Spurs under 23’s 3-1 Manchester City: (match report)

(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC)

For our under 23’s second PL2 game of the 2019/20 season Wayne Burnett’s side welcomed Manchester City to the world class Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Friday evenings match was a game of total domination from the home side who, from start to finish outplayed Manchester City with their slick passing game. Spurs started the game with an assuredness about their game and after playing some good football around centre forward Troy Parrott Wayne Burnett’s side came close to taking the lead through attacking midfielder Tashan Oakley-Boothe. Spurs eventually took the lead through Troy Parrott who finished smartly from inside the Manchester City penalty area. Spurs doubled their advantage shortly before the break through Paris Maghoma as Spurs took a healthy two goal cushion into the interval. Spurs started the second half well and they continued to restrict the visitors to efforts from long range. After Shilow Tracey won a penalty kick, Troy Parrott calmly converted to net his second goal of the game. The game was slightly overshadowed by an injury which Parrott would pick up later on in the half. Spurs played some nice stuff during the remaining stages of the game and although Manchester City managed to pull a late goal back through Nabil Touaizi, it wasn’t to matter in the grand scheme of things. Spurs continue to sit at the top of the PL2 division one after totally dominating Manchester City on a wet night in North London.  Wayne Burnett’s side lined up in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation on Friday. Brandon Austin started in goal while a back four of Tariq Hinds, captain TJ Eyoma, Japhet Tanganga and Harvey White. Paris Maghoma and Jamie Bowden partnered up in central midfield while Dilan Markanday and Shilow Tracey operated out wide on the flanks, either side of CAM Tashan Oakley-Boothe. 17 year old Ireland under 19 international Troy Parrott led the line for Spurs. Spurs got the game underway in front of a fairly sizeable crowd at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium. After seeing quite a bit of the ball during the opening stages of the game Spurs were trying to break Manchester City down. 

Paris Maghoma tried to slip through Troy Parrott inside the Manchester City box but Taylor Harwood-Bellis managed to intercept the ball. At the other end of the pitch Jayden Braaf fired a low effort wide of Brandon Austin’s goal, after he had received Nabil Touaizi’s pass. A couple of minutes later Troy Parrott won a free kick right on the edge of the Manchester City penalty area. However, he curled his resulting effort into the ‘ Sky Blues ‘ wall. A cross from Jamie Bowden which was intended for Troy Parrott was cleared away by Man City defender Joel Latibeaudiere before Spurs created their first real chance of the game. After Paris Maghoma passed the ball to Dilan Markanday the tricky winger slipped the ball into the feet of Tashan Oakley-Boothe down the right hand side of the oppositions penalty area however, Oakley-Boothe’s resulting low effort was saved by the feet of Man City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu. Japhet Tanganga did well to cut out Adrián Bernabé’s intended through ball for Nabil Touaizi shortly afterwards. The fast pace to the game continued. After Dilan Markanday won a free kick on the edge of the Manchester City box Paris Maghoma elected to take it. However, his resulting curling effort was deflected behind for a corner kick by the Man City wall. Nabil Touaizi cleared Harvey White’s resulting corner kick. Spurs continued to put pressure on the oppositions defence and they were coming closer to breaking the deadlock. After receiving Jamie Bowden’s pass Dilan Markanday had a deflected low effort saved by Gavin Bazunu. After Jamie Bowden’s cross was spilt by the Manchester City goalkeeper Dilan Markanday was unable despite his best efforts, to turn the ball home from inside the Man City box. Harvey White’s resulting corner kick just missed Japhet Tanganga in the danger zone. At the other end of the pitch Dilan Markanday made an important challenge on Alpha Dionkou after he had latched onto Ben Knight’s whipped low cross in the Spurs box, before Paris Maghoma did some good defensive work to stop Adrián Bernabé from bursting into the Tottenham penalty area.

After dribbling into the Man City box Dilan Markanday was intercepted by Tommy Doyle. At the other end of the pitch Alpha Dionkou had a cross cleared by Tariq Hinds. Then in the 36th minute of the game Spurs’ hard work was rewarded when they took the lead through Troy Parrott. It was a truly sumptuous finish from the Irishman. After receiving the ball Dilan Markanday passed the ball to Parrott in who had his back to goal in the Manchester City box. However, the 17 year old quickly sorted out his feet and he turned around Taylor Harwood-Bellis before whipping an unstoppable effort into the top left hand corner of Gavin Bazunu’s goal, 1-0. We were pressing well and we continued to cause the Manchester City defence problems. A dangerous cross from Tariq Hinds just evaded Shilow Tracey in the Man City box before TJ Eyoma was on hand at the other end of the pitch to cut out Adrián Bernabé’s through ball to Nabil Touaizi. Shilow Tracey nodded Dilan Markanday’s cross wide of Bazunu’s goal a matter of moments later before Spurs doubled their lead right on the stroke of halftime through Paris Maghoma. After Troy Parrott had passed the ball to Shilow Tracey down the left hand side of the Manchester City box the winger pondered before cutting the ball back for Maghoma on the edge of the penalty area. His first time side footed effort nestled wonderfully into the top right hand corner of Gavin Bazunu’s goal, beating the Irishman with ease, 2-0. The referee Matthew Russell sounded his whistle for halftime a couple of moments later. Manchester City got the second half underway and early on in the half TJ Eyoma did well to cut out a pass from Jayden Braaf. A couple of minutes later a nice move saw Hinds pass the ball to Bowden who slipped the ball into Parrott inside the Manchester City box. Parrott held off his man inside the danger zone before striking the bottom right hand post with a powerful low effort. The ball came back to Bowden inside the area but he was unable to control the ball and it went behind for a goal kick.

