Spartak’s first match in the group stage was against the hosts Stoke Hammond. Galaxy edged the match and had several corners that they couldn’t convert. One marauding run from Jack J led a pass forward, but again Spartak couldn’t score. Stoke Hammond for their part had a couple of half chances with one great cross that should have been converted. overall, an ok start for Galaxy, but they will need to take their chances in the remaining matches, if they want to progress to the Cup semi-finals.

Second up was Willen Rockets a talented team who finished fourth in Division 2 of the MKDDL. Galaxy had obviously needed the previous match as a warm up as they were up for this one from the start with Tycho and Caelan particularly dominant in defence, Kiro running the midfield and Theo and Charlie showing attacking intent. In the end Spartak scored two goals with the first fired home by Charlie from about 8 yards after good work from Luke W and then a fantastic long range effort fro Kiro that dipped under the bar. The tournament is now truly up and running.

Linslade’s third match was against Dunstable Town Youth, who had won their first match but then had lost to Stoke Hammond to a controversial penalty. This was going to be a crucial match in deciding the Group A standings. Dunstable started the match very strongly and for the first time today Galaxy weren’t the better side as Dunstable attacked. It took some good positional play from Thomas to clear dangerous through balls, including one with his head. The second half of the match, however, was dominated by Spartak. Charlie had one great chance in the middle of the box but his effort was well smothered by the keeper. In the end it took another fantastic long range effort to separate the sides as Tycho fired home in the final minutes to give Galaxy the crucial three points.

The final match in the group stage saw Spartak face MKDDL Division 6 winners, Shenley Cobras. This proved to be the most comfortable win for Galaxy as they strolled to a 3-0 win thanks to a brace from Theo. Firstly, he strode in from the right and nearly flicked the ball over the keeper. He then doubled Spartak’s lead after collecting the goalkeeper’s clearance and lobbing the ball into the back of the net. Owen added a third, curling in from 8 yards just inside the left hand post.

This meant that Spartak finished Group A in first place with no goals conceded. There was never going to be an easy match in the semis but facing a Tattenhoe Youth Jaguars side who had finished their group with an identical record to Linslade was going a tough challenge.

Tattenhoe kicked off the better side and they had an early freekick that hit the bar. For a while the match was heading for a stalemate with not much quality. Then suddenly Spartak sparked into life and scored three goals in 5 minutes.

Firstly, Caelan ran hard and poked ball past the goalkeeper when Tattenhoe thought there was no pressure. The second goal was a result of great team movement. Kiro picked up the ball and after some skills fed Charlie down the line. Charlie crossed the ball into the box to be picked up by Caelan who passed to Luke W who slotted home. Spartak’s third goal saw Caelan again press well. He won the ball, took it into the box, was tripped up and duly converted the penalty.

A stunned Tattenhoe couldn’t muster any meaningful attacks as the match concluded 3-0 to Spartak. Just one match to go now for Spartak as they faced their MKDDL Division 1 rivals Aspley Guise Tigers.

In the event the final was a little bit of an anticlimax as some very harsh decisions and a below par performance from Spartak saw Aspley win the tournament.

After 12 minutes Aspley were awarded a penalty. Whilst there was a foul in the box, just moments before Mali had been bundled over in what the Spartak supporters considered to be a clear foul. Then frustratingly Thomas saved the penalty, but Aspley reacted to the rebound and passed across to their forward who slotted home from 5 yards.

Then, with 2 mins to go Aspley moved the ball forward well and a good team goal doubled their lead.

So it was a case of close, but not close enough for Spartak today. Next up is Galaxy’s own tournament on June 28th, where hopefully the team can go one better!