Spurs under 23’s 2-2 Chelsea: (match report)

Our under 23’s contested a London derby on Friday evening when they took on London rivals Chelsea in a PL2 fixture at the EBB stadium in Aldeshot. Wayne Burnett’s side fought hard against a Chelsea side which included Germany international Antonio Rudiger in their team. Spurs started the game well and after some good early passing they took the lead through Phoenix Patterson in the 11th minute of time. Things got even better for Burnett’s side, who doubled their advantage less than nine minutes later after Shilow Tracey won a penalty kick which Harvey White expertly despatched. Spurs continued to play some good attacking football during the remainder of the first half but Chelsea did manage to create some good chances of their own. The second half was a different story for Spurs as Chelsea piled on the pressure. Clinton Mola pulled a goal back for Chelsea on 71 minutes and it was then that the ‘ Blues ‘ really went up a gear. After pushing hard for an equaliser that late goal eventually arrived in the fifth minute of additional time, as Tariq Lamptey managed to rescue a late point for the team from west London. Spurs lined up in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation as Alfie Whiteman started in goal. A back four consisting of Jubril Okedina, captain TJ Eyoma, Brooklyn Lyons-Foster and Tariq Hinds lined up in front of him. Paris Maghoma and Harvey White teamed up in central midfield while Phoenix Patterson and Shilow Tracey operated out on the flanks, either side of CAM Tashan Oakley-Boothe. Rodel Richards led the line for the second consecutive game. Chelsea got the game underway at the EBB stadium. After knocking the ball around the park well during the first few minutes of the match Chelsea created an early chance. After Tariq Uwakwe slipped the ball into Charlie Brown down the left hand side of the Spurs box the Chelsea forwards resulting cut back was blocked behind by the alert Brooklyn Lyons-Foster who closed him down well. Tariq Uwakwe’s resulting corner kick was headed straight at TJ Eyoma by Marc Guehi before George McEachran fired the ball onto Harvey White. Then in the 11th minute of the game Spurs took the lead, against the run of play. 

After Jubril Okedina had passed the ball to Shilow Tracey on the right flank the Spurs winger jinked past Henry Lawrence before whipping a low cross into the Chelsea box, where he managed to pick out the unmarked Phoenix Patterson who tapped the ball past Chelsea goalkeeper Jamie Cumming and into the back of the net, 1-0. Shortly after the restart the lively Shilow Tracey played a clever disguised pass into the feet of Rodel Richards down the left side of the Chelsea box however, Richards’ resulting powerfully struck effort was saved by Jamie Cumming, with the ball going behind for a corner kick. Harvey White’s resulting corner kick was headed on by TJ Eyoma and it came close to squirming over the line after Jamie Cumming initially failed to gather the ball. Clinton Mola curled an effort over Alfie Whiteman’s crossbar from long range before Charlie Brown flicked Antonio Rudiger’s cross wide of the mark. Spurs then attacked down the other end of the pitch. After Harvey White passed the ball to Shilow Tracey out on the left flank the winger cut inside onto his left foot as he entered the Chelsea box, and it was there that he was brought to the ground by Tariq Lamptey who tripped him leaving the referee with no other option than to point to the spot. Harvey White elected to take the resulting spot kick and he calmly curled it into the bottom left hand corner of the goal, as Jamie Cumming dived the wrong way, 2-0. Shortly after the restart Chelsea had a penalty shout waived away after TJ Eyoma appeared to tug Charlie Brown’s shirt inside the Spurs box. After Clinton Mola had passed the ball to Tariq Uwakwe the fullback had a shot on goal which was blocked by Brooklyn Lyons-Foster before Thierno Ballo curled an effort over on the turn. Lyons-Foster cleared Tariq Lamptey’s cross shortly afterwards before TJ Eyoma headed away a cross from Thierno Ballo before Eyoma managed to block George McEachran’s shot on goal. Chelsea were enjoying a good spell in the game. After Faustino Anjorin cut inside down the left side of the Spurs box he fired an effort on goal which was bravely headed behind for a corner kick by TJ  Eyoma.

Tariq Uwakwe’s resulting corner kick was headed on by Antonio Rudiger before being headed over Alfie Whiteman’s crossbar by Charlie Brown. Faustino Anjorin then fired an effort wide from long range before George McEachran had a cross cleared away by Brooklyn Lyons-Foster. Antonio Rudiger surged into the Spurs box before having a pass cut out by TJ Eyoma. Faustino Anjorin then volleyed the ball over Alfie Whiteman’s crossbar before the referee sounded his whistle for halftime. Spurs got the second half underway. TJ Eyoma was on hand to clear Tariq Lamptey’s low cross before Faustino Anjorin flicked Tariq Uwakwe’s low cross wide. Chelsea continued to come at us, Eyoma cleared a cross from Tariq Uwakwe before then blocking Marc Guehi’s low drive on goal. Alfie Whiteman made his first save of the game shortly afterwards when he saved Clinton Mola’s deflected effort on goal. Charlie Brown then headed Thierno Ballo’s cross wide of goal. Tariq Uwakwe then whipped a dangerous cross right across the face of Alfie Whiteman’s goal as the ‘ Blues ‘ stepped up a gear. Alfie Whiteman was able to gather Tariq Lamptey’s cross before the same player whipped another teasing ball across the face of the Spurs goal. The game continued to be dominated by Chelsea. Antonio Rudiger headed over Tariq Uwakwe’s cross before Alfie Whiteman produced a superb reflex save to deny Tariq Uwakwe from close range after he had received George McEachran’s pass inside the Spurs box. Whiteman then managed to save Thierno Ballo’s effort from long range before Clinton Mola picked up the ball after Tashan Oakley-Boothe had lost possession, and he surged past Lyons-Foster and into the Spurs box before firing the ball into the bottom right hand corner of Alfie Whiteman’s goal, 2-1. The aggressive home side continued to come at Spurs with real force. Henry Lawrence had an effort blocked behind for a corner kick by Harvey White before Antonio Rudiger headed Tariq Uwakwe’s cross off of Harvey White. Alfie Whiteman managed to keep out Marc Guehi’s header after he connected with Tariq Uwakwe’s cross.

Armando Shashoua came onto replace Phoenix Patterson as Spurs made their first change of the game. After Jubril Okedina had conceded a free kick out on the left flank, Tariq Uwakwe’s whipped effort was headed onto Marc Guehi by Antonio Rudiger but his headed effort was saved by Whiteman. Charlie Brown then nodded over Thierno Ballo’s cross, before Rayan Clarke came onto replace Paris Maghoma. Alfie Whiteman then saved Henry Lawrence’s low effort before he then managed to keep out Clinton Mola’s low effort on goal. The fine movement of substitute Armando Shashoua helped Spurs who came close to extending their lead after Rodel Richards slipped the ball into Shilow Tracey down the left flank the Spurs winger raced into the box however, Jamie Cumming was quick off his line to thwart Tracey’s resulting effort on goal. Chelsea continued to put the pressure on Spurs and so cruelly for the young ‘ Lilywhites ‘ the ‘ Blues ‘ managed to find a late, late winner, in the 95th minute of the game. After Tariq Lamptey had picked up the ball on the right flank he drifted inside onto his left foot before firing an unstoppable effort past Alfie Whiteman with virtually the last kick of the game, 2-2. The referee James Durkin blew the final whistle a couple of moments later to bring a sad end to a game which had promised so much for Wayne Burnett’s side. Our development sides next fixture is against Ipswich Town on Tuesday in the EFL trophy.