After Troy Parrott won a free kick on the edge of the Manchester City box, free kick specialist Harvey White tried to test Gavin Bazunu. White’s curling effort was touched onto the side netting by Bazunu before it could nestle in the bottom right hand corner of the goal. Harvey White then had a corner kick cleared away by Joel Latibeaudiere before Shilow Tracey won a penalty for Spurs. After receiving Maghoma’s pass down the left hand side of the Man City box, he managed to hold off two Manchester City defenders before being brought down by Jeremie Frimpong. Troy Parrott calmly despatched his resulting penalty kick by whipping the ball past Bazunu and inside the left hand corner of the goal, 3-0. After Dilan Markanday was brought down by Jeremie Frimpong inside the Man City box shortly after the restart, he looked at the referee hoping for a penalty to be awarded but Matthew Russell saw nothing in it. Alpha Dionkou had a cross cleared by Harvey White, before White himself had a cross cleared away by Jeremie Frimpong. After beating Man City captain Tommy Doyle in the oppositions box, Tariq Hinds attempted to square the ball for Parrott but it was cleared away by Latibeaudiere. After suffering a heavy challenge from Tommy Doyle, Parrott picked up an injury and he was swiftly replaced by Rodel Richards. Spurs were just knocking the ball about with ease as the minutes ticked by. Adrián Bernabé had a shot blocked behind by TJ Eyoma before Harvey White managed to clear Tommy Doyle’s corner kick. After being given the ball by Markanday, Maghoma burst into the Manchester City box before back heeling the ball for Shilow Tracey who fired the ball narrowly wide of Gavin Bazunu’s goal. Jamie Bowden had a shot on goal which was blocked by Tommy Doyle before Dilan Markanday curled an effort wide from the edge of the Man City box after he received the ball from Paris Maghoma. Then at the other end of the pitch Jeremie Frimpong saw his cross headed over by TJ Eyoma. Tommy Doyle’s resulting corner kick was headed back across goal by Frimpong for Touaizi who headed the ball just wide of Brandon Austin’s goal. 

Harvey White cleared Jayden Braaf’s cross before Brandon Austin gathered a cross from the same player a couple of moments later. After receiving Dilan Markanday’s pass on the edge of the Man City box Rodel Richards curled an effort over Gavin Bazunu’s crossbar. Manchester City substitute Fisayo Dele-Bashiru surged forward through the middle of the pitch before lashing an effort over Brandon Austin’s crossbar. Brooklyn Lyons-Foster replaced Tariq Hinds before Dilan Markanday had a shot blocked by Taylor Harwood-Bellis after he had cut inside from the right flank. Manchester City pulled a goal back in the 83rd minute of the game after TJ Eyoma was intercepted by Nabil Touaizi who burst into the Spurs box. However, he was intercepted by Brooklyn Lyons-Foster who lunged in to make a pin point challenge. However, the ball came back to Touaizi and he fired an effort past Austin on the turn, and the ball nestled into the bottom right hand corner of the goal. Jubril Okedina came onto replace Jamie Bowden as Brooklyn Lyons-Foster switched out to left back as Harvey White went into central midfield. TJ Eyoma cleared a cross from Adrián Bernabé before Dilan Markanday went on a surging forward run before being fouled on the edge of the Man City box by Tommy Doyle. Harvey White’s resulting dipping free kick was pushed behind by Bazunu. Rodel Richards had an effort blocked by Tommy Doyle before Japhet Tanganga curled a deflected effort wide. Paris Maghoma then curled an effort wide of the Man City goal from long range. Rodel Richards had a late effort on the turn blocked by Frimpong in the Man City box before the referee sounded his whistle for full time. Bringing an end to a totally one sided game. Our under 23’s next game is at home to Derby County next Friday.

Player reviews:

