Words: Michael Flynn
Image (top): Paul Smith/Football Queensland
Image (lower): Patrick Kearney

FNQ Heat coach Tim Campbell has expressed pride in his team’s accomplishments this season after their heart-breaking PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Grand Final defeat.

Holding a single goal lead, the Cairns-based club appeared destined for their maiden title with five minutes remaining before Redlands United struck twice to dramatically snatch the silverware.

The result marks the second time Heat have let slip a trophy this season after leading the league for the majority of the year before dropping to third in the final weeks of the home-and-away campaign.

However, Campbell said he couldn’t be prouder of his team’s performance and their return this season despite the disappointment of not claiming the win.

“I’m proud to be associated with this team,” he stated emphatically.

He added, “It’s no secret our resources and our pool of players is a little bit challenging because we don’t have an Under 20’s team in the league.”

“To get to this Grand Final has been an amazing accomplishment. The young boys just need to take this on and learn from it.”

Campbell said the nature of the defeat will take time to sink in properly for much of the squad.

“It’s hard for the players to take losing it like that. Everything I asked of them – don’t come off feeling sorry for yourselves, make sure you give it your best shot – I think they did that.”

He clarified further, “I think it’s fair to say we were the better side but you win things in this competition by scoring more goals. That’s what Redlands did and well done to them.”

FNQ Heat captain and foundation player Jamie Carroll found it difficult to express his disappointment in coming so close and yet so far to winning his first title with Heat.

“We got pipped at the end and I can’t even describe it,” he explained.

“I think we might have over-committed too much in the last five or ten minutes and should’ve stayed more compact. But that’s sport – you win some and you lose some.”

Heat’s loyal band of travelling fans rode the wave of emotions every step of the way with their on-field heroes and Campbell said their support did not go unrecognised by the team.

“Our crowd today – it as unbelievable listening to them. I think the boys are more sad about letting the crowd down but they shouldn’t feel sad about a performance like that.”

Attacker Christopher O’Hare is hoping the bulk of team return next year with the aim of going one better.

“I think it’s important we keep the core of the squad together. We’re a very young team and I think people seem to forget that but I’m keen to go again,” he said.

“We’ve had a great year and hopefully we keep getting stronger.”