Player reviews:

• Alfie Whiteman: The 20 year old made several fine stops on Friday night (five in total) and while his distribution was decent Whiteman dealt well with crosses and set pieces. The former England under 17 international made a superb reflex save to deny Tariq Uwakwe from close range during the second half.
• Jubril Okedina: Okedina had a good game at right back where he defended well against the tricky Tariq Uwakwe. Okedina made several well timed interceptions throughout the game.
• TJ Eyoma: The Spurs captain had on the whole a very solid game despite the fact that we conceded two goals. Eyoma made many excellent blocks and defensive interventions and he was excellent in the air. 
• Brooklyn Lyons-Foster: Like Eyoma I thought that Lyons-Foster had on the whole a very good game. He defended well, kept good positioning and he made some important clearances and interceptions. Like Eyoma, Lyons -Foster was dominant in the air and his passing was nice and crisp.
• Tariq Hinds: The makeshift left back defended well against Thierno Ballo and he went on some good attacking forays of his own down the left flank.
• Harvey White: The courageous CDM made many a good block and timely interception and he sat back well and kept good positioning throughout the game. White took his penalty well!
• Paris Maghoma: Extremely hard working for the team, Paris Maghoma put in a great shift for Spurs in central midfield. Maghoma broke up play and recycled possession well. His passing was also nice and crisp.
• Phoenix Patterson: It was a really good performance from the right winger who would often switch flanks with Shilow Tracey throughout the match. Patterson was in the right place at the right time to score our goal, and the 18 year old made many intelligent runs during his time on the pitch.
• Tashan Oakley-Boothe: The CAM made some decent runs through the middle of the pitch.
• Shilow Tracey: My man of the match, see below.
• Rodel Richards: The 18 year old led the line well and he did cause problems for experienced Chelsea central defender Antonio Rudiger.
• Armando Shashoua: The second half substitute linked play really well and his fine movement caused problems for the Chelsea defence.
• Rayan Clarke: The winger went on some good runs down the right flank.
• Jonathan Dinzeyi: The 19 year old tried to bolster the Spurs defence during the final moments of the game.

My man of the match: Left winger Shilow Tracey was electric out wide for large periods of Friday nights game. Tracey went on plenty of good surging forward runs, he tracked back selflessly and he did a good job at creating pockets of space for himself. Tracey did well to set up Phoenix Patterson’s opener on 11 minutes and he also did well to win our penalty. It was a very positive performance from the 21 year old who has now registered five assists from his opening four games of the league season.

Chelsea: Cumming, Lamptey, Rudiger, Guehi (c), Lawrence, Mola, Ballo, McEachran, Brown (Broja 81), Anjorin (Lewis 79), Uwakwe. Substitutes (not used): Ziger, Lavinier, Wakely.

Spurs: Whiteman, Okedina, Hinds, White, Eyoma (c), Lyons-Foster, Patterson (Shashoua 75), Maghoma (R Clarke 77), Richards, Oakley-Boothe (Dinzeyi 89), Tracey. Substitute (not used): De Bie.

Goals: Chelsea – Mola 71, Lamptey 90+5; Spurs – Patterson 11, White 20 (pen).

Referee: James Durkin.

Venue: EBB Stadium, Aldershot.

Attendance: 1,215.

Spurs under 23’s statistics: 

Goals: Troy Parrott – 2

Kazaiah Sterling – 2

Tashan Oakley-Boothe – 1

Shilow Tracey – 1

Paris Maghoma – 1

Rodel Richards – 1

Phoenix Patterson – 1

Harvey White – 1

Assists: Shilow Tracey – 5

Jamie Bowden – 1

Tariq Hinds – 1

Paris Maghoma – 1

Kazaiah Sterling – 1

Dilan Markanday – 1

Clean sheets: Brandon Austin – 1

Spurs under 18’s versus Swansea City: (match preview)

After getting their first win of the season last week after defeating Norwich City 4-0, our under 18’s are back in action on Saturday when they take on Swansea City at their Landore training centre, in South Wales. Matt Taylor’s side played some very attractive attacking football against Norwich City last Saturday, and it was a very encouraging performance from a very young Spurs side after they had lost their two previous league games. I was impressed not only with the way that our attacking line picked apart the Norwich defence, but also by the way that our two central defenders Matthew Craig and Luis Binks marshalled the back line. Tomorrow mornings opponents Swansea City who are co managed by Anthony Wright and Alan Tate, have won one, drawn one and lost one from their opening three league games of the season, as they sit in fifth place in the under 18 premier league south table. Wright and Tate’s side were one of the leagues basement clubs last season and they really struggled to score goals. Last season the ‘ Swans ‘ finished in 11th place in the league, scoring just 19 goals from 22 matches. Some players to look out for tomorrow include inform forward Ali Al-Hamadi, defenders Luke McKendry and Panashe Makokowe as well as centre forward and one of last seasons star players Josh Thomas. Swansea have in recent years been a very defensive side at this level and it wouldn’t surprise me if they played for a draw on Saturday morning. Straight after our under 23’s PL2 match against Chelsea finishes I will be heading to Paddington station intending to get the last train of the day to Swansea to report on Saturday’s game!

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Kurylowicz, Cesay, Matthew Craig, Binks (c), Lusala, Michael Craig, John, Cooper, Pedder, Whittaker, Asante.

Subs from: Lo-Tutala, Muir, Mundle, Carrington, Scarlett.

Injured/unavailable: Malachi Walcott, J’Neil Bennett, Dennis Cirkin.

Doubtful: Max Robson, Kion Etete.

My score prediction: Spurs 5-2.

Previous meeting: Spurs 1-0.

My one to watch: Swansea forward Ali Al-Hamadi who was scored three goals in his first three appearances this season.

Spurs under 23’s versus Chelsea: (match preview)

(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC).

After suffering there first defeat of the PL2 season to Derby County last Friday, Wayne Burnett’s under 23 side will be hoping to return to winning ways when they face London rivals Chelsea at the EBB stadium this Friday evening. Chelsea who are managed by Andy Myers have started the season well, accumulating seven points from their opening three league matches and the ‘ Blues ‘ have always been somewhat of a nemesis for Spurs at this level although, having said that we did draw our two league games with them last season, 1-1. Chelsea have lots of very talented players on their books, players that the Spurs lads will have to be wary of on Friday evening. Technically gifted Scottish midfielder Billy Gilmour is one of those players, while another is physical former Ipswich Town schoolboy and centre forward Charlie Brown. Some other players to look out for are right back Tariq Lamptey and speedy winger Juan Famillo-Castillo. Chelsea like to play a possession based game and they will look to make life difficult for Wayne Burnett’s side who, love to push forward. Spurs will once again be missing a number of players due to injuries with J’Neil Bennett, Dennis Cirkin and Maxwell Statham just some of those who will miss out on Friday evenings game. I would like to wish Wayne Burnett’s side all the very best of luck for this important London derby.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Austin, Hinds, Eyoma (c), Lyons-Foster, White, Maghoma, Bowden, Markanday, Shashoua, Tracey, Parrott.

Subs from: Oluwayemi, Okedina, Dinzeyi, Oakley-Boothe, Richards. 

Injured/unavailable: Malachi Walcott, Maurizio Pochettino, Maximus Tainio, J’Neil Bennett, Jeremie Mukendi, Dennis Cirkin, Maxwell Statham.

Doubtful: Elliot Thorpe, Jamie Bowden.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-1.

Previous meeting: 1-1.

My one to watch: The ‘ Blues ‘ technically very gifted central midfielder Billy Gilmour. The Scotland under 21 international is a player to look out for on Friday evening as he can change a game with a single pass. The former Glasgow Rangers schoolboy has impressive off the ball movement and good 

vision for a pass, allowing him to dictate play from deep. He is also an aggressive midfielder. 

