Wow! What a way to wrap up a league title!

The Sharks needed just 3 points from their last five matches to guarantee a second league title in 3 seasons. However, off the back of a slightly tepid match the week before, we were keen to emphasize the need to get the job finished as early as possible, not allowing complacency to sink in. Having had the original fixture postponed three times already, the Sharks had the perfect opportunity to bag their title in a double-header Rushmoor Rhinos.

Missing the indomitable Greg Walker, the versatile Mackenzie Rose, Mr Reliable, Harvey Rush and our goal creator and scorer, Josh Smith, the whole rest of our squad were needed for what could have been a long and arduous match. Though Rushmoor find themselves at the lower ends of the division, they have nabbed some handy results against good teams, so the Sharks knew they had to be at their best. Thankfully, they started incredibly well.

Tasked with getting regular shots off, Daniel Egbe was putting relentless pressure on the Rushmoor goal immediately, scoring two offside goals in the first five minutes and going close on a few other occasions. The whole front line looked bright, with Zac Embley causing a threat on the right-hand side, backed up by a fired-up Harry Connelly, and Daniel Stovald and Ben Gregory regularly teaming up and creating an overload on the right hand side. This proved very effective, as Daniel Stovald created space for himself and squeezed it through to Daniel Egbe who buried it from close range.

At one-nil, it was already apparent that the Sharks were going to completely dominate the game. Motivated with the prospect of silverware, there was energy and pizzazz all over the park. Daniel Mcgraw mopped up any loose ball in the midfield while Gabe Fitzgerald and Ali Jennis formed their usual, solid brick wall in front of goal. Monty Byrne showed off some impressive skills, calmly flicking the ball over an attackers head before calmly releasing Luciano on the left hand side.

The introduction of Noah Davies was crucial in the Sharks cementing their dominance. Noah is such a calm, classy player, but must have had a double espresso before coming on as he entered the fray with real urgency and passion. Within minutes he had successfully pressed to create a chance for Daniel Egbe, and minutes later, did exactly the same, with Daniel once again finishing from close range for 2-0. It was so brilliant to see Noah playing with the confidence that his skill level warrants and once again he made a huge contribution to the game.

Daniel Stovald was next on the score sheet, fed by Daniel Egbe who grabbed his second assist of the season, and Daniel could have got another shortly after. Captain Ben Gregory saw a chance go agonisingly past the post, and Ali Jennis almost got on the end of a fantastic cross.

Half time
Sharks 3-0 Rushmoor

With a large squad, and longer match time than usual, we were keen to rotate the team, without losing our grip of the game. Will Parris had replaced Zac on the right hand side, and brought an instant spark to the game, as well as a gritty tenacity. We have asked our wingers to hug the touchline in an effort to create space and stretch teams, and Will did this excellently, creating a couple of nice chances. The midfield continued to dominate with Ivan Iduriaga battling his way through on a number of occasions before laying the ball off intelligently. The difference in energy levels and passion this week, as well as the quality and intelligence of the passing was excellent to see and hear. At one point I heard Ali Jennis taking responsibility for organising the defence at a corner and Gabe also could be heard wisely organising his back line. Seeing the boys begin to organise themselves, rather than relying on instructions from Paul or myself was really encouraging.

At this point, Dexter Williams had not had loads to do but soon had to make an impressive save from a counter attack. Shortly after, Rushmoor broke through again and they found themselves one on one against Dexter. Somehow, Dexter managed to pull off one of the most unbelievable saves that I have seen in youth football, intelligently closing down the space, making himself big and batting away a thunderous shot. He made it look easy, but it absolutely wasn't!

Rushmoor did have a goal soon after as another ball over the top brought a bit of confusion to the defence, allowing a Rushmoor striker to pounce and poke the ball into the bootom corner. Nevertheless, Albury were not finished yet, as a ball from Josh Franklin found Daniel Egbe. The opposition coaches had spent the whole game purring over Daniel Egbe's phenomenal close control and fancy footwork. This was again on show, coupled with excellent strength and composure to burst through the defence and fire the Sharks to the title with yet another hattrick.

Final score
Sharks 4-1 Rushmoor

Goals:
Daniel Egbe x3
Daniel Stovald

Paul's POTM: Noah Davies
Harry's MOTM: Dexter Williams & Daniel Egbe

With the title wrapped up, we had a chat with the boys at the interval about mentality, using the remaining games to work on various things, keeping up momentum for our cup run, as well as wanting to break records. With no permission to relax, the Sharks started once again with relentless intensity. With James Chandler leading the line, with good strength and pressing, the ball stayed very much in the Rushmoor defensive third. The goal did not take long in coming, as Daniel Stovald got yet another goal, lofting the ball deftly over the goalkeeper from a pass from Ben Gregory.

The Sharks won a corner shortly after, at which point Paul mentioned to me how ineffective we had been through corners this season. Ironically, our final three goals all came in this manner. The first came from a delightful outswinging corner from Ben Gregory. Daniel McGraw rose like a diminutive salmon to nod into the Rushmoor net. Albury were buoyed, and the football was free flowing. Luciano Gouveia gave his fullback a torrid time on the left hand side while Will Parris continued to create chances on the right. The simple fact that the team was using the width, rather than falling for the temptation to play through the middle was great to see.

Half time
Sharks 2-0 Rushmoor

It is crucial for goalkeepers to be comfortbale playing with their feet in modern football, and Dexter Williams was keen for a short stint on the pitch, so the system changed in the second half. The legend that is James Chandler offered his services in goal (and kept another clean sheet!), while Dexter accompanied Daniel Egbe up front in what was now a 4-4-2 formation. Dexter's first touch of the ball? A goal! A brilliant attacking header from a superb corner from Daniel Stovald. Pandemonium followed as the team rallied round their goalscoring goalkeeper!

Albury, at this point, were running riot in the midfield. Ivan Iduriaga muscled his way through, only to be cruelly denied by a defender, and Will Parris, moving to left-back did an excellent job of winning possession and threading the ball through to Daniel Stovald who rounded the keeper only to be denied by a recovering defender. Zac Embley sent an exquisite pass to create an excellent opportunity only for Albury forwards to get in each other's way.

Not to be content with 2 goals and 2 assists, Daniel Stovald whipped in another excellent corner, to be finished by the cultured right boot of Luciano Gouveia, who caressed it into the far corner- the pick of the bunch!

Final score
Sharks 4-0 Rushmoor

Goals
Daniel Stovald
Daniel McGraw
Dexter Williams
Luciano Gouveia

Paul's POTM: Will Parris
Harry's MOTM: Luciano Gouveia

Coaches reflections:
1. These lads have thoroughly deserved this success. It doesn't matter which boys play, all of them have great quality and great character. The way they play football (on their day) is sensational, and they absolutely put Rushmoor to the sword today.

2. Despite the bobbly pitch, the Sharks passed the ball superbly today. There was real quality in their off-the-ball movement, something that has been a bit lacking recently.

3. It was so good to see the passion on the pitch today, from every single player. They played with intensity and tempo, even when they knew they had won. Great mentality and attitude.

4. We now have a chance to use the remaining games of the season to experiment. There are some players who I want to shift positions and am excited to see what happens!

5. I have run out of positive things to say about this group of boys. Well done! Here's to many more!