To say that this match was a must-win is an understatement. This was a season-defining match, that would go a long way to deciding whether the Albury Sharks would finish another season with a medal round their necks, or whether they would be in a battle to be the best of the rest.

Camberley Town had mirrored Albury's results thus far: one draw and winning the rest, so we knew that this would be a battle between the two teams fighting for the Title. Both teams were certainly up for it. The Camberley coaches spent the entire warm up watching Albury players rather than their own team, and insisted that we played on the horrendously boggy pitch, even though there were two perfectly good ones available, a ploy to make sure that the Sharks couldn't play their usual passing game. It certainly worked! Although the teams were evenly matched, it was Camberley who started the game on top, motivated to charge down every ball and attacking with intensity. I really liked the fact that Camberley played good football and they moved the ball quickly. The Sharks were a bit taken back as they are usually the dominant team, and were not used to other teams attacking them with such intensity. There were a couple of key battles: Daniel Egbe was marked by four defenders and they quickly identified his attacking threat. Their full backs were fast and strong, forcing Josh Franklin and Josh Smith to have to battle for absolutely everything. I also made a tactical mistake by playing three central midfielders, while also encouraging the Sharks to keep the ball out of the middle of the quagmire. The purpose was to overload the midfield, but left us without options up front.

Albury had a few good chances, Daniel Egbe recieved a long throw from Gabe and turned his marker, only for his shot to flash just wide of the post. Ben Gregory had a free kick saved by the goalkeeper, and another snatched shot saved by the goalkeeper at his near post. But Camberley were also causing a real threat. A slip in the defence allowed the Camberley striker to sprint through on goal, only to be denied by the incredible Dexter Williams, who somehow diverted the ball away from goal. Shortly after, another slip gave a Camberley forward another attempt at goal from a much closer distance, again, brilliantly saved by Dexter. This is the value of having an exceptional goalkeeper and Dexter once again proved how valuable he is to this team. I would not be exaggerating to say that his saves kept us in the game, and in the title race. The Camberley coaches agreed, they couldn't believe what they had just seen.

Camberley did manage to get the first goal however, as Albury missed several opportunities to clear the ball, and a cross was turned in by the striker. It was a slightly poor goal to concede, but Camberley deserved it. They had been the better team and had rattled the sharks. This is where champions are made. How would the Sharks react to going behind against a team that were on the ascendency. Mackenzie Rose came on to bolster the attack and Josh Franklin moved alongside Daniel Egbe, providing some support and an extra threat to the Camberley defence. This gave Albury a bit of a boost, but to their credit, they also managed to increase their intensity levels as a team. Their desire for the ball increased and the quality of their passing improved, and subsequently they looked m ore of a threat. Daniel Egbe, now backed up by Josh Franklin, was beginning to stress out the defenders, giving Mackenzie and Josh Smith more space on the wings to probe. A ball into Daniel Egbe on the edge of the area allowed him to do what he does best: turn his defender and waltz his way through despairing defenders. One defender in particular was not agile enough and sent him crashing to the floor for a penalty. Ben Gregory smashed the penalty into the top corner, and the sharks, somehow were level.

Half time:
Camberley 1-1 Albury

Half time was crucial. An opportunity to reflect on what we needed to do better, I saw a new fight enter their tired and muddy faces. Skill and composure was needed, but also grit and a dogged determination to win every battle required. Wow, what a turn around. Camberley had seen the stuffing knocked out of them by the Albury goal, and Albury capitalised by starting the second half, full steam ahead. Ivan Iduriaga reentered the fray as if he had drunk 1000 coffees at half time. He was everywhere, mopping up loose balls, smashing opposition in tackles and spearheading penetrating forays into the attacking third. Josh Smith also looked possessed, taking on his full-back (who had proven his quality in the first half) and outmuscling, outpacing or outsmarting him every time. It was one of these occasions where a desperate tackle put the ball out for a corner. Ben Gregory whipped a curling ball in towards the goalkeeper, for the onrushing Greg Walker to flick a header into the top corner for 2-1. The roar from the Albury players as they bundled into the middle made the hackles of my neck rise.

At this point, Albury were surging forward at every opportunity. Harvey Rush, and Mackenzie Rose were wreaking havoc on the right hand side, while Josh Franklin and Daniel Egbe were too much for the defenders to handle. Ben Gregory was the commander-in-chief in the middle of the park, setting such an example to the rest of his team as to the work rate and effort required to be a Shark.

The third goal came soon after. Another attack up the left hand side saw Josh Smith whip in a stunning cross for Daniel Egbe to tip over the goalkeeper for 3-1, as Albury looked to put the game to bed. Number four was almost added by Greg Walker, who met another corner with a bullet header that was superbly tipped onto the crossbar by the goalkeeper. A free kick from Josh Smith was also well saved and a shot from Mackenzie Rose flashed just wide. Daniel Egbe almost got his second as he powered through the defence and lobbed the goalkeeper, only to be denied by a defender on the goal line.

"Coach...", the opposition manager called me over. I was a bit nervous as I had been uncharacteristically animated on the touchline and I was worried I was going to get an earful.
"I just want to recognise the fact that your lads of amazing character, the fact that they have managed to completely turn the game on it's head is very impressive." I was touched by the compliment, but he was spot on. To see eleven players (and even the two subs) care so much about every second of football was incredible.

That being said, football is never simple. I am 31, but look about 51 (and feel about 81), and it's all football's fault. Completely against the run of play, Camberley somehow scored with fifteen minutes to go, leaving Albury with a nail-biting finish. I was expecting jitters and a loss of confidence but Albury kept their nerve. Monty Byrne somehow managed to keep their massive attacker under his control while Gabe Fitzgerald and Ali Jennis used their pace and strength to mop up attacks. Greg Walker proved his worth in defence too, absorbing penetrative passes with the calm, composure that he always displays. Daniel McGraw reentered the midfield to sure it up and together with Ivan and Ben, they didn't give Camberley any time on the ball. The final whistle blew to give Albury an incredible win, and to cement their place at the top of the league.

Full time:
Camberley 2-3 Albury

Goals:
Ben Gregory
Greg Walker
Daniel Egbe

Harry's Man of the Match: Dexter Williams- World class saves from Dexter kept us in the game in the first half.
Harry's second Man of the Match: Ivan Iduriaga- Another phenomenal display from El Torro gave Albury the momentum to turn the game around.
Captain's Man of the Match: Daniel Egbe- Ben chose Daniel for his attacking threat and match-winning goal.

Coaches Reflections:
1. Wow! What a win that was. I could not be proud of every single player, to have shown such grit and fight. They truly deserved thos three points. And the good news is, they can play far better than that!
2. It was really nice to compete against another team that plays good football. camberley were an excellent opponent and the Sharks had to put in an exceptional performance in the second half to beat them. The players will have learned loads from he game too.
3. I made a tactical mistake to play three central midfielders which leaves me with a massive dilemma. I have three outstanding central midfielders, all with 100% commitment and in fine form. It is so difficult to rotate them. Well done Ben, Daniel and Ivan, you are having incredible seasons.
4. Dexter Williams once again showed his worth with two outrageous saves. To hear the opposition coaches talk so enviously of him was really nice to hear.

Well done Sharks!