Spurs under 18’s 4-0 Norwich City: (match report)

Our under 18’s took on Norwich City in game week three of the Premier league under 18 south, on Saturday morning at Hotspur Way. After doing the double over the ‘ Canaries ‘ last season Matt Taylor’s side would have been hoping that they could match that feat this season going into Saturday’s game. Spurs went into this game winless from their opening two league fixtures however, that was all about to change. An excellent team performance from Taylor’s side  resulted in them beating Norwich City by four goals to nil. Our under 18’s played some excellent attacking football as they dominated the ‘ Canaries ‘ for large periods of the game. Taylor’s side got off to a flying start and just under two minutes into the game they took the lead through Max Robson. Taylor’s side doubled their advantage shortly afterwards through Tarrelle Whittaker before Rafferty Pedder netted Spurs’ third goal of the game to cap off a dominant first half performance from the young ‘ Lilywhites ‘. During the second half Spurs continued to dominate the game as they moved the ball around the park crisply and with real attacking intent. Chay Cooper made it 4-0 to Spurs late on in the game after he scored a glorious goal from over 25 yards out from the Norwich goal to cap off an excellent performance from the young Spurs lads. Spurs lined up in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation with overage goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi starting in goal while a back four of Kallum Cesay, Matthew Craig, captain Luis Binks and Dermi Lusala lined up in front of him. Michael Craig and Max Robson teamed up in central midfield while Tarrelle Whittaker and Chay Cooper operated out on the flanks, either side of Rafferty Pedder who played in the hole. Striker Enock Asante led the line for Spurs on his first start of the season. The young ‘ Lilywhites ‘ got the game underway on a swelteringly hot afternoon in Enfield. After knocking the ball around the park well during the opening stages of the game Spurs took the lead through their first meaningful attack of the morning. After the astute Rafferty Pedder played a free kick quickly to central midfielder Michael Craig, he quickly passed the ball to Max Robson on the edge of the Norwich City box and the Spurs midfielder cooly tucked the ball into the bottom left hand corner of Joe Rose’s goal, 1-0.

Less than three minutes later and through only their second attack of the game Spurs managed to double their advantage. After Chay Cooper had passed the ball to Tarrelle Whittaker on the right hand side of the edge of the Norwich box, the speedy wide man sorted out his feet quickly before firing the ball into the bottom left hand corner of Joe Rose’s goal, 2-0. Shortly after the restart the lively Chay Cooper robbed Tom Dickson-Peters of the ball on the edge of the Norwich box before he dragged an effort wide of goal. After a good brief spell of possession for the away side Spurs managed to get back into the groove. After Dermi Lusala had brought the ball forward down the left flank he threaded a perfectly weighted pass through to Enock Asante to set the Spurs striker racing through on goal. However, Asante’s low effort was saved by Joe Rose before being cleared on the line by Jonathan Tomkinson. A couple of moments later Enock Asante volleyed Rafferty Pedder’s cross wide before Tarrelle Whittaker forced a low save out of Joe Rose with a powerful effort from down the left side of the Norwich box. Spurs continued to dominate the game. After Pedder passed the ball forward to Asante in the Norwich box the Spurs striker managed to round the ‘ Canaries ‘ goalkeeper Joe Rose before having his resulting shot on goal blocked by Norwich midfielder Andrew Omobamidele. Rafferty Pedder then had a whipped effort from the edge of the Norwich penalty area saved by Joe Rose. Pedder then threaded a pass through to Max Robson who surged forward down the left flank before entering the Norwich box where he tried to back heel the ball to Asante but it was cut out by Andrew Omobamidele. Luis Binks then managed to clear Tyrese Omotoye’s low cross into the Spurs box before a short cooling break took place. Joshua Oluwayemi made his first save of the game when he managed to gather Tyrese Omotoye’s powerful low effort from the edge of the Tottenham penalty area, before spurs went forward down the other end of the pitch through Max Robson. Robson continued forward down the right flank before laying the ball off to Rafferty Pedder on the edge of the Norwich box. However, Pedder’s resulting effort on goal was blocked by Tom Dickson-Peters inside the Norwich danger zone. 

After Max Robson had won a free kick on the edge of Norwich box, Tarrelle Whittaker curled his resulting effort wide of Joe Rose’s goal. Then in the 39th minute of the game the best player on the park made it 3-0 to Spurs. After receiving Dermi Lusala’s pass out on the left flank, Rafferty Pedder surged forward down the left flank before entering the Norwich box and beating Joe Rose at his near post by calmly slotting the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the goal, 3-0. Rafferty Pedder had a dangerous corner kick punched away by Joe Rose before a good incisive passing move from the young ‘ Lilywhites ‘. After Lusala passed the ball to Pedder he gave it to Max Robson who drifted across the Norwich box from the right flank before firing an effort over Joe Rose’s goal. Luis Binks cleared Josh Martin’s free kick at the other end of the pitch before the referee sounded his whistle for halftime. Norwich got the second half underway. After Enock Asante gave the ball to Chay Cooper the right winger pumped an inviting cross into the Norwich box but it was cleared away by Andrew Omobamidele. A couple of minutes later Asante volleyed home a cross from Cooper but it was ruled offside by the linesman on the near side. The dangerous Enock Asante fired over on the edge of the Norwich box before the ‘ Canaries ‘ attacked us down the other end of the pitch through Tony Springett who passed the ball to Tom Dickson-Peters down the right flank but he then curled the ball across the face of Joshua Oluwayemi’s goal. Luis Binks then headed away Josh Martin’s corner kick before then clearing the same players free kick a couple of minutes later. After Tarrelle Whittaker passed the ball to Rafferty Pedder, he then passed the ball to Enock Asante on the edge of the Norwich box but his resulting effort was blocked behind for a corner kick by Jonathan Tomkinson. Shortly afterwards Tarrelle Whittaker headed Matthew Craig’s cross onto Joe Rose’s crossbar. At the opposite end of the pitch Tom Dickson-Peters threaded a pass into Tyrese Omotoye inside the Spurs box but the alert Joshua Oluwayemi came out to smother the ball in time.

After giving the ball away to Josh Martin in a dangerous position Michael Craig did ever so well to recover possession. Under 16 striker Dane Scarlett came on in place of Enock Asante. A couple of minutes later Max Robson intercepted Norwich captain Zac Dronfield before passing the ball forward to Dane Scarlett who darted down the left side of the Norwich box before having a low effort saved by Joe Rose. Romaine Mundle replaced Rafferty Pedder before another cooling break took place. After latching onto Tarrelle Whittaker’s corner kick at the back post Dane Scarlett forced a save out of Joe Rose from a header, before Tom Dickson-Peters fired an effort narrowly wide of Joshua Oluwayemi’s goal, after receiving substitute Josh Giurgi’s pass inside the Spurs penalty area. Eddie Carrington came onto replace the injured Max Robson shortly after the latter had picked up a knock. Oluwayemi managed to gather Tyrese Omotoye’s deflected cross. After receiving Tarrelle Whittaker’s pass, Chay Cooper had an effort from the edge of the Norwich box saved by Joe Rose. Whittaker then pumped a long ball into the Norwich box which was headed just wide of Joe Rose’s goal by Luis Binks. A couple of minutes later Josh Martin passed the ball to Tyrese Omotoye down the left hand side of the Spurs box whose resulting effort was saved by the outrushing Joshua Oluwayemi before Josh Martin’s resulting corner kick came to Tom Dickson-Peters whose effort was well saved by the outrushing Oluwayemi. After intercepting Andrew Omobamidele of the ball Dane Scarlett fired an effort wide of Joe Rose’s goal from long range. Tarrelle Whittaker then had a free kick punched away by Joe Rose before Spurs netted their fourth goal late on in the game. After Chay Cooper had played a one two with substitute Eddie Carrington out on the right flank the silky wide man then curled a glorious effort inside the top left hand corner of Joe Rose’s goal from the edge of the Norwich penalty area. After Josh Giurgi received Abu Kamara’s pass inside the Norwich box he curled an effort wide of Oluwayemi’s goal. 

The ever alert Luis Binks then cleared a late free kick from Josh Martin before the referee Ivan Gelov sounded his whistle for full time bringing an end to a game in which Spurs dominated from start to finish. Up next for Spurs is a trip to South Wales to face Swansea City at their Landore training centre.

