Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Karl Gough
Images: Dominic Chaplin

A dramatic late free-kick from Jamie Carroll has rescued league-leaders FNQ Heat a 1-1 draw with Brisbane City at Barlow Park.

In a tight match of few clear-cut chances, City took the lead early in the second half when Samuel Sibatuara converted from the penalty spot.

However, Carroll’s 25-yard free-kick ultimately prevented City from becoming the first side to defeat Heat at Barlow Park this year and returned the Heat skipper to the top of the Golden Boot race.

The draw sees Heat move a point further clear of second-placed Brisbane Strikers in the Premiership race, while City regain their foothold in the top four.

Key Moments

17’ – CHANCE FOR HEAT – Christopher O’Hare intercepts before chancing his hand from outside the penalty area but the shot is directed straight at City goalkeeper Timothy Allen

18’ – CHANCE FOR HEAT – Joshua Pin hits the crossbar from 25 yards out

50’ – GOAL FOR CITY – A hand-ball in the penalty area allows Samuel Sibatuara to open accounts from the ensuing spot kick

86’ – GOAL FOR HEAT – Jamie Carroll finds a late equaliser by curling a 25 yard free-kick around the City wall and in at the near post

What They Said

“These are the ones that we should win if we are going to finish in the top two. There’s a little bit of a worry there about the pressure of playing these big games for our players I think.“ – Tim Campbell, FNQ FC Heat coach

“We didn’t make the most of our possession. The second half we got into good areas and didn’t make the most of our opportunities. Goals win games when you score them.“ – John Kosmina, Brisbane City FC coach

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 17

Saturday, July 9
Barlow Park, Cairns

FNQ FC Heat – 1 (Jamie CARROLL 86’)
Brisbane City FC – 1 (Samuel SIBATUARA p.50’)

Match Centre – http://bit.ly/29yJ3Ig

Match Officials – Jason CROW (referee), Chris DOHERTY-FISHER (assistant), Wayne KUYPERS (assistant), Chris DAWSON (fourth)