MKDDL U15 Division 1
AFC Oakley U15 Tornadoes 4 v 2 Linslade Galaxy U15 Spartak

Spartak travelled to rural Bedfordshire to face a talented AFC Oakley side in the hope of returning to winning ways. Oakley sat bottom of the table at the start of proceedings without a point, but they had only faced the top teams so far and therefore this was going to be another tough test for Galaxy.

The match kicked off in cloudy conditions after a perfectly observed minute’s silence for Remembrance Day tomorrow.

Oakley had the early play and after just 2 minutes were awarded a free kick from 20 yards which was well saved by Thomas.

However, it was Spartak who took the lead on the 8 minute mark. After a good team move down the left, Dylan crossed over the keeper. Niall collected the ball before finally in a crowded box Mali was in the right place to prod home from 4 yards.

The next 10 mins were a middle battle with no chances for either side to score. Unfortunately during this period Tycho had to hobble off with a leg injury.

With 15 minutes to go in the half Oakley had a series of attacks. Firstly they had a fast counter attack from down the right; however, the ball fizzed across the box with no one at home to get a shot away. This was followed another dangerous cross from the left, but again it didn’t lead to an effort on goal. Then a third dangerous cross came in which needed Thomas to flick over for a corner from which Ethan did well to clear.

Linslade couldn’t hold out for much longer. Another Oakley corner which this time was well met with a header that wasn’t far over. The home goal was coming and in the next corner it ended with a scramble in the box and this time Oakley prodded home from 4 yards.

The goal woke up Spartak and they started to attack again with Blake’s curled effort wide of the left post. Then, 2 mins later, Jack R did some great work in the middle and passed to Ethan. He went wide round the keeper and scored from a very tight angle.

Unfortunately Galaxy’s lead only lasted two minutes when their attacker chipped Thomas from the left.

The first half finished all square. Spartak were playing well but thanks to that second equaliser the match was very finely poised.

Early in the second half Spartak had a fantastic chance to take the lead for the third time. In a crowded penalty box Theo turned and shot from 6 yards but it was smothered by the keeper.

Would Spartak rue not taking that great opportunity? The answer came on the 14th minute when defensive errors led to a third Oakley goal.

It was Spartak’s turn to seek an equaliser and they hand a series of attempts, starting with a long range effort from Owen that went just wide.

Three minutes later Jack J battled into box and his near post shot was well saved by keeper. This was swiftly followed by a long range effort from Blake and an effort from Jack J flashed high after Luke had dribbled in the box.

Despite Spartak’s recent pressure Oakley’s next effort resulted in their fourth when they scored from a tight angle. This was a sucker punch for Linslade and it proved to be the final goal of the game.

Overall, a narrow congested pitch prevented Galaxy from playing their best football. Oakley won most of the 50-50s and took their chances well. Spartak showed glimpses of their best but could not sustain it and towards the end of the match lacked enough composure to get anything from the game.

However there’s still plenty to play for this season and so the focus immediately turns to the next match - an away fixture at Kempston.