Spurs under 18’s 2-2 Stoke city: (match report)

“We had an awful lot of very, very good opportunities, especially in the first half when we played really well into a breeze. In the second half we had some pretty amazing misses and some pretty bizarre goals conceded so it’s a bit frustrating, although I’d rather it be frustrating in that we created chances and missed them than not creating anything in the first place.” (John McDermott)

Our under 18’s were back in league action today as they drew 2-2 with stoke city in their first game of the merit group stage, at Hotspur way. John McDermott’s side which was missing a couple of important players through internationals, battled well against a very physical opposition, despite their first half dominance Spurs couldn’t finish off the potters, and their tenacity in the second half ensured that the points were shared. Spurs started the game brightly as they went in search of the opener, and they took the lead just 12 minutes in to the game through winger Keanan Bennetts. The pacy Bennetts embarked on a surging run down the left, beating his man with ease before whipping a wonderful cross into the box which Stoke city’s James Butler turned intp his own net, 1-0 to Spurs. Moments later Spurs doubled their advantage, McDermott’s side were relentless and were hungry for their second. Striker, Kazaiah Sterling burst down the right wing, before playing the ball back into the path of Jamie Reynolds, who fired the ball home with a deftly accurate finish. Spurs were totally outplaying Stoke and seemed destined to go on a goal scoring rampage. Watched on by Mauricio Pochettino, the Lillywhites came desperately close to getting their third on 19 minutes, when Reo Griffith’s powerful low effort hit the post, with the ball coming back to Sterling whose effort was blocked emphatically by Butler. Spurs continued to press Stoke, Bennett’s forcing a fine save out of Allen before Griffiths went close with a header.

Despite all of Spurs’ quality attacking play, they allowed the visitors a way back into the game on 36 minutes, after Tyrese Campbell capitalised on Duncan’s poor back pass, the forward clinically slotting the ball past Austin from close range. Stoke’s newfound confidence saw them push for an equaliser before half time, and they weren’t to far from achieving that goal through Campbell, but for the excellent defending of Skipp and Brown. The early parts of the second half saw Stoke implement their physical superiority, as they had us on the back foot, the introduction of the tall Jordan Greenidge had our centre backs embroiled in a fierce battle, as they tried desperately to stop Greenidge and Campbell from getting through on goal.
Spurs still created a whole host of chances, an off balance Sterling seeing his effort blocked at the other end, whilst Bennett’s showed great technique as he whipped a free kick over the wall, forcing a good reaction save out of Allen. Bennett’s should have put the game out of sight late on when he received the ball inside the box, but his first time effort flew high over the crossbar. Spurs would regret their missed opportunities, as Stoke grabbed a dramatic late equaliser through Greenidge, the striker burst past our defence before tucking the ball low past Austin and into the net, 2-2! Both sides threatened late on but the spoils were shared, in what was a very competitive and highly entertaining game of football. The lads played well, they dealt with a physical Stoke side well for the most part, it’s worth remembering that Spurs were without key players such as Shashoua and Tanganga, but the team were really unlucky today and probably deserved all 3 points.

Additional notes: The media attention might have all been on the England national team who were training at Hotspur Way, but Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino made time to watch the first half of today’s game. Top scorer Jack Roles was sidelined for today’s match through injury, whilst I also noticed that centre half Jonathan Dinzeyi was on crutches, in an injury that he must have picked up whilst on international duty with England under 17’s. On a positive note, it was good to see goalkeeper Jonathan De Bie sitting amongst the substitutes. The promising Belgian keeper suffered a ruptured spleen whilst playing for Belgium under 17’s a few months ago. The under 18’s are in action again, next Saturday as they take on Middlesbrough at the Teesside clubs rockliffe park training ground.