• Brandon Austin: The Tottenham goalkeeper didn’t make a single save against Manchester City on Friday night. Austin’s distribution was faultless and the 20 year old goalkeeper could have done nothing to prevent Nabil Touaizi’s second half goal. 
• Tariq Hinds: It was a very assured performance from the right back against Manchester City. I personally didn’t think that Hinds put a foot wrong during his 77 minutes on the pitch. The skilful fullback defended well against Manchester City winger Jayden Braaf, and he went on some promising attacking forays of his own down the right flank. The 19 year old also made some important interceptions and clearances.
• TJ Eyoma: The Spurs captain had for the most part a very solid game minus albeit a minor lapse in concentration which contributed to Nabil Touaizi’s late goal. Eyoma was good in the air and he cut out some promising forward passes. He also made some timely interceptions and challenges. He looked very composed on the ball.
• Japhet Tanganga: Operating at LCB Tanganga’s time away with the first team during pre-season really showed last night. The 20 year old was rock solid alongside TJ Eyoma albeit against a not too threatening attack. Furthermore, Tanganga’s positioning was impeccable on the night as was the commanding nature of his defending. Like Eyoma the Hackney born defender cut out some dangerous passes and he also made some important defensive interventions.
• Harvey White: It was another really solid showing at left back from the young midfielder (17) who did a good job up against Manchester City’s Ben Knight who he helped to neutralise the threat of during the game. White kept good positioning and the timing of his defending was also good. Furthermore the Maidstone born White who filled in, in his natural position of central midfield for the latter stages of the game, also whipped some inviting crosses into the danger zone and he came close to finding the back of the net from a couple of free kicks.
• Jamie Bowden: My man of the match, see below.
• Paris Maghoma: Playing in central midfield as oppose to playing as a CAM as he did so against Liverpool the previous week. Maghoma put in a very mature performance against Manchester City and alongside the astute Jamie Bowden he helped to link defence with attack. Maghoma recycled possession well and his passing throughout the game was top quality.
• Dilan Markanday: Apart from setting up Troy Parrott’s opening goal the skilful winger carved his way through the Manchester City defence on numerous occasions on Friday. Markanday enjoyed great joy down the right hand side of the pitch and his skill and low centre of gravity really worked fullback Joel Latibeaudiere hard. Markanday also wasn’t afraid to try his luck on goal.
• Tashan Oakley-Boothe: Operating as a CAM the energetic Oakley-Boothe was another link between defence and attack and his movement as well as his first touch and passing were all good. 
• Shilow Tracey: It was an electric performance from the 21 year old who embarked on many a surging run down the left flank. Tracey’s strength and pace made him difficult to defend against and the former Ebbsfleet United man set up Paris Maghoma’s goal after assessing his options before he won the penalty which Troy Parrott tucked away, after he burst into the danger zone. Tracey tracked back well and he also made some intelligent passes and decisions in the final third.
• Troy Parrott: At times unplayable, centre forward Troy Parrott led the line by example on Friday night. Parrott’s power and strength made him so difficult to defend against and that along with his razor sharp movement and ability to drop deep in order to receive the ball, made him a constant thorn in Manchester City’s side. Parrott took his first goal excellently, everything about it was top class. His second half penalty was also taken really well. However, it was perhaps his hold up and link up play which was most impressive of all. On the day that he was called up to the Ireland senior team provisional squad, I just hope that the injury that he picked up during the second half is nothing to worry about. 
• Rodel Richards: The second half substitute led the line well during his time on the pitch and he made some good runs.
• Brooklyn Lyons-Foster: The defender looked solid at both right and left back during his time on the pitch.
• Jubril Okedina: It was a solid albeit late showing at RB from Okedina.

My man of the match: An artist in central midfield who linked defence with attack so diligently, midfielder Jamie Bowden put in an outstanding shift for the team on Friday night. Very Michael Carrick-esque in his overall play, Bowden did a good job alongside Maghoma in breaking up play and also in creating chances from deep. The Irish Londoner made some seriously intelligent passes and with his vision, guile and determination he helped Spurs to achieve the victory.

Spurs: Austin, Hinds (Lyons-Foster 77), White, Bowden (Okedina 84), Eyoma (c), Tanganga, Markanday, Maghoma, Parrott (Richards 61), Oakley-Boothe, Tracey. Substitutes (not used): Oluwayemi, A Shashoua.

Manchester City: Bazunu, Dionkou, Latibeaudiere (Amankwah 67), Harwood-Bellis, Frimpong, Doyle (c), Knight (Dele-Bashiru 55), Bernabé, Touaizi, Rogers, Braaf. Substitutes (not used): Moulden, Ogbeta, Simmonds.

Goals: Spurs – Parrott 36, 54 (pen), Maghoma 45+1; City – Touaizi 83.

Yellow cards: City – Touaizi 85, Frimpong 88.

Referee: Matthew Russell.

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Attendance: 5,731.

Spurs under 23’s statistics: 

Goals: Troy Parrott – 2

Kazaiah Sterling – 2

Tashan Oakley-Boothe – 1

Shilow Tracey – 1

Paris Maghoma – 1

Assists: Shilow Tracey – 2

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 Brighton & Hove Albion: (match preview

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After suffering a slightly surprising 4-0 defeat to Fulham on the opening day of the league season, Matt Taylor’s under 18 side will be desperate to bounce back when they host Brighton at Hotspur Way, in game week two. Taylor’s side welcome a Brighton team who finished in fifth place in the Premier League South last season. Some of the Brighton players to look out for tomorrow include centre forward Lorent Tolaj, captain and central midfielder Jack Spong and attacking midfielder Stefan Vukoje. The ‘ Seagulls ‘ are usually a very well structured side at this level and it could prove difficult to get the better of Mark Beard’s side tomorrow morning. Apologies for the short preview, my in-depth match report of the game will be out on Sunday afternoon. 

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Kurylowicz, Lusala, Muir, Binks, Kyezu, White (c), John, Cooper, Whittaker, Scarlett, Etete.

Subs from: Solberg, Cesay, Michael Craig, Pedder, Asante.

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

Doubtful: N/A.

My score prediction: Spurs 4-2. 

Previous meeting: Spurs 4-1.

My one to watch: The ‘ Seagulls ‘ top scorer last season with 12 goals, centre forward Lorent Tolaj.

