Words: Brent O'Halloran, FNQ FC Heat
Image: Sam Wood, FNQ FC Heat

A remarkable second half fight back has seen FNQ FC Heat come from a goal down at half time to defeat Northern Fury 6-2 at Barlow Park on Saturday night.

Alex Smith and Crios O’Hare both netted braces for the hosts in the North Queensland derby, with further strikes to Mgondisi Nkiwane and Jamie Carroll overturning two Fury first half goals from Joe Thornton and Braedyn Crowley.

Smith's first came from a stunning free kick in the 19th minute but the Heat seemed far from their polished best as they conceded goals from Joe Thornton in the 27th minute and Brayden Crowley, via the penalty spot, as the guests entered the break 2-1 ahead.

Parity was restored eight minutes from the resumption of play as Fury goalkeeper, Dylan Hudson spilled a Heat cross and live-wire winger, Jamie Carroll pounced on the mistake.

Nkiwane couldn't covert a one-on-one opportunity but buried Matty Murphy's well weighted through-ball to put the Heat ahead in the 59th minute.

Murphy and substitute winger, Josh De Nittis caused problems for both Fury fullbacks, the latter teed-up Smith for his second goal.

O'Hare's injury return was capped in the best way possible as the former Irish Leagues striker claimed two late goals.

The derby match was marred by a bit of 'biffo' - Fury's Kevin Fraser was shown red for a melee with Carroll in the late stages.

The win moved the Heat to fifth place on the NPL ladder behind the Brisbane Roar Youth who they face next Saturday at Perry Park, Brisbane.

FNQ Heat 6 (Alex SMITH 19' 72', Jamie CARROLL 53', Mgondisi NKIWANE 59', Crios O'HARE 80' 89')
Northern Fury 2 (Joe THORNTON 27', Braedyn CROWLEY 42' p)