Player review:
– Brandon Austin: Had a good game, was very good in the air and made a couple of fine saves throughout the game.
– Matt Lock: Solid defensive performance from the right back, also good going forward.
– Jaden Brown: Impressive display, made some vital blocks and interceptions.
– Tariq Hinds: The right back adapted very well to midfield and put in a fine performance as a holding midfielder.
– George Marsh: The captain filled in well at centre back, Marsh was commanding and incredibly focused as he made a selection of fantastic challenges.
– Oliver Skipp: The 16 year old put in a man of the match performance at centre half, composed throughout. Skipp made numerous key interceptions, his tackle late on in the second half was exceptional.
– Reo Griffiths: Powerful performance from Griffiths on the right wing, tested the goalkeeper on a couple of occasions.
– Dylan Duncan: Despite being at fault for Stokes’s first, Duncan had a good game in midfield. Showed good movement.
– Kazaiah Sterling: Incredibly high work rate throughout the game, Sterling was constantly on the move and made some nice runs, deserved a goal.
– Jamie Reynolds: Had a great first half, which saw him net his first goal of the season.
– Keanan Bennetts: One of the games standout performers, Bennetts was exceptional throughout the first half, his fantastic crossing resulting in the opener.
– Juan Pablo Gonzalez Velasco: Decent 20 minute cameo, constantly looking to get forward.
– Nick Tsaroulla: Attacked well at his less natural position of right back.
– Phoenix Patterson: A good performance from the under 16, his silky skills and good vision showing exactly why his such an exciting prospect.
My man of the match: Young midfielder Oliver Skipp. Skipp filled in incredibly well alongside George Marsh at centre half, the immensely talented midfielder read the game so well, making some fantastic challenges. Tidy throughout, Skipp looks like an experienced player but the fact that his still a schoolboy makes his performance all the more impressive.
Spurs U18s: Austin, Lock (Tsaroulla 60), Brown, Hinds, Marsh (c), Skipp, Griffiths (Gonzalez-Velasco 70), Duncan, Sterling, Reynolds (Patterson 60), Bennetts.

Substituted (not used): Omolabi, Freeman (GK).

Spurs under 18’s 1-7 Chelsea: (match report)

Our under 18’s went crashing out of the FA youth cup in spectacular fashion, as John McDermott’s Spurs side fell to a disappointing 7-1 defeat at the hands of Chelsea in the second leg of the FA Youth cup semifinal. Spurs were outclassed, outplayed and outmanoeuvred by the blues, it felt like it was Chelsea’s senior side playing against us, such was the excellence of Chelsea. The brilliance of Mason Mount, Juan Castillo and Ike Ugbo proved far too much for our youngsters, and after a good cup run it’s a real shame to see Spurs eliminated in such circumstances. The game got of to the worst possible start for Spurs when Chelsea took the lead inside four minutes, Reece James’ whipped cross being bundled home by forward Ike Ugbo from close range. Despite falling behind so early on, Spurs done well for a period as they looked to force an equaliser, but the structure and discipline of the Chelsea players was quite phenomenal. Chelsea took control of the game and on 18 minutes Jody Morris’ side doubled their advantage through centre half, Trevoh Chalobah. A Chelsea cross eventually fell to the defender, who from inside the penalty area fired home to make Spurs’ task even tougher to overcome. However, just eight minutes later and through a positive attack from Kazaiah Sterling, the centre forward won a penalty after being brought down by Mount inside the box. However, Sterling’s well struck effort from the penalty spot, was well saved by Thompson in the Chelsea nets, as the keeper got a strong hand to the ball.

Just over ten minutes after we were awarded a penalty, the hosts were also awarded one when Nick Tsaroulla brought down Dujon Sterling, after the Chelsea player embarked on a mazing run inside the box. Striker Ike Ugbo stepped up to put Chelsea 3-0 up, effectively ending the tie. After initially making a positive start to the second half where we attacked with intent, going close through Kazaiah Sterling, Spurs fell further behind on 56 minutes when Dujon Sterling got his second of the game. Sterling getting on the end of a Chelsea cross, as he despatched his chance with aplomb, 4-0 to Chelsea. Chelsea were tearing Spurs apart, and just six minutes later they made it 5-0 when they carved through our defence courtesy of a composed finish from Hudson Odoi, after he surged past the Spurs defenders to slot the ball past Austin. The goalscoring rout continued for Chelsea, six minutes later Ike Ugbo netted his hat-trick, Spurs were deflated. However, shortly afterwards Spurs pulled a goal back through midfielder Jack Roles, Chelsea goalkeeper Thompson thwarted Reo Griffiths effort into the path of Roles who was in the right place at the right time, as he poached the ball into the back of the net. Chelsea completed a disastrous day for Spurs, five minutes from time when the superb Juan Castillo capped of a nice move with Hudson Odoi, before slotting the ball home, the final score Spurs 1-7 Chelsea. A really devastating match for our youngsters, their such a talented bunch of players but they came up against a Chelsea team that are nothing short of exceptional. It’s been a great cup run for McDermott’s side and it’s a real shame the lads had to suffer such a painful defeat on the big stage, I’m hoping this defeat does not dent their confidence ahead of their final remaining league games, it’s a real learning curve for this group of players.

