Since Spartak's semi-final triumph against Wixams Wanderers everyone had eagerly awaited the Beds U14 County Cup Final and it was with great excitement that the players, coaches and supporters made their way to Creasey Park Stadium, Dunstable, for this match up against Crawley Green.

The whole squad had played their role in reaching the final and although Luke N and Charlie were not able to play in the final they had made important contributions in earlier rounds.

Spartak's run to the final had been full of drama with no less than three victories secured by way of penalty shoot out. It felt as if Linslade's name was on the trophy this year. However, they knew the final was going to be a tough match against a very talented Crawley Green side who are very likely to be crowned Division 1 champions of the Bedfordshire Youth Saturday League.

In sunny conditions the players walked out onto the pitch alongside each other and the match kicked off with both teams immediately showing their attacking intent as it flowed from end to end for the first few minutes.

Spartak were showing some early nerves and Crawley Green started the game the stronger. On the 11th minute they had a free kick on the edge of the box which needed a smart save from Thomas low to his left to keep the match goalless. Crawley Green were looking particularly dangerous down the right-hand side but Elliot was playing really well in snuffing out most opportunities with Dylan always on hand to provide that crucial cover when needed.

By the time of the 15th minute Galaxy had settled and began to show their attacking qualities. Unfortunately, the ball never seemed to land right at that crucial moment and this led to only half chances or missed opportunities to shoot. Matthew and Ethan worked tirelessly at front to press the opposition back line and on one occasion they grabbed the ball in the box but Ethan's effort went just wide. Then, a few minutes, more pressure from Linslade led to a shot from Luke W from 18 yards that went over the bar by inches.

On the half hour mark Spartak were on top. Jack J looped a free kick into the box and the clearance came out to Luke W but his shot was well saved by the Crawley green keeper. A couple of minutes later there was more good pressing from Ethan and Matthew which created a chance for Ethan that was pulled wide.

As the referee blew the whistle to end a goalless first half Spartak could feel confident going into the changing rooms for the half-time break. They had defended really well at the beginning with Caelan typically dominant against any high balls and Niall and Tycho coping without drama against any Crawley Green attacks down the left. Then, as Spartak grew into the match, Theo and Jack J didn't give the opposition midfield a moment's peace and set the pattern for Linslade to control the remainder of the first half.

The second half started in the same vein with Spartak on top. Jack R had come on after the break and his speed and trickery were in particular causing the opposition defence difficulties. This was demonstrated in very early second half action when Jack R ran really well to pick up the through ball and get the cross in. Two minutes later more good work from Matthew and Ethan led to another chance.

After 9 minutes it was Jack J's turn to shoot and his long range effort went just over. This was followed, a couple of minutes later by an even closer effort. Luke W struck a delightful free-kick from 25 yards that hit the top netting - with the rippling of the net fooling some Galaxy supporters that they had taken the lead!

Spartak were very much on top and the message from the coaches and the substitutes was that the goal was coming and finally on the 17th minute Galaxy took the lead. Jack J took a long throw into the box, which was half cleared. Mali passed back out to Jack J who lunged to somehow cross the ball back into the far side of the box where Matthew was on hand to head the ball passed the goalkeeper into the near side of the goal.

The goal immediately generated an extra buzz to the game and spurred Crawley Green into action. On 19 minutes their striker was through and he absolutely rattled the crossbar with a fierce strike, but the effort would have been ruled out offside.

The match had suddenly become frantic and end to end. On one end of the pitch there was more great work from Jack R who crossed the ball in from the right. Ethan's effort hit the post and the rebound was very well saved by the opposition goalkeeper. The next moment Crawley Green were on the attack and their strike needed a world class save from Thomas who diving high to his left somehow got his fingers to the ball that everyone watching was certain was going in top corner. A few minutes later a Crawley Green free kick led to a shot that Thomas had to clear with his feet on the line.

Spartak were clinging on to their lead at this point and some critical substitutions were made with Joseph, Owen and Kiro providing that much needed calming influence and this had the effect of snuffing out the Crawley Green momentum. Owen especially looked really assured, his passing going to feet and with one outstanding lunging block that prevented a dangerous Crawley Green ball from entering the box.

On the 27th minute Spartak counter attacked and Mali, who had worked his socks off all game, had an effort on goal after rounding the goalkeeper, but it went wide.

When the referee blew the whistle the Linslade Galaxy players, coaches and supporters jumped up in celebration.

It was a special moment to see all the players line up to receive their winners medals. As part of the presentation special mention was made of Thomas's spectacular save that maintained Spartak's one goal winning margin, and then the moment came for Dylan to lift the County Cup to signal Linslade Galaxy U14 Spartak as champions of Bedfordshire!

A huge thanks must go out to the coaches, Steve, Nick and Matt for their efforts week in and week out in giving the players the skills, knowledge and confidence to secure such a fantastic achievement.

The smiles on the coaches and the supporters faces made it clear just how clear how proud we all are of this U14 Spartak squad - well done to you all!