Player reviews: 

• Joshua Oluwayemi: Vocal and commanding inside his penalty area, the overage goalkeeper put in a really solid performance for Matt Taylor’s side. Oluwayemi made three good saves in total and he dealt really well with all crosses and set pieces.
• Kallum Cesay: The right back put in a steady performance and he defended well for the entirety of the game. The former West Ham United schoolboy managed to neutralise the threat that Norwich winger Josh Martin posed. Cesay also got up and down the right flank well and he linked up well with winger Chay Cooper.
• Matthew Craig: It was an excellent performance from the Barnet born defender/midfielder who performed excellently at RCB alongside the more experienced Luis Binks. Technically very good, Matthew Craig read the game really well and he made numerous important defensive interventions i.e: Blocks, challenges and interceptions. His positioning was also very good.
• Luis Binks: Imperious and composed at the back, LCB Luis Binks really stood out alongside Matthew Craig in central defence. Winning virtually every aerial duel Binks was excellent in the air and strong in the challenge. Like Craig he read the game well and he made many a timely block and interception. It was another very mature performance from the England under 18 international.
• Dermi Lusala: Filling in at left back once again, Lusala had a good game for Spurs. He defended solidly, kept good positioning, and he also went on some nice attacking forays down the left flank. The England under 16 international also got the assist for Rafferty Pedder’s goal.
• Michael Craig: The deeper of two central midfielders, Michael Craig imposed himself well on the game in a very Oliver Skipp-esque manner. Craig moved the ball around the park well and he made some good blocks and defensive interventions. The Craig twins are the first twins to play at this high a level for Spurs since the Embery twins in the early 1960’s.
• Max Robson: With searing pace and a good eye for a pass, Max Robson stood out in central midfielder. He moved the ball around the park crisply and his movement was very good. Robson took his early goal well and the Haywards Heath born teenager made some good, intelligent runs. I was very impressed with his all round performance before he had to go off in the 65th minute after he picked up a knock.
• Chay Cooper: Lively and involved out on the right flank, Cooper’s skill and pace caused problems for Norwich left back Arash Ahmadi and he linked play really well. Cooper got the assist for Tarrelle Whittaker’s goal before going onto score our forth of the game with a glorious curling effort. It’s also worth noting that Cooper’s first touch on Saturday was second to none.
• Rafferty Pedder: My man of the match, see below.
• Tarrelle Whittaker: The left winger had a good game and he was often looking to beat his man down the left flank. Whittaker took his early goal well and afterwards he always remained involved in the game.
• Enock Asante: On another day the 17 year old could have had a hat-trick such was the excellent timing of his runs and movement in and around the danger zone. Asante came desperately close to finding the back of the net on three occasions and when he eventually did find it he was ruled offside. This was an encouraging performance from the second year scholar after he missed virtually all of last season through injury.
• Dane Scarlett: The England under 16 international came off the bench midway through the second half to lead the line for Spurs. Scarlett pressed well and he came close to finding the back of the net on one occasion. 
• Romaine Mundle: It was a positive performance from the midfielder who came on midway through the second half after replacing Rafferty Pedder. Mundle brought good energy to the game and he was positive and tidy in his all round play.
• Eddie Carrington: It was a bright albeit late cameo from the speedy right winger who, got the assist for Chay Cooper’s late goal.

My man of the match: The spark who ignited a great attacking performance for Spurs. The seriously quick and skilful number ten caused havoc for the Norwich City defence through the middle of the park, with his many jinking runs, good vision and turn of pace. With his many tricks and flicks, and all round smart play the second year scholar helped to really link play and create chances for the forwards. After being involved in our opening goal of the game the Maidstone born midfielder would go onto score a lovely goal on the stroke of halftime. Pedder had an excellent came and he created more chances than anybody else on the field. Hopefully he will start our next game which is away to Swansea on Saturday.

Spurs under 18’s statistics 2019/20:

Goals: Kion Etete – 1

Kallum Cesay – 1

Max Robson – 1

Tarrelle Whittaker – 1

Rafferty Pedder – 1

Chay Cooper – 1

Assists: Max Robson – 1

Luis Binks – 1

Michael Craig – 1

Chay Cooper – 1

Dermi Lusala – 1

Eddie Carrington – 1 

Clean sheets: Joshua Oluwayemi – 1

Spurs: Oluwayemi, Cesay, Lusala, Michael Craig, Matthew Craig, Binks, Cooper, Robson (Carrington 74), Asante (Scarlett 61), Pedder (Mundle 65), Whittaker. Substitute (not used): Kurylowicz.

Spurs under 23’s 1-2 Derby County: (match report)

(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC)

Our under 23’s took on Derby County at Hotspur Way in game week three of the PL2 season, with Wayne Burnett’s side looking to make it three wins from their first three league matches. However, that task wasn’t as easy as it sounded and after a difficult first half where Derby were more clinical than us (they scored twice through Morgan Whittaker and Duane Holmes) Spurs fought back in the second half with more energy and more fight about them, after conceding two goals in the first half. Spurs’ second half performance was a lot more positive and they dominated the ‘ Rams ‘ for large periods of the half. Dilan Markanday was the spark that Burnett’s side needed in the second half and he helped to create our goal which Rodel Richards smartly finished. Despite pushing Derby hard the young ‘ Lilywhites ‘ were unable to find a leveller and in the end the ‘ Rams ‘ were able to cling on to their slender lead to spoil Spurs’ perfect start to the new season. Wayne Burnett’s side lined up in their usual 4-2–3-1 formation on Friday afternoon. Alfie Whiteman was handed a rare start in goal while a back four consisting of Jubril Okedina, captain TJ Eyoma, Brooklyn Lyons-Foster and Tariq Hinds lined up in front of him. Harvey White and Paris Maghoma partnered up in central midfield while Dilan Markanday and Shilow Tracey operated out on the flanks, either side of CAM Tashan Oakley-Boothe. Rodel Richards led the line for Spurs. Spurs got the game underway on a warm, sunny day in north London. After an even start to the game an early mix up between Harvey White and Brooklyn Lyons-Foster on the edge of the Spurs box resulted in goalkeeper Alfie Whiteman rushing out and getting the ball clear. Attacking midfielder Tashan Oakley-Boothe had a low cross into the Derby box cleared by Ethan Wassall, before Jahmal Hector-Ingram had a low cross gathered by Alfie Whiteman at the other end of the pitch. A couple of minutes later the more forceful side took the lead on 11 minutes. After the unsupported Brooklyn Lyons-Foster was dispossessed by Duane Holmes while trying to play the ball out from the back, the USA international passed the ball to Morgan Whittaker who had burst down the right hand side of the Spurs box, before rifling a low effort off of the inside off Alfie Whiteman’s left hand post and into the bottom left hand corner of the goal, 0-1.

Shortly after the restart TJ Eyoma had a pass to Lyons-Foster snuffed out by Morgan Whittaker who burst into the Spurs box. However, Eyoma managed to get back really well to make an important interception on Whittaker. Derby had started the game really well, they were compact and they weren’t allowing Spurs the space for which they craved. After Jahmal Hector-Ingram passed the ball to Max Bird the Derby captain forced the first save of the game out of Alfie Whiteman with a pop from long range. Spurs tried to respond, after receiving Tashan Oakley-Boothe’s pass in the Derby box the skilful Rodel Richards cut past Derby defender Jordan Brown but instead of shooting he tried to take on another player and he was eventually intercepted by Ethan Wassall. Tariq Hinds blocked a cross from Jahmal Hector-Ingram shortly afterwards before Shilow Tracey had a shot blocked by Wassall after latching onto Tariq Hinds’ pass inside the Derby box. After surging past Harvey White and into the Spurs box Jahmal Hector-Ingram had a low pass cleared behind by Lyons-Foster. A couple of minutes later Tariq Hinds forced a save out of Derby goalkeeper Henrich Ravas after he had, had a low shot on goal from long range. A matter of two minutes later Spurs conceded a penalty. After TJ Eyoma’s initial clearance rebounded off of Jayden Mitchell-Lawson the Derby winger was quickest to the ball inside the Tottenham penalty area. Eyoma couldn’t get in front of Mitchell-Lawson and in the end he tripped him from behind, leaving the referee Alan Dale with no other option than to point to the spot. However, Jahmal Hector-Ingram’s powerful, low spot kick was saved down to Alfie Whiteman’s right and the Spurs goalkeeper managed to smother the ball before Duane Holmes could get to it on the follow up. However, the ‘ Rams ‘ did double their lead shortly afterwards through Holmes. After Morgan Whittaker passed the ball to Holmes the attacking midfielder sorted his feet out well before having a shot from over 20 yards out from goal. Holmes’ fantastic, powerful dipping effort nestled into the top right hand corner of the helpless Alfie Whiteman’s goal, 0-2. 

