In mild but cloudy conditions Spartak welcomed talented opposition in the form of JPL-side AFC Rushden & Diamonds to the Cedars 3G. The match was contested in JPL style - consisting of four 20-minute quarters.

The first quarter was an even affair. Rushden demonstrated what a good passing team they are, but were limited to two long range efforts. They also looked dangerous with diagonal through balls for their strikers to run onto, but they couldn’t make these slight chances count.

As for Spartak, they had a couple of good chances themselves with Johan hitting the crossbar. Another Galaxy attack led to Elliot shooting from 25 yards. It ended up being a pass to Jack R who brilliantly turned and shot to open the scoring.

In the second quarter Galaxy stepped up the performance and dominated proceedings. Matthew made the most of increased Linslade possession in the final third with two goals to increase Spartak's lead to 3-0. The first of these saw a ball from midfield from Jack J feed Matthew in the box, who swayed onto his left and struck home. Then, five minutes later, in an another Galaxy attack Matthew smashed it home from 20 yards.

Linslade did have Thomas to thank, however, for preventing a goal for Rushden & Diamonds between these efforts, as the Rushden striker was clear through, but Thomas came out really well to smother the effort.

The second half ended with Luke W twisting and turning, but his shot from distance was turned away for a corner by the opposition goalie.

The third quarter was Rushden's turn to pick up the intensity and have more of the play in their attacking half.

This pressure resulted in a penalty for Rushden. It was a difficult call for the ref as Caelan’s tackle was not deemed clean enough. Regardless the Rushden penalty taker put it right in the corner just past the outstretched Thomas to make it 3-1.

It wasn't all Rushden this quarter, however, as Jack J’s battling run into the box ended with the keeper blocking his effort. A few minutes later Olly picked up a clearance and neatly fed Johan in the box. He turned well but his effort ran past the far post.

The wind picked up as the fourth quarter commenced, but both teams continued to play good football. Most of the good efforts on goal were coming from Spartak. Firstly, Luke N had a good effort well saved. Then a marauding run from Luke W allowed him to strike, but his 20 yard shot was comfortable for the goalkeeper. Meanwhile, Johan had several good chances but couldn’t make them count.

In the end it was another marauding run from Luke W that got Spartak's fourth goal. He got past at least 3 players and this time there was no denying him as he slotted it home.

There were some high quality goals from Spartak today, but a shout out must also be made to the Galaxy defence, who held firm against top opposition. Niall, Joseph, Tycho and Caelan all looked assured and dealt with the Rushden attacks, whilst when a diagonal through ball did get through Thomas was on hand to read the pass and collect the ball.

All in all a very positive performance and another demonstrated, as if it were needed, that this Spartak team can beat anyone on their day.