Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Jennifer Thompson
Image: Pine Creek Pictures

A brace from Christopher O’Hare has guided FNQ Heat to a crucial 2-0 win over Brisbane Strikers at Endeavour Park.

O’Hare struck a goal in each half for the hosts to see off the challenge of Strikers – wwithin striking distance of Heat’s place as league leaders going into the fixture on the back of a five match winning streak.

The attacker’s exploits were complemented by a solid defensive performance from the Heat backline who become the first to keep Strikers scoreless this season.

The result sees Heat maintain their hold on top spot for the ninth straight week, while Strikers remain third ahead of their Westfield FFA Cup clash in Brisbane on Tuesday night.

Key Moments

15’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Rhys Meredith is teed up by Shelford Dais but his effort his saved by Heat goalkeeper Kevin Ward

17’ – GOAL FOR HEAT – Following a clever build-up Bronson Koppen supplies Cristopher O’Hare, who tucks the finish into the bottom corner

33’ – CHANCE FOR HEAT – Darcy McCormack controls well before crossing invitingly for Joshua Pin inside the penalty area but his volleyed attempt goes just high of the target

39’ – CHANCE FOR HEAT – O’Hare lines up a free-kick from 20 yards but, despite being goalbound, it is confidently collected by Strikers goalkeeper Sebastian Usai

54’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Meredith threatens from a free-kick that does well to beat the wall but is held by Ward

77’ – CHANCE FOR HEAT – Cameron Nucifora cuts inside and evades the attention of a pair of Strikers defenders before pulling the trigger but Usai has its covered

87’ – GOAL FOR HEAT – Pin is felled by Usai to earn the hosts a penalty, which O’Hare duly converts to wrap up his brace

92’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Hiroki Omori sights a chance to net a late consolation but can’t find the target

What They Said

“It was convincing. I think we did deserve the win tonight and we played really well. That’s our best performance of the year and it’s against a very good team. We had to make some changes because we had a few injuries but I always knew that Chris O’Hare had goals in him. He was injured at the start of the season but is up to match fitness now.“ – Tim Campbell, FNQ Heat FC coach

“Full credit to (Heat) - they stuck to their task and stuck to their discipline. Regardless of what people say about styles of play - modern or old-school football, it doesn’t matter what people think. Bottom line is you have a duty to try and break down the opposition regardless of how they set up and we weren’t good enough to do that tonight.“ – Kevin A’herne-Evans, Brisbane Strikers FC coach

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 9

Saturday, April 30
Endeavour Park, Cairns

FNQ FC Heat – 2 (Christopher O’HARE 17’ 87’p)
Brisbane Strikers FC – 0

CLICK HERE for the official Match Centre

Match Officials – Michael BOZHOFF (referee), Wayne KUPYERS (assistant), Chris DOHERTY-FISHER (assistant), Chris DAWSON (fourth)