FRIENDLY MATCH
Linslade Galaxy U15 Spartak 0 v 3 Berkhamsted Town U15

With no league or cup fixtures this week-end Coach Steve arranged another very tough test for Spartak this morning with a very talented Berkhamsted Town side the visitors to Cedars. The match kicked off in perfect blue skies, making a nice change from the constant rain so far in January.

Berkhamsted immediately showed what they are about with slick passing and the players working hard to move into space. However, Linslade stuck at it and as the first half progressed were building into the game.

This made the first goal for Berkhamsted even more disappointing. After 11 minutes Jack J got caught in possession, the attacker stepped into the box and slid the ball past Thomas inside the far right corner.

Spartak almost got an immediate equaliser when a lovely through ball went to Theo who didn't get the connection he wanted and his shot was straight at the goalkeeper.

Whilst Berkhamsted were dominating possession and continued to show lovely passing and movement, it was actually Spartak who had more shots. The Galaxy defence was being particularly well-marshalled by Sergio and Caelan. Meanwhile at the other end Luke battled in midfield to win the ball and his snap shot flicked the edge of the left post.

On the 27-minute mark there was a sharp low save from Thomas, dealing with a close range shot that wouldn't have counted as the offside flag was raised.

With 5 minutes left in the first half Berkhamsted doubled their lead. Galaxy were not quite sure how the ball went in from a deep cross from the right. Players and spectators were equally confused and debated whether the ball had gone in from the side, but the ref gave the goal.

Then, two minutes later, Spartak got caught in possession again but Thomas cut down the angle well and the Berkhamsted attacker shot wide.

Spartak found themselves 2-0 down at half time in a match where Spartak had more shots but the away side dominated possession. Galaxy will be disappointed in the nature of the two goals and will be looking for more movement off the ball if their own in the second half.

Charlie had certainly got the message as he showed great skill after picking up the ball in space. He passed to Theo, who just couldn't quite connect with his effort.

Berkhamsted again began to dominate the ball and after 10 minutes flashed a shot wide. Then after 23 minutes came Berkhamsted's third goal and the pick of the bunch. They worked the ball from the bottom corner and as the ball came into the box their striker outmuscled Elliot and shot perfectly into the top left corner just out of reach of Thomas's attempted save.

There was a chance at either end of the pitch in the final five minutes. Firstly, Ethan flicked a header just over after a ball from a corner was recycled back into the box. Then Thomas made a good save from a close range effort.

The second half was a more scrappy affair - neither side showed as much attacking intent. If Galaxy had been more clinical in their efforts and if that second goal hadn't stood, then who knows what might have happened. However, Berkhamsted returned to Hertfordshire with a deserved win.

There's still plenty for Spartak to play for in the league and two cup competitions in what is set up to be an exciting second half of the season.