MKDDL U15 Division 1
Aspley Guise U15 2 v 1 Linslade Galaxy U15 Spartak

It was an early start as Spartak travelled to south Milton Keynes to face Aspley Guise for the second time in two weeks. Both teams knew this match would play a critical role in deciding the Division One championship.

The two teams kicked off in dry, but chilly conditions.

There was early pressure from Spartak, who generated a free kick from just outside the box but as the ball came back in Theo couldn’t connect with the header. Three minutes later Blake had a difficult chance from distance that went high and wide.

Aspley Guise came into the game after a slow start and attempted a free kick from just inside half way line that Thomas had to flick over the bar. He then did well to collect the corner in a crowded box.

As the first half progressed Aspley Guise began to build some pressure but as the cross came in they could only head straight at Thomas. Another cross a couple of minutes later flew over everyone.

Midway through the first half Blake had a free kick from 25 yards that hit the wall, but straight to Theo. Unfortunately his shot was also blocked by the defence.

Just after the half hour Spartak took the lead. The ball was flicked through by Caelan and Ethan collected and prodded past the keeper who got to the ball but not enough to prevent Spartak from taking the lead.

The first half was a close affair with Aspley Guise going for the long ball approach and Spartak trying to play the ball on the ground. Whilst Galaxy had more of the attacking intent in the opposition box, Aspley Guise were equally competitive and this match was still anyone’s to take.

Spartak started the second half playing well with some neat passing. However, the home side were much competitive than in the reverse fixture and Galaxy needed some great defending from Tycho to maintain their lead.

Unfortunately, a crazy couple of minutes saw the match turn on its head. Firstly, Aspley Guise curled a free kick into the box from 30 yards which the attacker timed perfectly to head past Thomas.

Then, just 2 minutes later a sliding tackle in the box was judged to be a foul and Aspley Guise had in a blink of an eye taken the lead when they duly converted the penalty.

Spartak now had to chase the game and despite their best endeavours they could not break down the resolute home defence to create any clear cut chances.

With 11 minutes to go Jack J did brilliantly to turn in the box but blasted his shot high. Then Charlie snapped at his chance from outside the box and it spun wide.

Indeed, it was Aspley who had the best chance as the match drew to a close and a dangerous moment needed two saves from Thomas.

In the end Aspley won by the odd goal just as Linslade had done the week before. This six-pointer makes it very hard to win the league now, but knowing this Spartak side they will battle to the very end.