Sharpness 0 Berkeley Town 3

ONLY one mile separates these two teams geographically and, after this hugely entertaining derby clash, just one point lies between the two at the top end of the Northern Senior League Division One table.

Second-placed Sharpness welcomed third-placed Berkeley for this eagerly anticipated top of the table match, which was played in wet conditions and in front of a large crowd, who witnessed a very competitive game which was a credit to both teams.

The Sharks, lacking their regular goalkeeper Peter Waite, player-manager Terry Gibbs and playmaker Dave Nash, had slightly the better of the first half.

Constantly pushing Town back, they created some good chances for Watkins and Thomas, although Town always looked dangerous on the break through Tim Beames and Rich Langford.

It was very physical in the middle of the park with Sherman and Wilson locking horns. The first half passed by with the score at 0-0, but both keepers were called into action several times.

The second half started in the same manner as the first, with play very tight and neither side giving each other an inch.

The game then really took off following two tremendous saves by the Hunters' goalkeeper Terry Stevenson, which seemed to inspire Berkeley.

Indeed, 15 minutes into the half Town got the breakthrough when, following a corner kick, Langford was sent down the right before beautifully cutting inside and curling a left-footed shot into the top corner.

The lead was doubled ten minutes later when Pete Lavis curled a 25-yard free kick into the top corner, deceiving home goalkeeper Nick Groves.

Although two goals down, the Sharks did not give up and on a number of occasions they went close to scoring. However, it just was not to be.

Town wrapped up the points in stoppage time when the impressive and in-form striker Beames beat two defenders and unleashed a tremendous 20-yard drive into the far corner for a final score of 3-0.

This was a hard-fought, battling performance from Town in an excellent local derby, and the win keeps their unbeaten run going.

L This week the Sharks travel to Brockworth, where it is hopped that Waite and Nash will again be available, while player-manager Gibbs will still not be fit. Meanwhile, Town are at home in another local derby, this time to Cam Bulldogs (2.30pm).