| In this the last game before the
Christmas break Spartak had their work cut out against a Chesterton team which a few
weeks previous had turned them over 5-0. With conditions less than favourable and a
number of 'regulars' unavailable Spartak did manage to put together a strong line up
but with Chestertons 15 man squad, physio and coach, things looked ominous.
With very little options available regarding team selection Spartak
opted for the 4-5-1 formation and hoped to win the toss and battle with the wind in
the first half. This was the case and the game started with both teams having their
share of the possession in the first 10 minutes.
Despite Spartak
playing into a force 10 gale they restricted Chesterton to very few clear cut
chances with the defence holding a good line and Paul in nets clearing anything that
did get through. The danger came from corners, with the wind blowing everything
towards the goal and one long clearance from the keeper which bounced once and was
turned/fumbled wide by Paul. Spartak argueably had the best chance of the half when
Pete shot from distance causing their keeper to turn the ball over. This combined
with a number of half chances meant at half time Spartak were well in the game,
0-0.
11 great performances in the first half meant 11 better
performances in the second if Spartak were going to win this and with the aid of the
wind this half were confident of getting a goal or two. Spartak started, as usual, a
bit quietly but soon got into the game, camping as they did in the Chesterton half
but not creating any clear cut chances. Chesterton were however dangerous on the
break and Spartak rode their luck a bit when two shots flew across the goal with the
second one going very close but was well watched by Withers and left to go wide for
a goal kick. Spartaks first good chance of the half fell to Dave F when a long throw
from Bowman found an unmarked Dave who directed a good header towards goal and with
premature shouts of 'good goal' from Pete saw the keeper stick out a hand to make a
great save. Soon after this a free kick whiped in to the box resulted in the ball
pinging out to Dave again but this time put over when it was probably easier to hit
the target. Chesterton ahd one last good cahnce when Sam, who had a blinding game,
miskicked and let Chestertons striker in but Paul pulled out a brilliant save right
at the death to keep Spartak in it. Throughout the half however the defense had
remained solid with Steve playing the holding role extremely well resulting in his
man of the match honour.
The full time whistle blew much to
everyones displeasure as the prospect of another 30 minutes of golden goal extra
time in the wind was not a pleasurable one. Again Dave won the toss and made the
decision to kick into the wind much to everyones surprise and amazement. This
however proved worthwhile with the first attack of the half resulting in a Spartak
corner. This was whiped in by Bren, 'flicked' on by Withers and with reflexes akin
to Ali, Bowman flicked out his right foot to score the golden goal. The game was all
over and yet again Spartak went through, continuing their amazing cup run. Brilliant
result and 11 brilliant performances puts Spartak in the hat for the Semi Finals,
Bring it on!! | 
CDFL Challenge Cup