Words: Anthony Bigby, SWQ Thunder
Image: Central Queensland Photographics

Northern Fury have arrested a five game losing streak to defeat South West Queensland Thunder 3-0 at Clive Berghofer Stadium in Toowoomba.

Braedyn Crowley and Campbell Hume each tasted success in the first half before Hamish Cassidy rounded out the result for the visitors in the second stanza.

The struggling Thunder were further depleted going into the game with captain Jace Watt and striker Anthony Grant both missing the match through injury.

Both sides saw their share of chances in the first 20 minutes, but were unable to fashion a breakthrough until Braedyn Crowley netted his 15^th goal of the season with a strike from distance that left Thunder goalkeeper Jace Hudson unsighted.

In the 33^rd minute, Thunder earned a promising free-kick after Fury goalkeeper Dylan Hudson handled a back-pass, however Akech Ayii’s attempt went just wide of the target.

Thunder spurned a further chance to equalise when Tom Fanning’s looping cross evaded the club’s leading goalscorer, Ryan Ensor.

As the half drew to a close Thunder conceded a free-kick, which was pounced on by Hume to give the visitors a two goal advantage at the break.

Poor finishing again proved Thunder’s undoing when Coen Oates was picked out in space ten minutes into the second half, only to put the ball over the crossbar.

Fury sealed the three goal margin just after the hour when Thunder failed to clear their lines and a deflection landed fortuitously for Cassidy, who finished comfortably at the back post.

The result extends Thunder’s losing streak to thirteen matches, with the club looming as wooden spooners in their first senior NPL Queensland season.

Northern Fury 3 (Braedyn CROWLEY 25’, Campbell HUME 45+1’, Hamish CASSIDY 63’)
South West Queensland Thunder 0