Spurs under 23’s versus Manchester City: (match preview)

(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC)

Fresh from their emphatic 4-0 victory over Liverpool last Saturday, Spurs’ under 23’s will welcome Manchester City’s development side to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium for tomorrow’s historic PL2 game. Wayne Burnett’s side got off to the dream start against a very strong Liverpool side and they’ll be hoping to continue their strong start to the season by overcoming a Man City side who they did the double over last season in the league. Paul Harsley’s Manchester City lost their opening league game of the season 4-3 to Southampton and they’ll be desperate to avoid a similar outcome tomorrow. Man City have a talented squad of young players and some of the ‘ Sky Blues ‘ players to keep an eye on tomorrow night include 17 year old goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, centre half Nathanael Ogbeta, skilful winger Ian Carlo Poveda and Spanish attacking midfielder Adrian Bernabe. Despite having home advantage and the opportunity to play at our fantastic 62,000 seater home, this will be another very tough game for Burnett’s side and one in which they’ll need to be at their very best if they want to get maximum points out of. In terms of how Spurs will lineup I wouldn’t be surprised if Spurs’ lineup was exactly the same as the one in which defeated Liverpool last week. With players such as Kazaiah Sterling, Paris Maghoma and Jamie Bowden all likely to start. In this fixture last season we put in an excellent team performance to overcome a very technical Man City side 2-0. It was in many ways the complete team performance. A similar performance tomorrow night would be wonderful to see. My in-depth match report of tomorrow’s game will be published on Saturday afternoon. Playing in front of up to 10,000 spectators will provide our lads with memories that they will never ever forget. 

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

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

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

Doubtful: Samuel Shashoua.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-1.

Previous meeting: Spurs 2-1.

My one to watch: Manchester City’s 17 year old Irish goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is my one to watch for tomorrow evenings game. Bazunu who is an Ireland under 17 international, is an extremely highly rated young goalkeeper who was once strongly linked with a move to Spurs. The second year scholar is quick on his feet, has razors sharp reflexes and he is a penalty saving specialist. Making his senior debut for Irish premier division side Shamrock Rovers while still a schoolboy, Bazunu is a very talented goalkeeper who Spurs could find hard to beat tomorrow night. 

Some notes on Spurs loanee Jack Clarke’s performance against Salford City:

(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC)

Spurs loanee and recent signing Jack Clarke (18) was in action for Leeds United on Tuesday evening when they took on league two club Salford City, in the second round of the Carabao Cup. This was young Clarke’s first competitive appearance of the season for Marcelo Bielsa’s side and he looked nice and sharp. It was a good performance from the winger who would often switch flanks with Helder Costa throughout the game. In the following piece I will be going through Clarke’s 70 minutes on the pitch in chronological order. The York born winger started out on the right wing as Leeds played in a 4-1-4-1 formation. After tracking back well during the opening stages of the match Clarke cut inside from the right flank early on in the game before attempting to thread a pass through to Eddie Nketiah in the Salford penalty area however, a defender managed to cut Clarke’s pass out. It was quite noticeable that there always seemed to be two defenders on Clarke during the early periods of the game. The 18 year olds next involvement in the game occurred a couple of minutes later after he had a cross cleared away by Salford defender Carl Piergianni. Clarke then turned defender after he cleared Richie Towell’s volley on the line, from a Salford corner kick. The teenager continued to impress me as the game progressed and I was particularly impressed with the many intelligent runs in which he was making down the right flank. After receiving the ball out on the right flank Clarke managed to dribble his way into the Salford penalty area before he had a shot blocked by defender Carl Piergianni. The ever impressive Kalvin Phillips then sprayed a nice pass out to Clarke on the right flank. Clarke controlled the ball before he whipped a nice cross into the danger zone but it was cleared away by the dominant Piergianni. A clever run into the Salford box from the Spurs loanee shortly afterwards almost resulted in him meeting Egzijan Alioski’s cross in the centre of the penalty area. Clarke switched flanks with Helder Costa a couple of minutes later.

Jack Clarke was creating a number of good chances from out wide such as in the 34th minute when he cut inside onto his right foot from the left flank, before dribbling into the Salford penalty area but instead of shooting he elected to pass the ball to a teammate who was in a more central position. A couple of minutes later Clarke received a pass from Egzijan Alioski on the edge of the Salford penalty area. Clarke opened up his body before testing the Salford goalkeeper Chris Neal with a curling effort which took a slight deflection off of Lois Maynard. However, it was eventually beaten away by Neal. Constantly looking to receiving the ball, since moving out onto the left flank Clarke was roaming around the park more freely and he was drifting into more central positions more regularly. After managing to find Egzijan Alioski with a low pass on the edge of the Salford box the North Macedonian international fired an effort over Carl Neal’s crossbar. Leeds took the lead shortly afterwards through Eddie Nketiah right on the stroke of halftime. Clarke started the second half out on the left flank. Leeds doubled their lead in the 50th minute of the game through Gaetano Berardi before Mateusz Klich further extended the visitors advantage just under eight minutes later. Unfortunately Leeds didn’t focus a lot of their attention down the left flank during Clarke’s remaining minutes of the game and hence Clarke didn’t see a lot of the ball. After Kalvin Phillips picked out the Spurs youngster down the right hand side of the Salford box Clarke attempted to head the ball back across goal for Eddie Nketiah but once again Carl Piergianni was on hand to cut it out. Clarke switched back onto the right flank before he was replaced by Alfie McCalmont in the 70th minute of the game. I was really impressed with how Clarke conducted himself on the field last night, he tracked back excellently during his time on the pitch and his movement and many intelligent runs down the flanks really caught my eye. Clarke was also tidy with the ball and he liked to receive the ball and take players on as well as dribbling with it. Furthermore, the 18 year old created a number of decent chances. 

