Words: Michael Flynn

FNQ Heat kicked off their pre-season with a bang on Saturday – downing regional rivals Northern Fury 4-1 in a friendly at Brolga Park.

A four goal first-half blitz effectively wrapped up the win for Heat at half-time – triallist Keiran Sanders delivering a brace, while Joshua Pin and Jamie Gosling also added their names to the scoresheet.

However, Fury found reward in an improved second half performance that saw the hosts pull a goal back courtesy of Jake Perry.

Played in steamy tropical conditions, Heat caught Fury’s defence off-guard and raced to a near unassailable lead inside just six minutes – Sanders opening accounts after getting in behind and staying composed in the one-on-one to deliver a slotted finish.

Pin doubled the advantage just minutes later with another well-placed shot after his run was picked out by Jamie Carroll before Sanders collected his brace from the restart – winning possession before delivering the finishing touches.

Fury regained their structure in defence to stem the tide however fell further behind shortly before half-time when Gosling turned in Pin’s ball across the box from close range.

A slew of substitutions changed the complexion of the contest in the second half as both coaches continued to assess their formations for the season ahead.

A more composed Fury side eventually earned consolation in the final minutes when Perry delivered a first-time finish on the burst to deny Heat a clean-sheet.

The two teams are slated to meet again later in the pre-season, with the return fixture due to be played in Cairns.

Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday, January 30
Brolga Park, Townsville

Northern Fury FC  1 (Jake PERRY 87’)
FNQ FC Heat  4 (Keiran SANDERS 3’ 6’, Joshua PIN 5’, Jamie GOSLING 38’)