Spurs u21’s 1-2 Norwich u21’s (Match report)

Our under 21’s will be disappointed that they couldn’t have got something out of this evenings match at the lane against a well set up and physically challenging Norwich side, as the canaries ran out two-one winners on the night. Spurs had a golden opportunity four minutes in as Sonupe’s shot was spilt for the nimble footed Will Miller to latch on to the stray ball, off balance the youngster couldn’t look down in time and his effort was hit well over the cross bar from close range. Norwich broke the deadlock a minute later after Lewis received a fine pass and the young canaries forward tucked his finish around the helpless McDermott to give the canaries the lead, 1-0 to Norwich. Norwich dictated the flow of the game in the preceding 20 minutes, and on 26 minutes Norwich almost doubled their lead as Seal was through on goal in the area as Christian Maghoma was forced into making a crucial intervention in the box to poke the ball away from danger. However just over 10 minutes afterwards Norwich doubled their lead, Grant deliciously curled the ball beyond McDermott in to the bottom corner of the net from the resulting free kick, 2-0 Norwich.

The second half began slowly with both sides battling for possession, there were long periods in play without there being any real chances, although the young Lillywhites did enjoy fine periods of play through the skill and pace of Edwards. Norwich almost put the game to bed on 77 minutes after Seal was found via a through ball and the forward was desperately unlucky with his effort, as his shot powered off the right post. Shortly afterwards the young starlet Kyle Walker-Peters was sent of for Spurs contradictory to his fine performance the fullback received his second yellow after a strong tackle resulted in his dismissal. McDermott made a string of fine saves in the following minutes, as the talented Northern Irish man managed to keep 10 man Spurs to just the two goals conceded. The talented Marcus Edwards had created much excitement amongst the fans in the second half and the wonder kid helped Spurs grab a late goal back as he embarked on a weaving run all the way in to the Norwich box, and the England under 17 internationals shot was blocked in to the path of Miller who volleyed home with an excellent finish, Spurs 1-2!

There was to be no late equaliser in this one as it finished Norwich two Spurs one on the evening, in a game that the Spurs players should be proud of. Despite the scoreline the lads played a fine game of football against a technically good Norwich side, it will have a positive effect on the players in the long run as they played at the lane In front of a big crowd. Our lads were missing a number of regular under 21 players as they’d traveled to Dortmund with the senior side. However the numerous under 18 selections impressed on the night, and none more so than highly sought after Marcus Edwards who exhibited his dazzling skills and flare in the second half. Ugo will be happy with the performance from the lads under such circumstances as at the end of the day it’s about progress not points, and this evenings match will be highly positive for each players development. COYS⚽️

Spurs U21s: McDermott, Walker-Peters, Stylianides (Goddard 78), Lesniak, Walkes, Maghoma (Edwards 46), Sonupe, Amos, Miller, J Pritchard (Loft 54), Georgiou. Substitute (not used): Whiteman (GK).