Sharks opted for a 5 man midfield, knowing that Walmley liked to control the midfield with 5, and Jake Kirkwood earnt a start in the defensive midfield role after an impressive showing in that position the week before. In truth Sharks started the match rather sluggishly and only the linesmans flag stopped them from going behind inside 5 minutes with the Walmley striker adjudged to have strayed into an offside position before the winger released him for a one on one with Matt James. It wasn’t long however before the Walmley no 9, who was to prove a handful all game, lost his marker and cooly slotted past the helpless Matt James in just the 8th minute of the game. The goal wasnt a shock given the way that Walmley had started the game, looking much brighter than the Sharks, but the speed in which Sharks responded was. Straight from kick off the ball was played wide to Nathan Ray who left a trail of Walmley players in his wake to smash the equaliser and Walmley had lost their lead no longer than 60 seconds after gaining it. Just 60 seconds after a shell shocked Walmley restarted the game the Sharks regained possession again and Jimmy Horton broke with pace and fired in his second goal in as many matches to give Sharks the lead for the first time in the match. Walmley battled hard to get back into the game but Sharks were looking dangerous every time they attacked and when Tom Hurcombe delivered a dangerous ball across the face of the Walmley goal, and Jimmy Horton had a snap shot at it, the alert Nathan Ray was on hand to squeeze the ball home for his second of the game and put Sharks in the driving seat in the 13th minute. The game continued as an end to end affair with both sides looking capable of scoring more goals. As Jimmy Horton broke down the right hand side he looked up to see Tom Hurcombe tearing towards goal and he played a perfect cross which Tom found the finish for only to be pegged back by the linesmans flag as he had made his move too early. However Sharks didnt have to wait long for their next goal when some clever midfield play drew a foul 20 yards out from the Walmley goal. Full of confidence, and knowing it was within shooting range, Nathan Ray stepped up to fire in his third of the day and second hatrick in as many weeks. There was still time for more goals just before half time though as Walmley were to pounce on a goal kick that fell short and fire home to make it 4-2 in the 22nd minute. It was clear that Sharks needed a bright start to the second half with Walmley feeling that they may get back into the game but in just the first minute of the second half Walmley took advantage of a mix up at the back to fire home their third of the day and Sharks nerves seemed to kick in. The versatile Ben Henstock showed his value to the team putting in shifts in numerous positions across the midfield and Josh Taylor gave a good account of himself in two new positions at right back and in the defensive midfield role. The second half could have gone either way with both teams coming close to scoring more goals but both keepers and defences were resolute enough to stem the flow of goals and the Sharks held on for victory. MOTM; Nathan Ray – Another fine hatrick, following on from where he left off last season.