Words & Image: FNQ FC Heat

FNQ FC Heat returned to the NPL Queensland top four, defeating Sunshine Coast Fire 2-0 in Cairns on Saturday night.

The hosts struck twice in the second half through Alex Smith and Crios O’Hare to record their first win in three weeks and end a three match winning streak for Fire.

Heat controlled early possession as new signing Zenon Caravella displayed his class in midfield from the outset, while O’Hare also proved dangerous in combination with Josh De Nittis, firing wide of the target on nine minutes.

Fire striker Futa Nakamura threatened from a free kick prior to the half hour before De Nittis spurned two chances in two minutes for Heat, twice failing to capitalise on a pair of crosses from Jamie Carroll.

Reyze Kelly shot over the cross bar from outside the box for the visitors on 36 minutes as Fire continued to force their way back into the contest.

Heat’s best chance of the first half came three minutes before the break when Alex Smith met Carroll’s cross at far post only to direct his shot directly at Fire goalkeeper Sam Nickolls.

Nakamura missed the target again with a header from a free-kick just prior to the break.

The second half started promisingly for the hosts, as Smith rifled a shot from outside the box drawing a save from Nickolls.

Fire also created a series of chances without reward as Heat goalkeeper Daniel Valcicak proved up to task to deny Kelly and Jayke Cuschieri.

The hosts finally made the breakthrough just prior to the hour when Smith played the ball wide to Carroll before receiving a return ball and burying an assured finish.

Fire continued to threaten but an equaliser proved elusive and the hosts struck again 11 minutes from time when Crios O’Hare chased down a through ball and finished in the bottom right hand corner.

Heat sought to hold on to their two goal margin in the final stages, with Grant De Chastel’s on target attempt the closest Fire came to staging a late comeback.

The result lifts Heat to fourth spot on the NPL Queensland ladder, while Fire remain in seventh just three points outside the finals places.

FNQ FC Heat 2 (Alex SMITH 55‘, Crios O’HARE 79‘)
Sunshine Coast Fire 0