I will be hoping to write a number of such loan reports on Jack Clarke this season and I am hoping to be able to see him in the flesh, when Leeds play a game in London. 

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

(This photograph is from @GRTourist)

Our under 18’s opening league game of the 2019/20 season took them to south west London for a game against rivals Fulham at their Motspur Park training ground. Despite fielding a strong team for Saturday mornings clash Matt Taylor’s side Spurs struggled to match the intensity of the home side. That and the fact that we weren’t clinical enough in front of goal meant that we allowed the ‘ Cottagers ‘ to have the upper hand and they punished us for it. Fulham pressed better than us and they moved the ball about a lot more fluidly. The electric Fabio Carvalho and the dominant Jay Stansfield were at times unplayable and the Tottenham defence couldn’t cope with their presence. In all honesty Fulham out played us from the very start of the game to the very end of it, despite Matt Taylor’s sides best efforts. After coming close to taking the lead on several occasions during the first half Fulham finally made the breakthrough in the 32nd minute of the game through Sylvester Jasper from the penalty spot. The ‘ Cottagers ‘ then doubled their advantage less than seven minutes later through winger Oliver O’Neill. Colin Omogbehin’s side started the second half in the same way that they had finished the first, and less than two minutes into the second period Fulham made it 3-0 through the potent Jay Stansfield. Continuing to dominate proceedings, life was made difficult for Spurs who found it difficult to create chances. Fulham scored their fourth and final goal of the game in the 71st minute through Sylvester Jasper. In truth Spurs should be thankful that goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi was so good on the day otherwise we could have been looking at a six or seven nil defeat. Matt Taylor’s side lined up in a 4-2–3-1 formation for their opening league game of the season. Overage goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi started in goal, while a back four of Dermi Lusala, Marqes Muir, Luis Binks and Dennis Cirkin lined up in front of him. Captain Harvey White and Nile John partnered up in central midfield. Michael Craig and under 16 forward Dane Scarlett operated out on the flanks while Tarelle Whittaker operated in the hole. Recent addition Kion Etete led the line for Spurs.

Fulham got the game underway on a very windy and cool morning in south west London. An early back pass from centre half Marqes Muir was almost intercepted by the alive Jay Stansfield in the Tottenham penalty area, but Oluwayemi was able to get the ball to clear it in time. Spurs were knocking the ball around the park well during the opening minutes of the game. Spurs were let off early on in the game after goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi was intercepted by Fulham striker Jay Stansfield down the left hand side of his own penalty area. Stansfield quickly squared the ball for Fabio Carvalho in the centre of the box but his low first time effort was cleared on the line by Luis Binks. Sylvester Jasper then squared the ball for Oliver O’Neill on the edge of the Spurs box a couple of minutes later but his low side footed effort squirmed just wide of Oluwayemi’s goal after taking a slight deflection off of Dennis Cirkin. Kion Etete cleared Jonathan Page’s cross a couple of moments later as Fulham continued their good start to the game. Spurs’ Dane Scarlett came close to latching onto a lofted pass from Dermi Lusala inside the Fulham box shortly afterwards, before Sylvester Jasper latched onto a long kick up field from goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond down the left side of the Spurs box. However, his resulting effort on goal was saved by Joshua Oluwayemi. Nile John had a cross cleared by Jonathan Page before Fabio Carvalho smashed the ball against Joshua Oluwayemi’s near post after received Oliver O’Neill’s pass down the right hand side of the Tottenham penalty area. Tarrelle Whittaker then came inside from the left flank before curling an effort wide of the Fulham goal. Shortly afterwards central defender Marqes Muir made a good challenge on Fabio Carvalho inside the Spurs box, before Fulham came close to taking the lead. After being given the ball by Fabio Carvalho inside the Spurs box Jay Stansfield shot, but his effort was blocked by Binks. Carvalho then picked up the loose ball before firing an effort on goal which was well saved by the diving Oluwayemi before the linesman on the near sides flag went up for offside.

Spurs had a clear penalty shout waived away by the referee after Oliver O’Neill appeared to pull down Kion Etete after he tried to get on the end of Harvey White’s free kick inside the Fulham box. Kion Etete then came close to connecting with a whipped cross from Harvey White as Spurs tried hard to break Fulham down. Etete continued to be involved in the thick of the action when he fired an effort over on the edge of the Fulham box a couple of minutes later. Spurs continued to enjoy a good spell in the game. After Dane Scarlett threaded a pass through to Etete the Spurs man went racing through on goal although he was slowed down after Stefan Parkes tugged his shirt however, the referee didn’t spot this and Etete continued forward towards the edge of the Fulham box before his poked low effort on goal was saved by Luca Ashby-Hammond. Then at the opposite end of the pitch Fulham were presented with a perfect opportunity to score from after Marqes Muir had shoved Sylvester Jasper to the floor down the left hand side of the Tottenham penalty area leaving the referee with no other option than to point to the penalty spot. Up stepped Jasper to fire the ball past Oluwayemi who dived the wrong way, and into the bottom left hand corner of the goal, 0-1. Fulham started well straight from the restart and after Jay Stansfield skilfuly cut inside Luis Binks down the left flank the Fulham forward teed the ball off to Fabio Carvalho in the middle of the Spurs box but his first time, low effort was well saved by Oluwayemi who was at full stretch. Kion Etete had a glorious chance to draw level after Nile John threaded a nicely weighted pass through to him, to set him racing through on goal however, he poked his effort narrowly wide of Ashby-Hammond’s goal. The ‘ Cottagers ‘ doubled their advantage in the 39th minute of the game through Ollie O’Neill. After Fabio Carvalho’s free kick was headed back across goal by Stansfield to O’Neill the wingers low curling effort on goal appeared to be cleared on the line by White but the referee adjudged the ball to have crossed the line despite White’s protests, and the goal was given, 0-2. 

