Spurs under 23’s 3-0 Manchester United: (match report)

Our under 23 side were at times breathtaking on Friday evening, as Wayne Burnett’s side recorded a hugely impressive 3-0 victory over Manchester United at the Lamex stadium, a stadium that they have performed well in over the last few seasons. Ricky Sbragia’s united squad which contained first teamer Luke Shaw, along with experienced youth players Axel Tuanzebe and Scott McTominay, were outplayed by Burnett’s team throughout the game. Who, with their fluid passing and attacking flair, recorded a comprehensive victory over the visitors, in what was a brilliant team performance. Watched on by Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino in the stands, Burnett’s side started the game well inside the opening minutes, passing the ball around well and with creative intent. However, it was Sbragia’s side who had the first effort on goal when a long range effort from defender Ethan Hamilton was easily gathered by Austin in the Spurs nets. Spurs continued to keep a hold of possession, and they had an early chance moments later when a good move between Edwards and Pritchard ended in the latter sending a dangerous cross into the area, which was subsequently cleared by a United defender. Though, less then a minute later Spurs took the lead courtesy of a sumptuous effort from Marcus Edwards. It was a stunning strike from the Spurs prodigy, as he wriggled away from a United player before curling a wonderful effort into the top left hand corner of Richardson’s net, through the eye of a needle. Spurs soon capitalised on their early lead as they continued to go forward, then just minutes later Spurs made it 2-0! It was the perfect start from the team.

Joe Pritchard’s whipped corner was met well by the rising Tanganga, who powered a header into the goal 2-0, the lads were playing brilliant football. Our fluent passing continued to see us break down the United defence, a great pass by Skipp on 17 minutes picked out Bennetts down the left, but the full backs delivery was whipped across the face of the United goal. Burnett’s side were controlling the game they weren’t giving the Red Devil’s a sniff of a chance in front of goal, such was the superb defending of our back four. Things got even better for Spurs on 25 minutes when Spurs made it 3-0, after Eyoma passed through to Pritchard down the right, the midfielder showed good composure as he slid the ball under Richardson to make it three for Spurs, as the Spurs fans roared with delight. The youngsters were playing wonderful and decisive attacking football, whilst still controlling the game with a rock solid defence at the other end. They weren’t content with just three, as Spurs looked to strengthen their lead before half time, a free kick from Pritchard sailed over the cross bar ten minutes from time. Before, at the other end Hamilton tested Austin with a low effort but the Spurs keeper easily gathered. Then Sbragia’s side showed their potency, as they broke down the left flank before crossing, but their strikers effort was sliced well wide. It was a late attacking onslaught from United, who then whipped in a dangerous cross, which was palmed away well by Austin.

Spurs started the second half with the same attacking intensity, and just minutes in they should have made it four. Sterling threaded through a nice ball to Tracey, who took a touch before seeing the keeper flinch, and then hitting an effort narrowly wide of the post. Tracey again went close soon after, when he dragged an effort inches wide of the left post, Spurs were continuing to play that attractive attacking football against a struggling United side. Spurs were soon reminded of the danger the visitors still posed, when young Oliver Skipp was robbed of possession outside the Spurs box, but a fine save from Austin prevented United clawing a goal back. A highly eventful opening five minutes then saw the talented Edwards go on an Aguero like run on the edge of the United box, before hitting a side footed effort narrowly wide. Spurs’ continued hold of the game saw more chances come their way, the impressive Luke Amos glancing Eyoma’s cross narrowly wide of goal. But Spurs had to be alert at the other end as their fine defending continued to deny the visitors, a notably brave block by Brown stopped a powerful United attempt. A somewhat resurgent Man United then nodded a cross, across Austin’s goal. And the Spurs keeper was busy in the remaining minutes as he was forced into making a good save shortly afterwards. But the pick of the saves came 14 minutes from time, when a brilliant reflex save kept out Boonen’s header at the back post. The last clear cut chance of the game also happened down the Spurs end, when Olosunde’s effort ricocheted off of Austin’s near post. The final score, a superb 3-0 victory for Wayne Burnett’s men as an excellent performance sees Spurs get their first win of the campaign. COYS

Player reviews: – Brandon Austin: Top performance from the Spurs keeper, excellent all round. Made some brilliant reflex saves.
– TJ Eyoma: Superb down the right dealt well with the pace of Shaw, very solid performance.
– Keanan Bennetts: Terrific shift at left back, brilliant going forward and creating. Whilst also getting back and winning important challenges.
– Oliver Skipp: I’m running out of superlatives to describe this starlets brilliant performances in the midfield. Once again superb both with his tackling, and creative passing, Dembelesque at times. Leadership off the ball also very impressive.
– Jaden Brown: Top performance at centre half, was very solid. Made some heroic challenges/blocks.
– Japhet Tanganga: One of the best players on the park and that’s saying something. Outstanding at the back, excellent positioning and some top challenges. Also, was excellent in the air, and even got a goal!
– Marcus Edwards: Great performance from a very special talent, so influential on the ball made some lovely runs. And scored a fantastic goal.
– Joe Pritchard: The Spurs skipper was my man of the match for the positive attacking influence he had on the game. Was great going forward and getting into good spaces, also showed a good range of passing. Got an all important goal and assist. Has an excellent work ethic!
– Kazaiah Sterling: Really good shift up front, worked really hard and lead the attack well. Done everything but score.
– Luke Amos: Made his return from injury in style, with an industrious and tidy midfield display.
– Shilow Tracey: Good attacking performance down the right, unlucky not to score.
– Dylan Duncan: Nice tidy and composed shift at midfield.
– Ryan Loft: Made some good powerful runs during his cameo.
– Samuel Shashoua: Only a fleeting cameo, but he really worked hard, and pressed the opposition well.

My man of the match: Joe Pritchard. The Spurs skipper was my man of the match for the positive attacking influence he had on the game. Was great going forward and getting into good spaces, also showed a good range of passing. Got an all important goal and assist. Has an excellent work ethic!

Spurs: Austin, Eyoma, Bennetts, Skipp, Brown, Tanganga, Edwards, Pritchard (c), Sterling (Loft 78), Amos (Duncan 63), Tracey (S Shashoua 77). Substitutes (not used): Marsh, O’Reilly (GK).

Manchester United: Richardson, Olosunde, Shaw, Warren, Tuanzebe, Hamilton, Boulii, McTominay (c), Wilson (Buffonge 78), Boonen, Mitchell. Substitutes (not used): Sang, Whelan, Scott, M Johnstone (GK).
Goals: Spurs – Edwards 11, Tanganga 12, Pritchard 25.

Yellow cards: Spurs – Pritchard 59, Amos 61, Skipp 83; Manchester United – Shaw 87.

Referee: Daniel Middleton.

Attendance: 1,193.