Words: Michael Flynn

FNQ Heat are now just one match away from the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 after downing a ten-man Northern Fury 1-0 at Brolga Park on Saturday night.

Heat struck inside the opening five minutes via Crios O’Hare but despite dominating the contest couldn’t put the tie to bed despite twice striking the woodwork in the closing stages.

The result will now see Heat travel to Rockhampton to face third-tier Central Queensland Premier League outfit Frenchville SC for a place in the national Round of 32.

The opening quarter hour of the match saw both sides create chances, however it was Heat that took advantage only four minutes in as O’Hare delivered the opener after tucking home amidst a crowded penalty area.

A typically tight contest looked assured before the complexion of the match was altered on 25 minutes when George Dalton was shown a straight red card after bringing down Carroll outside the penalty area.

From there on Heat created a bevy of chances but couldn’t take further advantage as leading goalscorer Alex Smith proved typically out of touch with a slew of missed chances.

After the restart, Heat continued to see the best of the play, however were guilty of poor shot selection in the tense cup atmosphere.

Jacob Crowley finally tested Heat goalkeeper Nicholas Mooney from a free-kick heading into the final quarter hour before Mqondisi Nkiwane failed to double Heat’s advantage with ten minutes remaining.

Heat endured a nervous finish as the frame of the goal twice denied solid strikes from Smith before the former Hyundai A-League star spurned a chance to all-but-secure the win with a late miss.

However, Fury ultimately proved unable to overcome their numerical disadvantage against a Heat side wary of overcommitting in attack.

The result marks the second straight year Heat have eliminated Fury from the Westfield FFA Cup.

Northern Fury FC  0
FNQ FC Heat  1 (Crios O’HARE 4’)