The striker pounced shortly before half time as Ernie Merrick's men, featuring a fresh off the plane Adrian Leijer, picked up the points.

The home side's Dyron Daal had a chance to level up the scores in the 89th minute when he was left one-on-one with the goalkeeper but was denied.

It was a telling moment in the game as Fury looked the better of the two for most of the night, creating multiple opportunities but it was Victory who had the polish and pounced when given the chance.

Robbie Middleby received a sickening accidental kick in the face from a team mate less than a minute later and was forced to miss the remainder of the game.

North Queensland threw plenty of players forward early but could not capitalise on early opportunities.

Shane Stefanutto pulled the trigger in the first minute from left of the goal box only to be denied by a diving save.

The home side wasted four corners with poor crosses and an inability to keep the ball in the box.

Robber Fowler had a free kick from 18 yards after a handball by Broxham but could not capitalise.

Melbourne struggled to find momentum in the face of physical defence which allowed limited space and time in attack.

Tommy Pondeljak slithered through the midfield with a dribble but his pass to the striker was cut off.

Broxham then drove the ball long toThompson for him to slot the 44th minute goal.

The visitors continued to attack in the dying seconds despite cries to stop the game when Middleby was hit with a boot in his face.

Middleby laid face-first in the turf while receiving medical treatment long after the two sides went up the tunnel.

North Queensland continued to enjoy the bulk of the possession after the break.

David Williams had a crack but his shot was diverted off the legs of a defender.

He would challenge later in the game with a stunning run that began from inside his own 18-yard box.

Rostyn Griffiths had a golden chance on the back of a long ball from Daniel McBreen but despite having time to take the ball on his chest and slot it pass the goalkeeper he went with a wayward header.

Melbourne started to find their groove with several through balls finding their target.

Thompson was gearing up to knock in his second until a last ditch sliding tackle from John Tambouras dislodged the ball.

Thompson continued to threaten and found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper Paul Henderson but was denied.

Daal used his large frame to barge past defenders but wasted the opportunity by firing the shot straight into the goalkeeper.