scott, who was this week called up to a Young Socceroos training squad, delivered a trio of key saves early in the second half as Heat stepped up their efforts.

The breakthrough finally came for the visitors on the hour when Smith converted from a free-kick.

Gosling then wrapped up the points late after converting from the penalty spot with a well-taken strike.

Speaking post-match, Heat coach Martin Docherty said his side had to battle against a reslient Pride outfit.

“At the end of the day we’ve probably done just enough to win but it was a very tight game,” Docherty said.

Pride coach Graham Harvey said despite the result he couldn’t fault his side’s performance.

“It was tough but I’m very proud of the boys and very happy with their work rate and attention to detail in the past week or so,” Harvey said.

Western Pride FC 0
FNQ FC Heat  2 (Alex SMITH 60’, Jamie GOSLING 88’p)