After receiving the ball out on the left flank Shilow Tracey whipped a hopeful cross into the Derby box but it was cleared away by Ethan Wassall. A couple of moments later and after winning a free kick out on the left flank, Paris Maghoma pumped the ball into the danger zone but once again the towering Wassall was there to clear it. Henrich Ravas punched away a cross from Jubril Okedina. About five minutes later Tashan Oakley-Boothe gave away a free kick on the edge of the Spurs box (he was shown a yellow card) after he had pulled Duane Holmes’ shirt. Duane Holmes’ resulting dipping free kick was pushed away by the alert Alfie Whiteman. Ethan Wassall then headed wide a corner kick from Jayden Mitchell-Lawson at the back post, before Jubril Okedina had a cross gathered by Henrich Ravas before the referee sounded his whistle for halftime. Derby got the second half underway and after Max Bird passed the ball to Connor Dixon on the edge of the Spurs box Dixon played a quick one two with Morgan Whittaker before slicing an effort wide of Alfie Whiteman’s goal. There was a penalty shout at the other end of the pitch after Jubril Okedina’s cross struck the arm of Max Bird inside the Derby box. After coming in from the right flank Dilan Markanday whipped an effort narrowly wide of Henrich Ravas’ goal before TJ Eyoma headed away a corner kick from Jayden Mitchell-Lawson. Spurs continued to start the half well. There was another penalty shout waived away by the referee after Max Bird appeared to handle Tashan Oakley-Boothe’s lofted pass inside the Derby box. Dilan Markanday then had an effort on goal blocked by Bird before Jayden Mitchell-Lawson managed to pass the ball into the feet of Duane Holmes in the centre of the Spurs box however, he fired over on the turn. Connor Dixon then fired the ball across the face of Alfie Whiteman’s goal before Dixon forced a save out of Whiteman a couple of seconds later with a looping effort from the edge of the Spurs box. Harvey White then had a free kick gathered by Henrich Ravas.

After Shilow Tracey had won a free kick on the edge of the Derby box Paris Maghoma elected to take it. However, his resulting curling effort flew well over Henrich Ravas’ crossbar. The ever impressive Tariq Hinds cut inside from the left flank shortly afterwards before firing a promising effort on goal which was tipped onto the crossbar by Ravas. Tashan Oakley-Boothe had a cross cleared by Ethan Wassall before Spurs’ pressure was rewarded when Rodel Richards pulled a goal back for Wayne Burnett’s side in the 68th minute of the match. After Jubril Okedina played the ball down the line to Dilan Markanday on the right flank, the recently turned 18 year old passed the ball to Shilow Tracey in the centre of the Derby box. Tracey’s first time side footed effort was saved by Ravas but the ball came up in the air for Rodel Richards whose clever overhead effort went into the bottom left hand corner of the Derby goal, 1-2. Spurs were now moving the ball around the pitch a lot faster, and with a lot of attacking intent. After Okedina had passed the ball to Markanday down the right flank the winger drifted inside onto his left foot before firing an effort on goal from the edge of the Derby box which was saved well by Henrich Ravas. A couple of minutes later Markanday won a free kick on the edge of the oppositions penalty area. The resulting free kick was delivered into the Derby box by Shilow Tracey and volleyed wide of goal by Brooklyn Lyons-Foster. Then at the other end of the pitch Max Hunt passed the ball to Jahmal Hector-Ingram who had a shot on goal blocked by Eyoma. Armando Shashoua came onto replace Harvey White. Soon after coming on Shashoua made a really intelligent and well timed run into the Derby box to latch onto Paris Maghoma’s lovely pinged pass, but before Shashoua could get the ball under full control he was intercepted by Max Hunt who put the ball behind for a corner kick. Jubril Okedina nodded Shashoua’s resulting corner kick wide of the Derby goal. 

Tashan Oakley-Boothe had a shot blocked by Max Hunt before TJ Eyoma made an excellent interception on the advancing Connor Dixon on the edge of the Spurs box. Eyoma then managed to win a late free kick on the edge of the Derby box which Armando Shashoua would take. However, his curling effort flew narrowly wide of Henrich Ravas’ goal in what turned out to be the final piece of action of the game. It was a game of two halves for Spurs today, if they had started the game like they had started the second half then they may well have won the game.

Player reviews:

• Alfie Whiteman: On what was his first competitive appearance for Spurs since last November, the goalkeeper put in a solid performance on Friday afternoon. Whiteman made four saves in total including one to deny a penalty kick. The 20 year olds distribution was good and he also dealt well with crosses and set pieces.
• Jubril Okedina: Solid, composed and good on the ball. Okedina had a very strong game at right back for Spurs. Apart from being very comfortable on the ball and good at bringing it forward, Okedina defended well against speedy winger Jayden Mitchell-Lawson down the right hand side of the pitch and he made some good defensive interventions. Okedina also whipped some inviting crosses into the Derby box.
• TJ Eyoma: The RCB made some really important interventions at the back and his all round game was good. Eyoma was solid for the majority of the game and the Spurs captain was dominant in the air.
• Brooklyn Lyons-Foster: The 18 year old caught my eye with the way in which he played the ball out from the back. And like Eyoma I thought that Lyons-Foster had a solid all round game. He made some lovely passes and with his quick feet and vision he was able to move the ball quickly. Lyons-Foster made a number of important clearances and like Eyoma he was good in the air. His slight mistake for Derby’s opening goal was unlucky and he didn’t have enough support around him at the time.
• Tariq Hinds: Despite playing out of position at left back Tariq Hinds had another really good game for our under 23’s where he was quite easily one of our best performers. Hinds went on some lovely lung bursting runs down the left flank, and with his skill and good decision making he posed a real threat going forwards. Hinds also defended his side of the pitch really well against England under 18 international Morgan Whittaker.
• Harvey White: The central midfielder had a decent game in the middle of the park where he used the ball intelligently. He had some good moments in the game. 
• Paris Maghoma: The midfielder broke up play effectively and he also carried the ball well in the middle of the park. Furthermore, Maghoma made some very intelligent and ambitious passes and he wasn’t afraid to try his luck from set pieces.
• Dilan Markanday: My man of the match, see below.
• Tashan Oakley-Boothe: The CAM had a decent game. His movement was good.
• Shilow Tracey: The left winger went on some powerful runs down the left flank and he helped to create some decent chances. Tracey got the assist for Rodel Richards’ second half goal. 
• Rodel Richards: The busy centre forward led the line well and he made some good runs off of the shoulders of the Derby defenders. In addition he held the ball up quite well. The 18 year old took his late goal really well!
• Armando Shashoua: It was a positive albeit fleeting cameo for Shashoua who linked play well during his short time on the pitch. The 18 year old also made a number of intelligent runs through the middle of the park and he came close to finding the back of the net from a late free kick. 

My man of the match: After putting in a decent first half performance out on the right flank Dilan Markanday stepped it up a gear in the second half, when he embarked on some excellent surging runs down the right flank. Markanday mixed things up and he made life difficult for Derby fullback Jordan Brown with his many twists and turns. The 18 year old played a big part in creating our goal and he tracked back tirelessly throughout the game.

Spurs under 23’s statistics: 

Goals: Troy Parrott – 2

Kazaiah Sterling – 2

Tashan Oakley-Boothe – 1

Shilow Tracey – 1

Paris Maghoma – 1

Rodel Richards – 1

Assists: Shilow Tracey – 3

Jamie Bowden – 1

Tariq Hinds – 1

Paris Maghoma – 1

Kazaiah Sterling – 1

Dilan Markanday – 1

Clean sheets: Brandon Austin – 1

Spurs: Whiteman, Okedina, Hinds, White (A Shashoua 79), Eyoma (c), Lyons-Foster, Markanday, Maghoma, Richards, Oakley-Boothe, Tracey. Substitutes (not used): De Bie, R Clarke, Dinzeyi, Patterson.

