The first match of the season is always a tricky one to read. Having cruised to victory last week, the Sharks were aware that this weeks team was likely to be a lot stronger.

And they most certainly were. A strong defence, bolstered by a far more confident attack than our previous opponents, what Loddon lacked in tactical nouse and flair they made up for by being stubborn in defence and direct in attack. Albury, as is their style, controlled possession well, moving the ball crisply and with creativity but found they had to transition quickly to absorb the aggressive counter attacks. Stand in goal keeper Daniel Egbe made a couple of good blocks, while Gabe Fitzgerald and debutant Josh Franklin making some impressive interceptions and tackles. The real difference between the teams at this point was the shape. Albury were very fluid in possession, creating havoc in the Loddon final third, whereas Albury's shape held firm when under threat. Monty Byrne made some huge blocks against a large and powerful winger, while Harry Connelly on the other side looked imperious in and out of possession. I have to give great credit to both of our full-backs today. Their positional intelligence, strength in the tackle and then composure when in possession, made a massive difference.

Ben Gregory was running the show in the middle third, frustrating the opposition with his flair and creativity on the ball, coupled with his dogged tenacity when out of possession. As a result, he was on the end of some dirty tackles from an opposition who were desperate to knock him off course, but Ben also won the mental game, rising above the provocation imperiously, letting his football do all the talking. Alongside him, midfield partner Daniel McGraw gave his usual 110%, mopping up every loose ball and intelligently restarting the attack. I would hate to play against the Albury Sharks midfield: they have an impressive ability to appear omnipresent. At times the football was delightful: one-touch football from Ben Gregory, Daniel Stovald and Josh Smith created some excellent openings, while Will Parris worked hard to be first to every ball, choosing intelligent passes to build the attack.

Albury had dominated the first half but the breakthrough had yet to be found. Nevertheless, a team move, started by Goal Keeper Daniel Egbe, allowed Josh Fitzgerald to pick out a sumptuous through ball to winger Daniel Stovald who used his trickery and pace to evade the defence and play a decisive ball into Luciano Gouviea. Back to goal, Luciano managed to control the ball, swivel and fire past the goalkeeper.

Half time: Loddon 0-1 Albury

The second half saw Loddon change formation to put a second striker up top. Though in theory this could shift the momentum, the Albury defence continued to stand firm, with substitute Goal Keeper Harvey Rush mopping up on the rare occasion that the ball managed to penetrate the back line. The Albury attack had a lot more width in the second half, with Josh Smith moving out to the right wing. Linking up well with the powerful Daniel Egbe in attack, Albury were knocking on the Loddon door frequently, with only the post and the goalkeeper keeping the score close. It was an inch-perfect Josh Smith cross that once again found Luciano in the box, once again showing his superb technical ability to control the ball and fire it into the corner. 7 goals in 2 games for a player is an impressive start to Luciano's Albury career!

Josh Smith almost scored a screamer himself moments later, hammering a shot towards the top corner from about 25 metres out, only to be denied by an outstanding save by the opposition goalkeeper. Josh has deserved a goal for his superb start to the season, something that his hard work and creativity will ensure will happen soon enough.

Any team can play well for ten minutes, it is the sign of a good team that they can play well for the full game, keeping standards high in all circumstances. Despite fatigue setting in, the work rate and defensive discipline remained the same. Josh Smith, Daniel Egbe and Will Parris pressing really well to win the ball back as high up the field as possible. Despite the quality of the opponents, they didn't manage a proper shot in the entire match and although it was a tough battle, it was one Albury never looked like losing.

Full time Loddon 0-2 Albury

Some reflections:
Working on the team's shape in training is not the most fun, but it pays dividends in matches. This was a match won by the defence.

Albury were not only better technically and tactically, they were mentally superior as well, staying calm where the other team didn't.

The team spirit is fantastic: two players again playing in goal for the team. Dexter Williams again showied what a great team member he is by coming to support the boys despite being injured.

Top stuff Albury Sharks. Two very proud coaches!

Goals: Luciano x 2
Assists: Daniel Stovald & Josh Smith

Paul's MOTM: Daniel McGraw
Harry's MOTM: Gabe Fitzgerald