Linslade Galaxy Spartak returned to league action this weekend and welcomed last season’s champions MK Athletic to Cedars. With head coach Steve away on international duty and players Oliver and Joe unavailable, coaches Matt and Nick took charge for what turned about to be a thrilling encounter.

Both sides were very evenly matched in the early stages of the first half with few chances for either team. MK Athletic looked strong and powerful but Linslade got their passing game up and running quickly, moving the ball fast and keeping possession well. Linslade’s defensive unit of Caelan, Bobby Niall, Elliot and Luke N looked assured and composed at the back and kept a high line. This restricted MK Athletic to limited shots on goal with Thomas overall having very little to do in the first half. Chances were few and far between but some good work involving Matthew and Theo set up Luke W for a shot on goal, but his effort fizzed wide of the left post.

Midway through the first half coaches Matt and Nick introduced Johan to add some additional firepower up front and it didn’t take long for him to have an impact on the match. He literally almost scored with his first kick of the ball! Matthew intercepted the ball down the left which fell kindly for Johan, who unleashed a powerful strike but saw his goal-bound shot well blocked by the MK defender. Linslade now had their tails up and didn’t have to wait long for the deadlock to be broken. Johan picked up the ball just outside the box and drove into the penalty area and was subsequently tripped by the MK defender. Dylan duly stepped up, kept his composure and slotted the resulting penalty in the bottom right corner for Linslade to take a deserved lead into half time.

Half Time Spartak 1 v 0 MK

As expected, the second half saw Linslade coming under some early pressure from the opposition who went in search of the equalizer. An early second half penalty to MK saw the sides draw level to set up a thrilling second half. The match was delicately poised and despite MK upping their game, Linslade kept composed and were winning the 50/50 balls all over the pitch. Playing like a team looking for a winner rather than trying to hold out for the draw.

A lovely passing move involving 4 or 5 players saw Theo break free down the right wing and set up a chance for Aiden but whose shot from just outside the box was agonizingly over the bar. With 15 mins left Spartak re-took the lead. A cross into the box from Theo found Luke W. His shot was parried by the keeper, but Johan was on hand to smash home the winner and take a well deserved 3 points against a strong MK Athletic side.

After a disappointing cup exit two weeks ago, all Spartak players raised their game today and outfought and outplayed the opposition, putting in a superb performance with some fantastic passing football on display. It was great to see Owen make his debut for Linslade and special mention to Player of the Match Johan, whose hold-up play and partnership with Jack R upfront was a constant menace to the MK defenders throughout the match.

Thanks to Nick and Matt for taking charge today and to Phil for linesman duties.

Well done Spartak!