Derby County: Ravas, Minkley, Brown, Bird (c), Wassall, Hunt, Whittaker (Cresswell 71), Dixon, Hector-Ingram, Holmes (Babos 66), Mitchell-Lawson (Shonibare 83). Substitutes (not used): Yates, Splatt.

Goals: Spurs – Richards 68; Derby – Whittaker 11, Holmes 32.

Yellow cards: Spurs – Eyoma; Derby – Babos.

Referee: Alan Dale.

Venue: Hotspur Way.

Attendance: 125.

Spurs under 18’s versus Norwich City: (match preview)

After losing their first two league games of the season Matt Taylor’s under 18 side will be looking to get a positive result against this Saturday’s opponents Norwich City. Last seasons basement club, the ‘ Canaries ‘ have started this season with two draws from their opening two games and they are all ready looking to build on last seasons total points tally of 11. Taylor’s side played some decent football against Brighton last Saturday but they ultimately came unstuck at the back. This weekends opponents Norwich City have a number of talented first year scholars in this years intake as well as some more experienced second years scholars. These include tenacious defender and Ireland under 19 international Andrew Omobamidele, forward Scottish forward Thomas Dickson-Peters and full back Arash Ahmadi. We managed to do the double over Paul Williams’ side last season, scoring an impressive ten goals combined in those two games. Saturday’s match will be a tricky one but I’m confident that we’ll get our first win of the season. 

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Kurylowicz, Cesay, Muir, Binks (c), Lusala, John, Cooper, Whittaker, Asante, Robson, Etete.

Subs from: Lo-Tutala, Matthew Craig, Carrington, Pedder, Cooper.

Injured/unavailable: Malachi Walcott, J’Neil Bennett, Dennis Cirkin.

Doubtful: N/A.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-1.

Previous meeting: Spurs 3-0.

My one to watch: The ‘ Canaries ‘ Scottish forward Thomas Dickson-Peters who has already scored three goals from Norwich’s opening two league games, this season.

Spurs under 23’s versus Derby County: (match preview)

After getting two wins from their first two matches of the PL2 season Wayne Burnett’s high flying development side welcome Derby County to Hotspur Way on Friday afternoon, for game week three of the new season. Last Friday Burnett’s side put in a glorious team performance to overcome Manchester City by three goals to one at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The weekend before that they beat Liverpool by four goals to nil. Darren Wassall’s Derby County side have won one and lost one so far this season so they’ll be hoping to put in a performance similar to the one which saw them beat Southampton in game week two. The ‘ Rams ‘ finished in seventh place in the PL2 division one last season after accumulating 30 points from 22 games. Some Derby players to look out for on Friday afternoon include experienced first team players Duane Holmes and Chris Martin if involved! Derby captain and centre half Max Bird as well as Irish silky midfielder and forward Jayden Mitchell-Lawson are other players to look out for. Derby are usually a well structured and defensive side who like to be very direct in there play. Last season we lost 1-0 to Derby at Pride Park before beating them 3-1 on the final day of the season. I am expecting another physical battle when these teams meet on Friday afternoon, especially if first team player Chris Martin is involved. Spurs on the other hand will be hoping to continue there fine start to the season and they’ll be hoping that 17 year old Troy Parrott can fire them to victory once again after his heroics against Manchester City. I shall be reporting on Fridays game at Hotspur Way and my in depth match report of the game will be out later that night. I would like to wish Wayne Burnett’s side all the very best of luck for what will be a tricky game.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Austin, Okedina, Eyoma (c), Lyons-Foster, Hinds, Bowden, Maghoma, Markanday, Oakley-Boothe, Tracey, Parrott.

Subs from: De Bie, Dinzeyi, A.Shashoua, Clarke, Richards. 

Injured/unavailable: Malachi Walcott, Phoenix Patterson, Maurizio Pochettino, Maximus Tainio, J’Neil Bennett, Jeremie Mukendi, Dennis Cirkin, Maxwell Statham.

Doubtful: Samuel Shashoua, Harvey White, Tariq Hinds.

My score prediction: Spurs 2-0. 

Previous meeting: Spurs 3-1.

My one to watch: The ‘ Rams ‘ experienced centre forward and Scotland international Chris Martin (29). Martin who played in Derby’s last game at this level could well play again on Friday as he presumably works on his match fitness. The former Hull City and Fulham strikers physicality and aerial prowess is something which could potentially cause our defenders some trouble along with his sheer experience.

Some notes on Spurs loanee Anthony Georgiou’s performance against AFC Wimbledon: 

(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC)

Spurs loanee Anthony Georgiou made his competitive debut for Ipswich Town on Tuesday night, when they hosted AFC Wimbledon in a league one fixture at Portman Road. Georgiou came on at half time with Ipswich trailing by one goal to nil, and the Cypriot international totally reenergised the home team with his searing pace and directness, and he helped them to turn the game around and win 2-1. In the following piece I will be going through Anthony Georgiou’s second half performance in chronological order. Georgiou replaced Ipswich winger Idris El Mizouni out on the left wing at halftime as manager Paul Lambert looked to inject some pace into the game, after a slow first half. Young Anthony got a good reception from the Ipswich faithful when he came on. Georgiou’s pace was already causing problems for the Wimbledon defence and soon after coming on the 22 year old managed to win a free kick on the edge of the Wimbledon penalty area. It came about after Georgiou was the quickest to a loose ball and he was then tugged back by Wimbledon defender Thomas Terrell. Georgiou took the resulting free kick, he whipped the ball into the Wimbledon box where he managed to pick out central defender Luke Woolfenden whose headed effort on goal was blocked by a Wimbledon defender. The energetic Spurs man was tracking back well during the opening stages of the first half and he was also making some good runs down the left flank. One such good, surging run should have been picked out by Cole Skuse after Georgiou had beaten his man with ease down the left flank but he was ignored by Skuse who decided to play a different pass. Shortly afterwards Myles Kenlock passed the ball to Georgiou down the left flank, Georgiou dropped his shoulder before taking the ball into the Wimbledon box and whipping in a dangerous low cross which was cleared away by Paul Kalambayi, before being gathered by goalkeeper Nathan Trott. Georgiou was getting plenty of touches of the ball as Ipswich switched to a 4–4-2 formation. After picking up the ball down the left flank Georgiou darted forward before whipping another teasing cross into the danger zone, but once again it was cleared away by Paul Kalambayi.

A couple of moments later Anthony received a pass from Kayden Jackson down the left flank, before whipping a dangerous low cross into the Wimbledon box. However, no one was able to meet it (though they should have!) and the ball ran across the face of the goal. Georgiou had singlehandedly become the most dangerous player on the park and the Ipswich players were trying to feed the ball into him out on the left flank at every opportunity. After Ipswich centre forward James Norwood had won a free kick out on the left flank, Georgiou elected to take it. The 22 year old whipped another good ball into the danger zone but it was cleared away by Paul Kalambayi, before Cole Skuse fired an effort wide of goal. About five minutes later Georgiou came close to latching onto James Norwood’s cross into the Wimbledon box from the right flank, after Georgiou had made a good run into the danger zone. A couple of minutes later Georgiou passed the ball to the overlapping Myles Kenlock down the left flank, and he cut inside onto his right foot before forcing a save out of Nathan Trott from his low effort. Anthony delivered a whipped corner kick into the box shortly afterwards from the left hand side but it was cleared behind for another corner kick by a Wimbledon defender. The Lewisham born winger then pumped in the resulting corner kick on the right hand side but before anyone could attack it an Ipswich player had been penalised for a foul inside the box. James Norwood netted a leveller for Ipswich a matter of minutes later as the home side now had some momentum going into the final period of the game. After substitute Alan Judge had won a corner kick Anthony Georgiou whipped the ball into the box but it was cleared away by a defender. Georgiou continued to be heavily involved in the game. After picking the ball up out on the left flank he darted forward with the ball glued to his feet. He then drifted inside onto his right foot on the edge of the Wimbledon box before having a shot blocked by Thomas Terrell. A corner kick which was delivered by Alan Judge a couple of minutes later came to Georgiou in the middle of the box. He poked the ball to Luke Chambers whose resulting effort was blocked by a defender.

