A year of pent-up frustration will be driving Northern Fury as they seek to exact some Westfield FFA Cup revenge on FNQ Heat in what promises to be a spicy North Queensland derby this weekend.
Ian Ferguson’s Fury were bundled out of the competition by Heat 4-1 at the same stage last year and would love nothing better than to turn the tables at Brolga Park on Saturday night.
This weekend’s clash was originally set to be a PS4 NPL clash but has been changed to their cut-throat Cup tie at the agreement of both clubs.
While Heat were big winners the last time they played in the Cup 12 months ago, it was Fury who may take a psychological edge into this one having won the league clash 3-2 in Cairns in the opening round this season.
Heat star and ex-Wellington Phoenix midfielder Alex Smith looms as the man the Fury must stop after he scored four goals in his side’s 6-1 demolition of Stratford in the last Westfield FFA Cup round.
Ferguson says his side will need to be switched on – especially in defence – if they are to progress.
“Ari Isman and Joe Thornton are creating a good partnership at the back,” Ferguson told the Townsville Bulletin.
“The Heat have some quality players across the park but so do we.
“It’s going to be a really tight game where the first goal could make all the difference.”
There will be a very Scottish twist to this clash with both side’s coached by Scots, with ex-Rangers star Ferguson in charge at Fury while Heat are managed by Martin Docherty.
The winner of the Fury-Heat clash will then advance to face the qualifier from the Whitsunday FC-Frenchville SC clash also on Saturday night at Airlie Beach.
For all the latest Westfield FFA Cup fixtures and results head to www.theffacup.com.au
