After almost a month without football due to bad weather and terrified opponents, the Sharks finally got back onto a football pitch to face Loddon Cobras in the quarter-finals of the cup.

Loddon were our first opponents of the season, and we had been impressed with the way they played, so we knew we were in for a tough game. Albury started brightly though, controlling the ball in the middle of the pitch. Captain Ben Gregory absolutely ran the show from the start, chasing down opponents and spreading the ball around intelligently. Luciano Gouveia terrorised his full-back with silky skills to create a couple of half chances, while Daniel Stovald, Josh Smith and Harvey Rush combined nicely to create chances from the right hand side.
Nevertheless, a quick counter attack almost resulted in Loddon taking an ill-deserved lead as a long distance strike bounced off the top of Dexter William's crossbar. Other than that occasion, the defence looked solid. Gabe Fitzgerald's speed allowed Greg Walker to get forward and support the attacks, overloading the midfield and ensuring Albury dominance.

Nevertheless, there was a degree of sluggishness, a month with no football had really taken it's toll on a team that had previously demolished their only title challengers. The introduction of Noah Davies, Ali Jennis and Harry Connelly added some much needed spark, and in particular, Noah caused the Loddon defence some issues, pressing hard and using his intelligence to pass the ball around the box. The breakthrough came from a more direct source, however, as a ball through found Daniel Egbe in the box. Daniel did what he does best: controlling the ball and firing it low past the goalkeeper for a well deserved lead.

The second came shortly after, as Ben Gregory walzed his way between defenders, squaring it for Daniel Stovald who curled a delicious shot over the goalkeeper, a really fantastic finish.

Half time
Sharks 2-0 Loddon

It was clear that Loddon were really up for it at the start of the second half, with parents and coaches lauding every tackle, header and pass. Their intensity increased and the Shark's had to absorb a little bit of pressure. Gabe and Ali had to chase a few long balls down and Dexter Williams had to be alert to get to the ball first on a few occasions. Harry Connelly had a man mountain of a performance at the back, and began joining the attacks efficiently, supporting Noah Davies who had moved to the left-hand side. Though it was a bit lacklustre, the middle of the pitch was full of energy: Ben, Daniel and Greg fighting so hard, while Josh Smith pressed the opposition defence and goalkeeper relentlessly, forcing them into mistakes.

It needed the reintroduction of Daniel Egbe to close the game out, however. Two more clinal finishes from our goal machine, including one that he had absolutely no right to score with so many defenders around him, put the game beyond reach for Loddon. Albury were able to create a few more chances. Daniel Stovald stung the goalkeepers palms while Josh Smith forced the goalkeeper into an excellent save. At the other end, a couple of long, hopeful punts gave Josh Franklin and Ali some work to do, which they did with their usual calm professionalism.

Though it had been a slog at times, the Sharks fully deserved to make it through to the semi finals.

Final score
Sharks 4-0 Loddon

Goals:
Daniel E x3
Daniel S x1

Paul's MOTM's: Ben Gregory & Harry Connelly
Harry's MOTM's: Noah Davies & Ali Jennis

Coaches Reflections:
1. The lack of football over the last few months has really taken it's toll on the Sharks. Up to November they were a well-oiled machine, but lack of matches has made us a little rusty in the way we play. That's something for the training ground.

2. Our defence was imperious once again. It didn't matter who was playing across the back four, there was such a confidence that we wouldn't concede.

3. It was good to see intensity coming from Noah Davies today. He is such a good player and showed that he is capable of changing a game today. A really superb performance.

4. Another hat-trick for Daniel Egbe who is quite simply an outstanding striker. He uses his strength and control of the ball to such good effect against defenders who, quite simply, can't handle him.

Roll on the semi-final against Onslow!