Chelsea’s Mason Mount is one of the best players of his generation, the midfielder carved us open on Saturday his creativity and intelligence were astounding. Mount was everywhere, him and players like Castillo and Ugbo simply overwhelmed us. John McDermott’s side return to league action next week, when they host stoke city at Hotspur way. COYS

Chelsea: Thompson, James (Guehi 65), T Chalobah, Grant, Castillo, Uwakwe (Hudson-Odoi 59), Sterling, Maddox, Ugbo (St Clair 69), Mount (c), McEachran. Substitutes (not used): McCormick, Cumming (GK).

Spurs: Austin, Eyoma, Tsaroulla (Brown 53), Marsh (c), Dinzeyi, Tanganga, Griffiths (Bennetts 74), Oakley-Boothe, Sterling, Duncan (Skipp 63), Roles. Substitutes (not used): Shashoua, Whiteman (GK).

Goals: Chelsea – Ugbo 4, 37 (pen), 68, T Chalobah 18, Sterling 56, Hudson-Odoi 62, Castillo 85; Spurs – Roles 70.

Yellow cards: Chelsea – Mount 26; Spurs – Tsaroulla 20, Marsh 41, Roles 65.

Referee: John Busby.

Attendance: 3,314.

Spurs under 18’s 1-2 Chelsea: (match report)

“I don’t think we showed our best – our players are better than that performance, certainly in possession, but the fact that we’re still in the tie is credit to the strong mentality that this group has. I feel pretty confident that we will play better than that at Stamford Bridge.” (John McDermott)

Our under 18’s hopes of making the FA youth cup final were dented on Tuesday evening, in the first leg of the FA youth cup semifinal. John McDermott’s side were defeated 2-1 by Chelsea, in a match where they were outplayed for the most part. And despite it ending in defeat, most Spurs fans will be happy with the final result, such was the dominance of Chelsea. The brilliance of goalkeeper Brandon Austin, and the late goal of Kazaiah Sterling giving us a fighting chance ahead of Saturday’s second leg at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea controlled the tempo of the game from the offing, Jody Morris’ highly structured side were pressing the Lillywhites into making mistakes. 17 minutes in to the game Chelsea came close through midfielder Mason Mount. The England youth international whipped a delightful free kick over the wall, his effort dipping, before striking Brandon Austin’s left post. Chelsea’s dominance paid off on 34 minutes, when Reece James’ looping header from the resulting corner kick, made a slight deflection off Dinzeyi before going under the crossbar, 1-0 to Chelsea. Just 6 minutes later the visitors doubled their lead through striker Ike Ugbo, Dujon Sterling launching the ball into the box from the right, with the striker their to head home from eight yards out, 2-0 to Chelsea.

