Words: Michael Flynn
Image: FNQ FC Heat

FNQ Heat have secured a home tie against Stratford FC in Westfield FFA Cup Far North Queensland Zone Qualifying Round 5.

The match will be Heat’s first in this year’s Westfield FFA Cup as they seek to replicate last year’s run to the national Round of 32, where they were defeated by Sydney United 58 in the New South Wales capital.

The match against Stratford, who compete in the third-tier Far North Queensland Premier League, will be played at Barlow Park on May 20.

Heat have struggled for consistency in PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland in 2015, and currently sit in ninth position in the table with two wins from their opening eight matches.

Although only four matches into their league campaign, Stratford have also endured an up-and-down start to the season and currently sit third in the eight team FNQ Premier League.

Nicknamed the Dolphins, Stratford progressed to the clash against Heat after defeating Mareeba Bulls 3-1 in the previous round.

Heat maintain friendly ties with Stratford, with the community club’s home ground used as an alternative venue for Heat earlier in the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland season.

The winner of the cup tie will face off in the next round against either Northern Fury or Townsville Warriors, who will contest North Queensland Zone Qualifying Round 5 at Brolga Park.

Westfield FFA Cup 2015 - Far North Queensland Zone Qualifying Round 5

FNQ FC Heat v Stratford FC
Barlow Park
Wednesday, May 20
Kick-off: to be confirmed