Spartak show battling spirit to defeat Bulldogs

Spartak went into this game following two consecutive weekends without a match and looking to continue their excellent recent form.  The pitches at Lees Field are starting to cut up following the recent wet weather and number of games being played on them but Spartak dealt with the playing surface really well and produced a great, battling performance to beat Partington Bulldogs 3-2.

From the start both sides were keen to win the ball but Spartak were unable to really settle and the play football we have seen in recent games.  Alice and Sam in midfield led the way in the first period with some well timed tackles and lots of running to support Joe up front, who kept the Partington defenders busy all game.  Dylan in continued his string of superb performances in the centre of defence in front of Charlie who is always a safe pair of hands in goal.  Theo put in a good performance in this period playing out of position on the right hand of defence but it was Dan who was the star of the period.  Following a jinking rundown the left, Dan ran into the box and fired in a superb shot to beat the Partington keeper at his near post to make it 1-0.  Partington were by no means outplayed in this period and could easily have equalised but for a battling Spartak team.

As in recent games the break did not stop the flow and both teams continued in the second period to contribute to an excellent game.  With a lack of a regular goalkeeper, Alice volunteered to take a turn in this period and put in a solid performance behind Dylan and Jack in defence.  Charlie joined Sam in midfield where the level of tackling and running was superb.  Theo was playing in a more familiar position in attack and kept the Partington defenders on their toes.  It was Joseph’s turn this period to play in an unfamiliar position on the right hand side of defence were he played really well stopping Partington attacks.  The second Spartak goal came from a good run by Sam down the left who crossed in for Dan to chip into the box and Theo was on hand to swivel and volley home.  This was one of the best moves of the match.

The final period was the most nerve wracking but entertaining of the match.  Joseph played up front in this period and looked to stretch the Partington defence with his pace.  Alice and Joe in midfield played continued to make great tackles but were impressive in always trying to make passes for team mates to build attacks on.  The key to this period was the defensive performance as Theo took his regular turn in goal and pulled out a couple of outstanding saves towards the end of the period whilst Dylan and Jack continue to build a formidable defensive partnership.  Partington got a deserved goal mid-way through the period following sustained pressure to make it 2-1.  Spartak then rose to the challenge as Joe split the Partington defence with an excellent pass for Joseph to run into the box and coolly fire in the third goal.  This was a very pleasing response to conceding a goal.  Partington then scored another goal in the last minute to make the final score 3-2.

This was a great performance from everyone in the Spartak team particularly in the final period when Partington threatened to get a draw from the game.  Everyone stepped up the effort in this period and despite conceding two goals we managed to score a third goal and put in an excellent defensive performance to win the game.  With two equally matched teams it was always going to be special displays of skill that would win the game.  As the result shows both sides contributed to an exciting game played in the right spirit but Spartak shaded it on the day.