Despite improving during the beginning of the second half we soon began to find ourselves again on the back foot. Goalkeeper Brandon Austin was proving to be Spurs’ saviour, Austin produced a marvellous reflex save to deny Mount on 50 minutes. Shortly afterwards he denied Ugbo’s point blank effort with his face, we were starting to show positive signs as the game neared the end, but Chelsea would again force Austin into making numerous wonder saves. The lads really went for it as the game neared the end, and Spurs’ attacking intent was rewarded on 88 minutes when Kazaiah Sterling pulled a goal back for the Lillywhites. The newly introduced Jack Roles done well as he drove forward before picking out Sterling with a nice pass, the young striker took his chance first time, tucking the ball low past Cumming, 1-2! We looked a totally different team in the final minutes as we pressed Chelsea for an equaliser, but their was to be one last bit of action, when Chelsea were awarded a penalty deep in stoppage time, after Oakley-Boothe brought down St Clair in the penalty area. Following a scuffle between the Spurs and Chelsea players, the penalty was eventually taken by Luke McCormick. McCormick’s powerful low effort rebounding of the outside of the left post, much to the delight of the Spurs fans. All to play for on Saturday, the game will again be televised live on ITV 4 kick off: 5:15pm. COYS

 

Additional notes: Chelsea are a very good youth team and overcoming the blues in the second leg will be no small feat. However, if we can play like we did during the last 20 minutes and replicate some of the fast attacking football that has been so present throughout the season, then I wouldn’t be too surprised if we defeated Chelsea at the bridge. Saturday evenings tie in west London is certainly going to be an intriguing affair, and one that holds such great rewards if Spurs can win. Goalkeeper Brandon Austin produced one of the finest goalkeeping displays you’re likely to see all season, the young goalkeeper’s reflexes were astounding, his focus and anticipation both top class. Goalscorer Kazaiah Sterling is such a clinical player and took his goal really well, he pressed the Chelsea defence very well, working incredibly hard. Following his late introduction midfielder Jack Roles, had a profound impact on the game, he done well to assist Sterling for his goal, and the midfielder almost nicked an equaliser late on, I’d be surprised if he didn’t start on Saturday.

My man of the match: The sensational Brandon Austin. The young goalkeeper had an incredible game against the blues, making countless top class saves to keep Spurs in the tie. His shot stopping was nothing less than incredible!
You can rewatch Tuesday nights match on the ITV player: http://www.itv.com/hub/fa-youth-cup/2a1758a0021

Spurs: Austin, Eyoma, Tsaroulla, Marsh (c, Roles 74), Dinzeyi, Tanganga, Shashoua (Duncan 46), Skipp (Griffiths 68), Sterling, Oakley-Boothe, Bennetts. Substitutes (not used): Hinds, Whiteman (GK)

Chelsea: Cumming, James, T Chalobah, Grant, Castillo, Uwakwe (McCormick 72), Sterling, Maddox, Ugbo (St Clair 83), Mount (c), Hudson-Odoi (McEachran 62). Substitutes (not used): Guehi, Bulka (GK).

Goals: Spurs – Sterling 88; Chelsea – James 34, Ugbo 40.

Yellow cards: Spurs – Marsh 46, Tanganga 90+3; Chelsea – Mount 90+3.

Referee: Lee Swabey.

Attendance: 2,533.

Spurs under 23’s 4-0 Reading: (match report)

Our under 23’s brushed aside Reading with a 4-0 win on Monday evening, to bolster their chances of beating the drop, in group 1 of the PL2. It was a truly dominant display from Ehiogu’s side, they outclassed the royals from start to finish in what was a great performance. Spurs started the game the brightest of the two teams and four minutes in to the game, Marcus Edwards created Spurs’ first chance of the game. When he slipped through Shilow Tracey with a lovely pass, but Tracey’s attempt at goal was well saved by Reading keeper Southwood. Just eight minutes later Spurs took the lead through Stevenage loanee, Ryan Loft. Reading’s Tyler Frost sprayed a pass across the Reading box, which the alert Loft intercepted as he kept his composure in front of goal to slot the ball home. Not long afterwards, Spurs hit the cross bar when Shilow Traceys’ attempted cross from the left, came bouncing off the top of the crossbar. Spurs were dictating play and were in the driving seat when they doubled their advantage shortly after the half hour mark. First teamer Josh Onomah, darted forward from the left wing before curling a low effort, which managed to squirm past southwood and roll narrowly across the line, half of the stadium hadn’t realised the ball had even crossed the line. Things went from strength to strength for Spurs, when second year scholar Jaden Brown got our third of the game just two minutes later. The young left back letting fly from over 20 yards out, his powerful effort nestling into the bottom right corner of the net, 3-0 to Spurs!

