In perfect playing conditions (blue sky and no wind) Spartak faced up against Street 2 Pro a JPL team based in Aylesbury for a friendly match. Galaxy were missing 4 players that usually play through the middle so this was going to be a tricky match.

The game could not have started better for Galaxy when in the very first minute a free kick was awarded to Spartak at the edge of the box. Joseph duly stepped up and curled the ball into the left hand corner to give Spartak a very early lead.

Unfortunately, the lead only lasted two minutes as at a corner Street 2 Pro had a free header in the box and they immediately equalised.

The away team were looking dangerous and after 13 minutes there was a melee in the 6 yard box and the ball somehow flicked just over the bar to prevent Street 2 Pro from taking the lead.

However, it was not one way traffic and just two minutes later Matthew did well on the right and got in a tight shot that clipped the crossbar.

Ultimately though it was Street 2 Pro who took control of the game thanks to two goals within 5 minutes. Firstly, their striker was allowed to weave in the box and he fired a shot off the post giving the keeper no chance.

Then a perfect through ball split the Spartak goalkeeper and defence. The Street 2 Pro player striker got their first and nudged the ball past the keeper, before slotting it into the empty net.

All of a sudden Linslade found themselves two goals behind and that it how the first half finished.

In the early stages of the second half there was some good attacking play from Spartak. After 6 minutes Charlie weaved in the box and passed back to Theo, but his shot was well saved by the keeper.

Then, two minutes later, the ball came back to Owen, who drilled a fantastic low shot from 30 yards to reduce the deficit to 2-3.

However, that proved to be as close as Spartak would get to drawing level. After 21 minutes Street 2 Pro produced another dangerous through ball that caused the defence difficulties. In the end their striker was bundled down in the box and although the penalty taker slipped he scored. Then just a minute later a long range shot made the score 2-5.

As the match drew to a close it was the away side who came closest to scoring again, including a moment of great skill, but the shot flashed across the goal.

Overall, this was a good experience for Spartak who always knew that the big match was next weekend - a home County Cup semi final against Wixams Wanderers.