MKDDL U14 Division 1
TFA Lions U14 Blacks 6 v 4 Linslade Galaxy U14 Spartak

Galaxy kicked off against in cloudy but fortunately dry conditions after the heavy rain earlier in the morning, knowing that a return to winning ways was going to be difficult but achievable away at TFA Lions, one of the strongest teams in the division.

All the initial pressure was from TFA as they started the match faster, but Spartak held firm and grew into the match themselves. After 6 minutes Linslade had their first chances of the match. Firstly, a through ball to Ethan and then, a minute later to Luke W, generated excitement on the sidelines. However, on both occasions a last ditch tackle prevented Spartak from getting the shot away.

It was TFA that scored first, demonstrating the quality they possess as good interplay in the 18-yard box led to an unstoppable effort. Then, just a minute later, only two frantic blocks in the 6-yard box prevented TFA from doubling their lead.

Whilst TFA continued to look dangerous, Spartak began to have more possession in their attacking half and after 20 minutes a cross came in from the left from Theo and Ethan was in the box to head past goalkeeper and make the score 1-1.

The match was end to end as just a minute later another dangerous TFA attack led to cross from the left but their striker could only sky the shot. And two minutes after that TFA counter attacked again, leading to another shot from TFA, this time going just wide.

It looked like both teams could score at any time and it was Galaxy who took the lead. Ethan powered his way through and slotted into near corner to give Galaxy a 2-1 advantage.

Sadly the lead lased less than 2 minutes as TFA sped forward again. Thomas came out to block the shot but also just clipped their left winger. It wasn't a clear cut penalty, but Spartak would have been disappointed if it hadn't been given the other way around. In the event TFA smashed home the penalty to bring the teams level at 2-2.

The first half then finished in the worst possible way for Spartak. Firstly, they couldn't clear their lines and this led to 20 yard shot into the far corner and 3-2 to the home side. Then, four minutes later a good move from TFA led to a nice ball over to the right winger. The cross came in and TFA were on hand to slot in from 4 yards and to give themselves a two goal cushion as the ref blew to end a pulsating first half.

It was a disappointing end to the first half as Galaxy had worked really hard to not only get back into the game but take the lead. Niall was containing their dangerous left winger and having a good game. Jack J was battling hard and getting in some crucial blocks, whilst Jack R had some nice moves on the right wing and put his crosses into dangerous places. However, three goals in the last 6 minutes of the half from TFA had put them firmly ahead. In particular, the TFA pace along the wings was proving too much to handle at times.

Everyone watching new that the first goal of the second half was going to be crucial and to the delight of the travelling fans it was Linslade who scored next. Mali did very well to put Luke W through, who slotted calmly round keeper and to bring Spartak back within one goal.

The second half then began to get very feisty with some fierce sliding tackles. The ref 'let the game flow' which encouraged similar tackles during this 20 minute period.

11 minutes into the second half and good passing from Spartak, led to a Kiro shot from 20 yards that burned the goalie's hands. Three minutes later it was TFA who attacked. Despite Thomas bravely stopping the shot, the ball kindly bounced forward and their striker slid in to regain the 2 goal advantage.

The goals continued to flow and Spartak attacked on the right. Luke W provided the assist and his cross was tapped in by Mali to make the score 5-4. Then, with 10 minutes left, Spartak had a corner, but Ethan headed just wide from an excellent Dylan delivery.

The match continued to be end to end as both team constantly attacked and their corners at both ends. Then, in the final minute, TFA scored their sixth goal as the defence just couldn't quite clear and it fell to their star player who duly slotted home. Finally, in injury time Ethan hit the post and his follow up effort was blocked as Spartak battled right to the end.

Everyone put in a shift and for much of the second half looked the better team. Stand out performances in the second half were Ethan who continued to cause TFA difficulties and Elliot who let nothing past him in the left-back position.

Overall, this was a really positive performance from Galaxy with everyone putting in a huge effort and showing some nice passing and movement at times. It was another fixture where the result could easily have been different and a league win is definitely just around the corner.