Pau Lopez made an excellent save to deny Reading a way back into the match, the Spanish goalkeeper making a fine reaction save to deny Sam Smith’s effort from close range, after he met Richards’ cross. Onomah was again at the heart of the action, the 19 year old going desperately close to extending Spurs’ lead on the stroke of half time, Onomahs’ lashed effort from the right side of the box whistling past Southwoods’ right post. Our energetic performance didn’t wain during the beginning of the second period, forward Shilow Tracey netted his fifth goal of the campaign to put Spurs 4 ahead in the 54th minute. Marcus Edwards whipped in an inviting corner which the valiant forward met at the far post to head a powerful effort into the back of the net, 4-0 to Spurs. Ehiogu’s side were exploiting Reading’s vulnerabilities with fast attacking football, and just six minutes later Will Miller won Spurs a penalty. The Burton loanee embarked on a mazing run inside the penalty area, the nimble footed forward being brought down unlawfully by Osho, as the referee pointed to the spot. After some debate between Miller, Loft and Edwards on who should take the penalty, Miller stood up to take, but his shot was saved well by Southwood who clutched Millers’ effort low down. Reading pushed for a consolation goal in the remaining minutes of the match and the visitors went close on a couple of occasions. Pau Lopez making a string of impressive saves to ensure Spurs were to keep a clean sheet. The final score Spurs 4-0 Reading, a hugely satisfying evening in Stevenage for Ugo Ehiogu’s side, in what was a top performance from an experienced Spurs 11.

Player review:
– Pau Lopez: Another excellent performance from the on loan Espanyol goalkeeper, made a string of fine saves including two very good ones, he was also very good in the air.
– Joe Muscatt: Defensively solid and assured, Muscatt was very comfortable at right back.
– Jaden Brown: A great performance from the young left back, Brown was excellent defensively and he capped of a great night with his first goal at this level.
– Filip Lesniak: As always, very efficient and tidy Lesniak mopped up any danger with in the centre of the park.
– Christian Maghoma: A good performance from the tall centre back, Maghoma was solid and paired up very nicely with Carter-Vickers.
– Cameron Carter-Vickers: On only his second under 23 appearance of the season, the young first teamer put in an exceptional performance at centre half. Commanding and assured, the American won all of his aerial duels and didn’t give the Reading forwards much chance of getting past.
– Marcus Edwards: A good performance from the highly regarded youngster, he put in an impressive display in what was only his second competitive performance in four months. Edward also registered an assist, and showed great vision throughout the match.
– Josh Onomah: The best player on the field, Onomah was tenacious in the centre of the park, winning the ball on many occasions. However, it was his offensive qualities that were so impressive, he drove forward with such ease and was so creative, Onomah registered a goal and an assist.
– Shilow Tracey: A player who has really stood out in the second part of this season, Tracey put in a great shift. His high pressing and runs earned him a well deserved goal.
– Will Miller: A fairly quite performance from the winger, but he done really well to win a penalty midway through the second half, and was unlucky not to convert from the spot.

My man of the match: Without a doubt Josh Onomah was tenacious in the centre of the park, winning the ball on many occasions. However, it was his offensive qualities that were so impressive, he drove forward with such ease and was so creative, Onomah registered a goal and an assist.
Spurs: Pau Lopez, Muscatt, Brown, Lesniak (c, Stylianides, 81), Maghoma, Carter-Vickers, Edwards, Onomah, Loft (Pritchard 81), Tracey (Goddard 67), Miller. Substitutes (not used): Glover (GK), Owens.

Reading: Southwood, Osho (Holmes 66), Dickie (c), Hyam, Richards, Holsgrove, Frost, Rinomhota, Smith, Quinn (Loader 27), Barrett (Medford-Smith 66). Substitutes (not used): Driscoll (GK), East.

Goals: Spurs – Loft 12, Onomah 31, Brown 33, Tracey 54.

Yellow cards: Spurs – Onomah 47.