It was another sunny Saturday morning as as Spartak travelled to rural Northamptonshire to face TFA Lions. The pitch was hard but looked nice and green and Spartak were hoping that playing away would change the recent pattern of home defeats.

Linslade started the match promisingly and in the 9th minute they were desperately unlucky not to take the lead. The great move was started by Jack R, who fed Niall on the right. Niall crossed into the box and the defence cleared but only to Jack R at the edge of the box, Jack R controlled the ball and fired a shot that hit the right hand side post.

On 17 minutes Spartak switched off at the back and a floated free kick was allowed to go through to a TFA player but their shot was dragged across the face of the goal.

However, just 4 minutes later TFA took the lead from a throw in that led to a bit of pinball in the box. Despite blocking a couple of shots, the third effort was slid under Thomas for the first goal of the match.

TFA then quickly doubled their lead as the ball was nicked off Dylan and the striker had a one on one with the keeper and he duly chipped Thomas for the home team’s second goal.

Spartak were proving to be their own worst enemy as this time Sergio’s back pass lacked pace but Thomas came out to smother the shot this time.

As TFA confirmed to attack it needed a couple of timely clearances from Joseph to prevent any further attempts on goal.

Just before the end of the half Matthew did well on the left and delivered a nice ball to Jack J. He still has work to do but managed to get a shot away that went just high.

A very frustrating first half for Spartak who were the better team for the first 10 minutes and were unlucky not to take the lead. But defensive frailties led to two quick fire goals from TFA and thereafter they grew in confidence. Spartak knew they needed an early second half goal to put doubts in the mind of the opposition.

The second half was one of few clear chances. Spartak on occasion built up from the back well, but too often failed to use the width and got blocked in central areas. TFA for their part looked hungrier and broke forward several times but shots on goal were few and far between.

Midway through the second half TFA floated a ball into the box and on the second attempt their striker managed to prod the ball home.

Without about 10 minutes to go, Galaxy again built up well with Joseph combining well with Elliot on the left. Elliot’s cross was well placed and Jack J headed the ball into the back of the net for a great team goal and the best goal of the match.

However, it was too little too late and TFA held on without any further drama of note to take the victory.

Spartak’s poor run of form continues, but this match could have been very different if Jack R’s early effort had gone in. Hopefully, Spartak will get that bit of luck next match as they build to the League Cup final in two weeks’ time.