Michael Craig had a cross cleared away by Idris Odutayo before the same player blocked shots from Nile John and Harvey White in quick succession. After some fancy footwork from Jay Stansfield inside the Spurs box the Fulham forward had a shot on goal blocked by Luis Binks before the referee sounded his whistle for half time. Spurs got the second half underway, however it was straight back to business as usual as the ‘ Cottagers ‘ further extended their lead shortly after the restart. A long kick upfield from the Fulham  goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond was controlled quite beautifully by Fabio Carvalho out on the right flank. Carvalho then squared the ball for Jay Stansfield in the Spurs box and he then calmly slotted the ball past Oluwayemi and into the bottom right hand corner of the goal, 0-3. Nile John had an effort on goal blocked by Luca Murphy shortly afterwards before Harvey White sent a free kick straight down the throat of Ashby-Hammond. A deflected cross from Dennis Cirkin was glanced into the arms of the Fulham goalkeeper by Dan Scarlett a couple of moments later as Spurs tried desperately hard to respond. After Whittaker had passed the ball to Cirkin on the edge of the Fulham box the left back had a shot blocked by Luciano D’Auria-Henry. Adrion Pajaziti then appeared to handle a cross from Dermi Lusala inside the Spurs box before Tarrelle Whittaker shot an effort wide of goal. Dennis Cirkin then had a cross gathered by Luca Ashby-Hammond before spurs were awarded a free kick in a promising position after Lusala was fouled. However, Harvey White’s resulting curling effort on goal was comfortably saved by Ashby-Hammond. Harvey White was then shown a yellow card for a foul on Sylvester Jasper down the right flank. Matt Taylor made a double substitution after he brought off Michael Craig and Dane Scarlett for Chay Cooper and Enock Asante. Dennis Cirkin made an important challenge on Oliver O’Neill inside the Spurs box before Fulham got their fourth goal of the game through Sylvester Jasper. After Fabio Carvalho surged past Marqes Muir to latch onto a long pass, the skilful attacking midfielder burst into the Spurs box forcing a save out of Oluwayemi with a powerful effort on goal. The loose ball then came to Jasper who tucked the ball home at the back post. Dennis Cirkin then had a low shot from range saved by Ashby-Hammond after he had cut inside from the left flank.

Shortly after the restart Sylvester Jasper passed the ball to Jay Stansfield at Oluwayemi’s back post inside the Spurs box but Stansfield’s effort on goal was spectacularly saved by the diving Oluwayemi. Rafferty Pedder entered the field for Tarrelle Whittaker for the final moments of the game before the referee sounded his whistle for full time, bringing to an end a pretty one sided affair. Up next for Spurs is a home league game against Brighton, next Saturday.

Player reviews:

• Joshua Oluwayemi: My man of the match, see below.
• Dermi Lusala: The right back had a decent game and he defended relatively well against potent Fulham winger Sylvester Jasper. Lusala did tend to get forward a lot and he whipped some inviting crosses into the Fulham box.
• Marqes Muir: Although he struggled quite a bit in dealing with Fulham centre forward Jay Stansfield this was Muir’s first ever competitive game at this level, and he was unlucky on occasions against the ‘ Cottagers ‘. Muir did make some important interceptions throughout the game.
• Luis Binks: Despite the fact that we conceded four goals, LCB Luis Binks was in my opinion our best outfield player on the day. Binks made some important clearances, challenges and blocks and he was commanding at the back and in the air.
• Dennis Cirkin: The left back got up and down the left flank well and he did a reasonably good job at keeping Fulham winger Oliver O’Neill in check throughout the match.
• Harvey White: The Tottenham captain patrolled the midfield well and he made some good passes during the match. White also made some nice meaty challenges.
• Nile John: This was only the second time that I had seen John play and like Binks I thought that he was one of our better outfield players. John made some nice passes and his movement in the centre of the park was good.
• Michael Craig: Craig operated in the unfamiliar position of RW and although he didn’t get many touches of the ball he tended to drift into more central positions on the pitch. 
• Tarrelle Whittaker: The Cam had a number of nice touches and he showed good skill. Furthermore, the first year scholar went on some good surging runs through the middle of the park.
• Dane Scarlett: The schoolboy had a quiet game but he worked hard and he managed to get himself into some good positions.
• Kion Etete: Despite not having the best service on the day the towering centre forward worked hard and he managed to battle for every ball. In addition, the 17 year old held the ball up well and he was good in the air. 
• Chay Cooper: The second half substitute looked lively out wide and he showed initiative while he was on the field.
• Enock Asante: The 17 year old made a couple of good runs during his time on the pitch and I thought that his movement was good.
• Rafferty Pedder: N/A.