Anthony switched onto the right flank for the final moments of the game. Then deep in stoppage time Ipswich netted a dramatic late, late winner through Kayden Jackson. It was in many was the dream debut for Georgiou the fearless left winger. He was an absolute joy to watch with his many surging runs, perfect whipped crosses and tireless tracking back. Unlike in pre-season for Spurs when he was played at left back, Georgiou was allowed the freedom to run at defenders and beat players. And he did so with the same ease and the same quality in which those of us who regularly watch the Spurs development side have been used to for so long. It was a fantastic debut for Georgiou who is now very likely to start Ipswich’s next game away to Bolton on Saturday.

Some notes on Spurs loanee Jack Clarke’s performance against Millwall under 23’s:

(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC)

Spurs loanee Jack Clarke (18) was in action for a strong Leeds under 23’s side on Monday afternoon, when they took on Millwall at Thorp Hatch in a league fixture. Clarke completed the entirety of the ‘ Whites ‘ 3-2 victory over the south London club in what was an entertaining game of football. In the following piece I will be going through Clarke’s performance in chronological order. The York born winger started the game out on the left wing as Leeds played in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Early on in the game Clarke picked the ball up on the left flank and he quickly whipped a dangerous low cross into the Millwall box. The ball ran through to Jordan Stevens who fired the ball over Ryan Sandford’s crossbar. A couple of minutes later the involved Leeds winger did well to keep Jamie Shackleton’s long pass in on the left flank. After keeping the ball in play, Clarke dribbled into the Millwall penalty area before playing a quick one two with Gianni Alioski and having a poked effort on goal saved by Ryan Sandford, before the Spurs man had an effort blocked by Sam Skeffington on the edge of the Millwall box. After Gianni Alioski won a free kick out on the left flank, Jack Clarke whipped the ball past everyone in the box and out for a throw in on the far side. A couple of minutes later the speedy teenager received the ball down the left flank after latching onto a pass from Alioski. Clarke dribbled into the Millwall penalty area before passing the ball to Alioski who quickly laid the ball off to Jamie Shackleton who fired the ball over Ryan Sandford’s crossbar. Clarke then whipped a teasing cross into the Millwall box but it was cleared away by Topalloj. Clarke was hugging the left touchline during the opening stages of the match, and he was also tracking back well after him. Clarke was involved again shortly afterwards, this time the winger received a pass from Alioski’s down the left side of the Millwall box. He jinked inside onto his right foot before laying the ball off to Jamie Shackleton whose resulting low drive on goal was deflected behind for a corner kick. Leeds took the lead a couple of minutes later. 

Shortly after the restart Clarke picked the ball up on the left flank, he then drifted inside before letting fly on his right foot on the edge of the Millwall box. Clarke’s powerful effort was parried by Ryan Sandford before being cleared away by a Millwall defender. The 18 year old had linked up really well with left back Gianni Alioski during the first half and he was also pressing the Millwall defenders well. Clarke started the second half out on the right wing. After Leeds had won a free kick on the edge of the Millwall penalty area, the 18 year old winger elected to take it, but his effort struck the one man Millwall wall.  About five minutes later Jack Clarke helped to create the ‘ Whites ‘ second goal of the game. After picking the ball up deep inside his own half Clarke went on a surging run through the middle of the park, before playing a lovely defence splitting pass through to Jordan Stevens down the left flank. Stevens then whipped a low cross into Arsenal loanee Eddie Nketiah in the Millwall box and he managed to slot the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the goal to make it 2-0 to Leeds. A couple of minutes later Jordan Stevens fed the ball into Clarke down the left side of the Millwall box. Clarke spun around before forcing a decent save out of Ryan Sandford with a curling effort. After winning a free kick moments later out on the right flank, Clarke elected to take it but once again his effort struck the Millwall wall. Clarke then whipped in a promising corner kick into the Millwall box but it was cleared away by a defender. The 18 year old whipped another corner kick into the danger zone a couple of minutes later. This one was headed wide by Gaetano Berardi. Leeds were dominating possession although Millwall did pull a goal back through George Alexander. Millwall then got an unexpected leveller a couple of minutes later, through Mitchell. A couple of minutes later Clarke did well to keep in a long pass from Gaetano Berardi down the left flank. Clarke then did a couple of step overs before sending in a whipped cross into the Millwall box which was pushed away by Ryan Sandford, before being fired over the crossbar by Jamie Shackleton. Leeds netted a late, late winner through Mateusz Bogusz before the referee blew his whistle for full time.

This was another very positive performance from the traditional young winger, albeit at under 23 level. What I like about young Clarke is that he is always looking to influence the game and with his directness and skill he usually does exactly that.

Spurs under 18’s 2-3 Brighton & Hove Albion: (match report)

 

Our under 18’s second league game of the 2019/20 season saw us take on south coast club Brighton & Hove Albion at Hotspur Way. It was to be another tricky game for Matt Taylor’s side, as they continue to get to know the remaining second year scholars. Despite getting off to their perfect start after Max Robson won a penalty inside the first minute of the game, Kion Etete converted from the spot to give Spurs an early lead. However, after taking the lead Taylor’s side seemed to struggle and this allowed the ‘ Seagulls ‘ with a way back into the game. After creating some good chances Brighton levelled through Stefan Vukoje in the 20th minute of time. And Mark Beard’s side finished the half strongly as Spurs struggled to come to terms with there equaliser. Brighton also started the second half well and they took the lead for the first time in the game on 62 minutes through the potent Lorent Tolaj. Tolaj would net his second of the game less than 13 minutes later as the ‘ Seagulls ‘ dominated. A late Spurs resurgence resulted in second half substitute Kallum Cesay netting a late goal but it turned out to only be a consolation goal for Matt Taylor’s side who suffered there second consecutive defeat of the season. Matt Taylor’s side lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation on Saturday morning. Kacper Kurylowicz started in goal while a back four of Matthew Craig, Marqes Muir, Luis Binks and Dermi Lusala started in front of him. Michael Craig and Chay Cooper anchored the midfield, while Max Robson and Tarrelle Whittaker operated out on the flanks either side of CAM Nile John. 17 year old striker Kion Etete led the line for Spurs. Spurs got the game underway on a sunny morning in Enfield. And the young ‘ Lilywhites ‘ started the game brightly, a nice early move resulted in Michael Craig passing the ball to Tarrelle Whittaker who, passed the ball to Max Robson who had made a run into the Brighton penalty area. Robson was then bundled to the ground by Brighton defender Antef Tsoungui and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Kion Etete stepped up to take the resulting spot kick and the second year scholar made no mistake. Etete fired the ball inside the bottom left hand corner of the goal to beat Brighton goalkeeper Fynn Talley, 1-0.

After Max Robson played a corner kick short to Tarrelle Whittaker the wide man sent a cross deep into the Brighton box where he managed to pick out Luis Binks at the back post. However, the defenders looping header went over Fynn Talley’s crossbar. Then at the other end of the pitch Irishman Matthew Everitt came inside from the right flank before firing an effort on goal which clipped off of Stefan Vukoje inside the Spurs box and onto Jack Leahy who was ruled offside. The commanding Kacper Kurylowicz gathered a low cross from Leahy shortly after, before the Polish youth international plucked a free kick from Jack Spong out of the air. Tarrelle Whittaker then had a cross cleared away by Luka Cocoracchio before Fynn Talley gathered a free kick from Nile John. After Dermi Lusala brought down Jack Spong on the edge of the Tottenham penalty area, Spong curled his resulting effort wide of Kurylowicz’s goal as the game continued to be closely fought. Sam Packham cleared a cross from Matthew Craig before Cooper fed the ball into Lusala down the left side of the Brighton box but his resulting weak effort was saved comfortably by Talley. After beating Ed Turns down the left side of the Brighton box Tarrelle Whittaker tried to square the ball for Etete but Fynn Talley came out to smother it. After Chay Cooper had conceded a free kick right on the edge of the Brighton box, Scotland youth international Marc Leonard curled an effort over Kurylowicz’s crossbar. Brighton drew level in the 20th minute of the game. After Stefan Vukoje latched onto Marc Leonard’s long ball over the top of the Spurs defence, Vukoje burst forward before going down the left side of the Spurs box and tucking the ball past Kurylowicz and into the bottom right hand corner of the goal, 1-1. After Lorent Tolaj drifted in from the left flank he tested Kurylowicz in the Spurs box with a thumping effort. Dermi Lusala then had an effort from long range deflected behind for a corner kick by Jack Leahy before Brighton attacked Spurs once more. After being given the ball by Stefan Vukoje, Marc Leonard powered a low effort at Kurylowicz’s goal which took a slight nick off of Marqes Muir. However, Leonard’s effort was parried by Kurylowicz before he managed to smother the ball in time, before Lorent Tolaj could get to it.

