Words: Michael Flynn
Image: FNQ FC Heat

FNQ Heat and Brisbane Strikers are the first teams to secure a place in the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Finals Series after an electrifying Round 19.

SWQ Thunder FC – 0
Olympic FC – 1 (Ramone CLOSE 58’)

Match Report - Olympic Edge Thunder

Olympic FC have moved into the top four for the first time this season after narrowly defeating SWQ Thunder 1-0 at Clive Berghofer Stadium.

In a match of few chances, Olympic’s Ramone Close delivered the match winner early in the second half to lift his season’s tally to five goals.

The win extends Olympic’s perfect record against Thunder to six wins from as many matches in PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues – marking a third league double in as many years over the Toowoomba-based club.

The match was Thunder’s last at home this season and leaves them needing to take maximum points on the road from their final three fixtures to stay in contention for a maiden finals appearance.

Northern Fury FC – 1 (Darren WALKER 40’)
Brisbane Roar Youth FC – 3 (Nicholas PANETTA 2’, Jesse DALEY 59’, Harrison SAWYER 86’)

Match Report - Young Roar Too Strong For Hapless Fury

Brisbane Roar Youth have ended a four match winless run with a 3-1 result over Northern Fury at Townsville Sports Reserve

Young Roar claimed victory on the back of second half goals for Jesse Daley and Harrison Sawyer to post their first win in Townsville in PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues.

The win means Young Roar remain in the hunt for a top four finish amidst a mid-table log jam.

While the bottom of the table Fury are still searching for their first win of the campaign with just three matches remaining in the season.

FNQ FC Heat – 2 (Christopher O’HARE 57’, Jamie CARROLL 85’)
Redlands United FC – 0

Match Report - Heat Stay Top With Win Over Redlands

FNQ Heat continue to inch their way to the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Premiership title after defeating Redlands United 2-0 at Callender Park.

Heat shrugged off their midweek Westfield FFA Cup elimination to claim their first ever win over Redlands in eight attempts courtesy of two second half goals.

The win sees Heat maintain their hold on top of the table ahead of next week’s crucial showdown with second-placed Brisbane Strikers in Brisbane.

For Redlands, the result sees them lose their place in the top four to Olympic FC ahead of their Westfield FFA Cup blockbuster against Adelaide United on Wednesday.

Moreton Bay United FC – 1 (Finn BEAKHURST 18')
Sunshine Coast FC – 0

Match Report – Jets Down Ten Man Fire

Moreton Bay United kept their finals hopes alive with a narrow 1-0 win over a ten man Sunshine Coast FC at Wolter Park.

Finn Beakhurst’s maiden PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues goal proved decisive for the hosts as they put paid to a four match winless run.

The win leaves Jets four points outside the top four with three matches remaining in the regular season and still a chance of defending last year’s Grand Final win.

For Fire, the result marks a second straight defeat and heavily reliant on other results if they are to return to the post-season for the first time since 2013.

Gold Coast City FC – 1 (Jason PARK 20’)
Brisbane City FC – 1 (Benjamin LITFIN 55’)

Match Report – Draw In Battle Of The Cities

A vital three points eluded both Gold Coast City and Brisbane City as both sides settled for a 1-1 draw at a pock-marked Duncan McKenna Field.

Despite plenty of chances at both ends of the heavily worn pitch, neither team was able to land the deciding blow after Jason Park’s first-half opener cancelled out by Benjamin Litfin early in the second half.

The result marks the second time the sides have drawn this season and significantly hinders Gold Coast City’s hopes of pushing for this year’s Premiership title with the club now seven points behind league leaders FNQ Heat with three matches remaining.

For Brisbane City, the result leaves them on the fringes of the top four behind cross-town rivals Olympic FC despite extending their record of never being defeated on the Gold Coast in PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues.

Brisbane Strikers FC - 1 (Trent CLULOW 74’)
Western Pride FC – 0

Match Report - Stoic Strikers Shade Pride

A stunning second-half strike from Trent Clulow has secured Brisbane Strikers a hard-fought 1-0 win over Western Pride at Perry Park.

Strikers held their nerve as they were frustrated by the Pride defence through a dogged first-half before Clulow’s fifth goal of the season secured his side’s third straight league win.

The result marks a fourth straight clean sheet for Strikers in all competitions following their midweek Westfield FFA Cup triumph and consigns the second-from-last Pride to a ninth straight match without a win.

The three points also sees Strikers remain just one point behind league-leaders FNQ Heat ahead of their blockbuster meeting next weekend in Brisbane.