My man of the match: Our goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi was by far and away our best player on Saturday morning. The overage goalkeeper made a total of five saves on the day and some of them were fabulous. Oluwayemi’s distribution was decent on the day, as was the way in which he dealt with crosses and set pieces. However, it was his shot stopping which really caught the eye. The 18 year old made a number of top saves, including a spectacular late one to deny Jay Stansfield in the dying moments of the game. Were it not for Oluwayemi we would have lost the game by at least seven goals!

Spurs under 18’s versus Fulham: (match preview)

Our under 18’s 2019/20 season gets underway tomorrow morning when new head coach Matt Taylor takes his side across London to face Fulham, at their Motspur Park training ground for league game number one. Fulham finished last season in ninth place in the Premier League South however, Colin Omogbehin’s side will be hoping to build on that this term with a number of talented first years scholars included in this years intake. Players of which include forwards Fabio Carvalho and Ollie O’Neill. In addition second year scholars Terry Ablade and Jean-Pierre Tiehi are also attacking players to look out for tomorrow morning. Matt Taylor’s first game in charge of the lads is a tough one and last season we failed to beat Fulham at Motspur Park. The ‘ Cottagers ‘ have in recent seasons been a very well structured side at this level and I’m expecting another tough test tomorrow morning. Our new academy intake still hasn’t been announced by the club but using Wikipedia I have managed to do a predicted line up for tomorrow’s game. I shall be reporting on the match and my in-depth match report will be out on Sunday afternoon. COYS!

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

Subs from: Lo-Tutala, Kyezu, Michael Craig, Mundle, Carrington-Alberdi.

Injured/unavailable: N/A.

Doubtful: Malachi Walcott, J’Neil Bennett. 

My score prediction: Spurs 3-1.

Previous meeting: Spurs 4-0.

My one to watch: The ‘ Cottagers ‘ 16 year old forward Fabio Carvalho who scored eight league goals for Colin Omogbehin’s side last season.

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

 

Our under 23’s domestic season kicks off on Saturday afternoon when Wayne Burnett’s side take on Liverpool at their Kirkby based training facility. Burnett’s side will be looking to start the new PL2 season strongly and a win against a difficult Liverpool side would be the perfect start to the season. Neil Critchley’s Liverpool side finished in fourth place in division one last season and they started that campaign strongly. The ‘ Reds ‘ domestic season has already got underway. Critchley’s side took on Oldham last night in their opening EFL trophy group game, they lost 3-2. Saturday’s opposition have a vast and talented development squad. Some of the players to keep an eye on include recent addition and Dutch defender Sepp van den Berg, midfielders Pedro Chirivella (22) and Isaac Christie Davies. In addition talented wingers Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott are attacking threats while centre forwards Rhian Brewster and Bobby Duncan are Liverpool’s main danger men. On paper this is a very tough game for Burnett’s team especially when you consider that this is the young ‘ Lilywhites ‘ first competitive game of the new season. It’s difficult to predict how strong both sides will go due to the current EFL loan window still being open, but I would expect Burnett’s side to include the likes of Kazaiah Sterling, Samuel Shashoua and Shilow Tracey and other such experienced development squad players. Liverpool are a very technical side who like to play with a lot of intensity about them, similar to their first team. With attacking players with the quality of Rhian Brewster, Bobby Duncan and Harvey Elliott I am expecting Spurs to face a very difficult test on Saturday afternoon. Burnett’s lads will have to be on the very top of their game if they are going to come back to London with any points on the board. Due to me covering the under 18 game against Fulham on Saturday morning I will be unable to report on our under 23’s game in Kirkby. However, I would like to wish Wayne Burnett’s lads all the very best of luck for what promises to be an interesting match. 

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) De Bie, Hinds, Eyoma, Lyons-Foster, Cirkin, Bowden, Oakley-Boothe, Tracey, Maghoma, S.Shashoua, Sterling (c).

Subs from: Oluwayemi, Okedina, Dinzeyi, A.Shashoua, Markanday.

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

Doubtful: Samuel Shashoua.

My score prediction: 2-2.

Previous meeting: 1-1.

My one to watch: A new signing from London club Fulham, 16 year old winger Harvey Elliott is considered to be one of the country’s most exciting young talents. The Chertsey born forward who appeared for Fulham’s first team last season while still a schoolboy is a player who possess decent pace. However, he is also relatively good with both feet and he is a very skilful player who likes to weave his way into dangerous positions. The Spurs defence will have to be wary of the first year scholar as he could cause major problems for Wayne Burnett’s side. Elliott scored on his debut for Liverpool’s development side in midweek when they took on Oldham in the EFL trophy.