Matthew Craig saw his cross into the Brighton box cleared away by Luka Cocoracchio before Michael Craig passed the ball to Nile John on the edge of the Brighton box, and he came close to setting through Tarrelle Whittaker on goal. Luis Binks cleared a cross from Lorent Tolaj before a cross from Jack Leahy managed to pick out Antef Tsoungui in the Spurs box with a cross, but Tsoungui’s resulting headed effort was saved by Kurylowicz. After some nice skill Nile John pumped the ball into the Brighton penalty area where he managed to pick out Max Robson at the back post, but he headed wide of Fynn Talley’s goal. The referee sounded his whistle for halftime shortly after. Centre back Marqes Muir was replaced by right back Kallum Cesay at the break as Matthew Craig switched to RCB. Brighton restarted the game. A good move saw Whittaker pass the ball to John who slipped it into Robson down the left side of the Brighton box but the Spurs wingers resulting effort was saved by Fynn Talley. A couple of minutes later Nile John scooped a nice ball up for Chay Cooper who had made a run down the left hand side of the Brighton box but he fired his effort narrowly over Fynn Talley’s crossbar on the half volley. Then at the other end of the pitch Sam Packham whipped a dangerous cross across the face of Kacper Kurylowicz’s goal, before Jack Leahy cut inside from the left flank before curling an effort wide of the Spurs mans goal. Brighton continued to put pressure on Spurs, Stefan Vukoje received Marc Leonard’s pass on the edge of the Spurs penalty area before curling a low effort a fraction wide of the mark. Nile John then whipped an effort just wide of the Brighton goal from long range, before Luis Binks was shown a yellow card for bringing down Matthew Everitt down the right flank. Shortly past the hour mark Brighton took the lead through Lorent Tolaj. After latching onto Marc Leonard’s long ball over the top of the Spurs defence, he ran through into the Spurs box before slotting the ball past the outrushing Kurylowicz and into the bottom left hand corner of the goal, 1-2.

After receiving Max Robson’s pass on the edge of the Brighton box, Tarrelle Whittaker forced a save out of Talley with a powerful low effort on goal. Brighton then attacked us down the opposite end of the pitch, Ed Turns gave the ball to Lorent Tolaj who slipped it into Stefan Vukoje in the Spurs box however, Luis Binks came across Vukoje to make an excellent last ditch block to stop the Brighton mans effort from testing Kurylowicz who was able to comfortably gather the ball, it was an excellent piece of defending from the 17 year old. After Matthew Everitt passed the ball to Todd Miller from the left wing the Brighton substitutes effort was pushed away by Kurylowicz before Jack Spong fired wide. Enock Asante replaced Max Robson out on the left wing shortly afterwards. After latching onto Dermi Lusala’s pass down the right hand side of the Brighton box the overlapping Kallum Cesay struck the bottom right hand post. Then at the other end of the pitch Stefan Vukoje had an effort defelcted over by Michael Craig before Luis Binks blocked a shot from Todd Miller. Brighton continued to pressurise the Tottenham defence and after Matthew Everitt passed the ball to Stefan Vujoke who fired wide on the turn from inside the Spurs box. A couple of minutes later Brighton all too easily extended their lead. A good attacking move ended in Everitt passing the ball to Lorent Tolaj after he had received Todd Miller’s pass inside the Spurs box and he fired the ball past Kurylowicz and into the bottom right hand corner of the goal on the turn, 1-3. Enock Asante headed Tarrelle Whittaker’s corner kick into the arms of Fynn Talley shortly after the restart as Spurs tried to respond. However, Brighton continued to come at us. Todd Miller whipped an effort over Kurylowicz’s crossbar before Lorent Tolaj nodded over from Matthew Everitt’s cross. Stefan Vukoje fired a deflected wide off of Dermi Lusala down the right hand side of the Spurs box before Kacper Kurylowicz saved a low effort from Todd Miller. Tarrelle Whittaker had a deflected effort saved after shooting on the edge of the Brighton box. Then in the 86th minute of the game Spurs managed to pull a goal back. 

After Tarrelle Whittaker passed the ball to Pedder out on the right flank the Spurs substitute whipped the ball into Binks at the back post. Binks’ headed effort came off the bottom of the right hand post before bouncing into the path of Kallum Cesay who tapped home from close range, 2-3. Kurylowicz saved Stefan Vukoje’s late strike before Spurs had a good chance to get a late equaliser. After Nile John received the ball on the edge of the Brighton box the Spurs midfielder should have passed the ball to Cesay who had made a good run down the right side of the Brighton box however, John opted to go for glory but his effort sailed over Fynn Talley’s crossbar. The referee sounded his whistle for full time a couple of seconds later. Up next for Matt Taylor’s side is a home league game against Norwich City, next Saturday.

Player reviews:

• Kacper Kurylowicz: The Spurs goalkeeper made five saves in total on the day and apart from leading his defence well throughout the game, Kurylowicz had a very solid match in between the sticks. The 17 year old  dealt well with crosses and set pieces, he also made a number of strong saves.
• Matthew Craig: Operating at right back for the first half, Michael Craig had a solid first half half before slotting into central defence for the second half where he was tidy.
• Marqes Muir: He put in a decent first half performance but he was ultimately substituted at halftime.
• Luis Binks: My man of the match, see below.
• Dermi Lusala: The left back went on some powerful attacking forays down the left flank and he also defended relatively solidly.
• Chay Cooper: The 17 year old made a number of intelligent passes from central midfield and he also linked up well with the forwards.
• Michael Craig: The CM used the ball well and he made some well weighted passes.
• Tarrelle Whittaker: Operating on both flanks throughout the game, Whittaker was one of our best players. He went on some promising attacking forays and he made some good passes.
• Nile John: The CAM was heavily involved in the game, he showed nice skill and his movement was also good. 
• Max Robson: The wide man won the early penalty kick and he made some good runs out wide.
• Kion Etete: The striker held the ball up well, his movement was good and his sheer presence made him a real handful for the Brighton defence. Etete took his penalty well.
• Kallum Cesay: The second half substitute went on some good overlapping runs down the right flank and he was in the right place at the right time to tuck away our late goal. He also defended his side of the pitch well. I’m looking forward to seeing more of him. 
• Enock Asante: Showed good movement during his time on the pitch.
• Rafferty Pedder: The second half substitute was involved in our late consolation goal. 

My man of the match: Although there weren’t many standout performers for Spurs on the day, I thought that our best player was captain Luis Binks. Operating at LCB Binks made a couple of really well timed challenges and blocks and he was very good in the air. In addition to his fine defending the second year scholar was commanding at the back and he talked his teammates through the game. Binks’ last ditch sliding block to prevent Stefan Vukoje from getting a shot away inside the Spurs box during the second half,  was top class. 

Spurs under 18’s statistics 2019/20:

Goals: Kion Etete – 1

Kallum Cesay – 1

Assists: Max Robson – 1

Luis Binks – 1

Spurs: Kurylowicz, Matthew Craig, Lusala, Cooper (Pedder 72), Muir (Cesay 46), Binks (c), Robson (Asante 66), Michael Craig, Etete, John, Whittaker. Substitute (not used): Lo-Tutala.