Words: Aaron Cooper
Additional Reporting: Garry McKenzie
Images: Chris Simpson

Two missed penalties have proven costly for Western Pride as they were held to a 1-1 draw by FNQ FC Heat on Saturday night.

Corey Lucas' early penalty was saved by Kevin Ward before his second half stoppage-time spot kick flew high over the bar.

The Pride had the better of the chances in the opening 45 minutes but neither side were able to break the deadlock.

It wasn't until after the hour mark that Charlie Beverley opened the scoring, putting the Heat in front after the Pride defence was unable to clear the ball.

Salomon Lukonga restored parity with a tick under 10 minutes to play and despite Lucas' last-gasp chance from the penalty spot, the two sides finished locked at 1-1.

The result does little to help either side who would have been helped immensely by three points.

Both sides are at home next weekend as Heat host Redlands United while Pride welcome Sunshine Coast FC.

Key Moments

6’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Gabriel Hawash is played in by Jacob Minett who finds space in the crowded area but shoots straight at Kevin Ward.

11’ – PENALTY FOR PRIDE – Mitchell Bird is brought down in area after zig-zag run through past Heat defenders into area. Corey Lucas takes penalty but Ward gets low to save.

12’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Hayden Mchenery scoots down left touchline and crosses to Salomon Lukonga who shoots point blank into Ward’s hand.

45’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Mchenery finds Minett centrally whose fierce shot cannons off the crossbar. Lukonga smashes the follow-up low past Ward but Ari Isman clears off the line for a corner.

53’ – CHANCE FOR HEAT – Christopher O’Hare’s long-range shot is saved down low by Justin Weier.

58’ – CHANCE FOR HEAT – Kasper Holmbech hits a curling free-kick which forces Weier to dive and push the ball wide.

61’ – GOAL FOR HEAT – A goal-bound touch is not cleared by the Pride defence on the line allowing Charlie Beverley to stab the ball home.

82’ – GOAL FOR PRIDE – Lukonga scores on the second attempt, tapping in past Ward after his original shot hit the post and was played back to him by Nielen Brown.

90’ – PENALTY FOR PRIDE – A Heat handball from a corner gives Lucas the chance to secure the win from the spot but he slips and the ball skies over the bar.

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Queensland - Round 7
Saturday, April 8
Wolter Park

Western Pride FC 1 (Charlie BEVERLEY 61')
FNQ FC Heat 1 (Salomon LUKONGA 82')

Referee: John Vasiliadis
Assistant Referee 1: James Sherry
Assistant Referee 2:Joey Lee
Fourth Official: Ben Orwell