Spurs XI 0-2 Enfield Town: (match report)

Our development sides final pre-season friendly of the 2019/20 campaign saw them take on local neighbours and BetVictor Isthmian league side Enfield Town, at the Queen Elizabeth II stadium. It was a good test for a very young Spurs team which included a number of first year scholars in the starting 11. Despite playing some good possession based football the young Spurs defence struggled to deal with the physicality of the Enfield attacking line and in the end two first half goals from the home side left Spurs unable to respond and in the end the ‘ Town ‘ ran out 2-0 winners despite a dominant second half performance from the young ‘ Lilywhites ‘. Spurs lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation as Brandon Austin started in goal while a back four of Kallum Cesay, Jubril Okedina, Marqes Muir and Maxwell Statham lined up in front of him. Armando Shashoua and Michael Craig partnered up in central midfield while Shilow Tracey and Tarrell Whittaker operated out on the flanks, either side of CAM Elliot Thorpe. Spurs captain Kazaiah Sterling led the line. Enfield Town got the game underway on a warm evening in North London. However, Spurs started the game well and they moved the ball around the park with pace. After receiving Armando Shashoua’s pass out on the right flank, Kallum Cesay whipped a cross into the Enfield box but it was cleared away by Dan Rumens. The referee Alex Kyriacou had to temporarily leave the field shortly afterwards to put on a yellow bib after he realised that his black shirt clashed with Spurs’ navy blue away kit. After receiving Tarrell Whittaker’s pass on the edge of the Enfield penalty area, Elliot Thorpe curled an effort over Nathan McDonald’s goal as Spurs’ passing game began to stifle the home side. However, in the 12th minute of the game the ‘ Town ‘ took a surprising lead through the unmarked Billy Bricknell. The former Spurs schoolboy latched onto Sam Hatton’s throw in down the right hand side of the Tottenham penalty area before he fired a powerful low effort past the helpless Brandon Austin and into the bottom left hand corner of the goal, 0-1.

Ken Charles went on a dangerous surging run down the left flank before pumping the ball into the Tottenham penalty area however, it was cleared away by Marqes Muir. Jubril Okedina then pinged a lovely pass out to Maxwell Statham on the left flank but the left backs resulting cross into the Enfield box had far too much pace on it and it went out for a throw in. A couple of minutes later Spurs goalkeeper Brandon Austin came out to sweep up Enfield captain Marc Weatherstone’s long pass before the sprinting Ken Charles could get to the ball. Maxwell Statham had a cross cleared by Dan Rumens before Enfield doubled their advantage through Joe Payne. Sam Youngs’ free kick came to Payne down the left hand side of the Tottenham penalty area and the Enfield left back fired the ball past Austin on the half volley and into the back of the net, 0-2. Brandon Austin managed to gather Lewis Taafe’s free kick shortly afterwards after Kallum Cesay had conceded it out on the left flank. Tarrell Whittaker nodded a cross from Michael Craig wide inside the Enfield box, before Jubril Okedina blazed an effort over Nathan McDonald’s crossbar from long range. After receiving Armando Shashoua’s pass on the edge of the Enfield penalty area Kazaiah Sterling dragged an effort wide of Nathan McDonald’s goal on the turn. Then at the other end of the pitch James Potton fired an effort over Brandon Austin’s goal after Michael Craig had failed to deal with Lewis Taafe’s cross inside the Spurs box. After Shashoua had picked out Tarrell Whittaker inside the Enfield box the 16 year old forward forced a save out of McDonald from his header. After nutmegging Jubril Okedina on the left flank Scott Thomas came inside onto his right foot before curling an effort over Brandon Austin’s crossbar as the game continued to be played at a good pace. At the other end of the pitch Kazaiah Sterling passed the ball to Shilow Tracey down the right side of the Enfield box. Tracey pulled the ball back to Thorpe in the centre of the box after he had managed to hold off Joe Payne. However, Thorpe’s powerfully struck first time effort was excellently saved by the razor sharp reflexes of Nathan McDonald.

Spurs were now enjoying a good spell of possession in the game. Armando Shashoua came close to playing Shilow Tracey through on goal but Nathan McDonald managed to cut it out, that turned out to be the final piece of action from the first half. Spurs got the second half underway and they started the half really well. Armando Shashoua came desperately close to setting Elliot Thorpe through on goal with a clever lofted pass, as Spurs started to play with more attacking freedom. After picking the ball up on the edge of the edge of the Enfield penalty area Kazaiah Sterling dragged an effort narrowly wide of the mark. A good move resulted in Michael Craig passing the ball to Shashoua who played a one two with Thorpe on the edge of the Enfield box before testing Nathan McDonald with a low effort on goal. Spurs were now playing with more urgency. After Michael Craig threaded a lovely pass through to Elliot Thorpe to set the young Welshman through on goal, he seemed destined to score. However, Thorpe slotted the ball a matter of inches wide of Nathan McDonald’s left hand post. A triallist blocked an effort from Tarrell Whittaker on the edge of the Enfield box before James Potton came close to connecting with a triallist’s cross at Brandon Austin’s back post. After Elliot Thorpe passed the ball to Shilow Tracey down the right flank the winger whipped a dangerous cross across the face of Nathan McDonald’s goal. Another good Spurs move resulted in Whittaker passing the ball to Thorpe, who slipped it into Sterling inside the Enfield box however, the Tottenham striker went down in the box after he felt that he had been clipped by McDonald but the referee told him to get back up and no penalty kick was awarded. Spurs then made a triple change as Elliot Thorpe, Tarrell Whittaker and Kazaiah Sterling all left the field for Eddie Carrington, Dane Scamette and Romaine Mundle. Marqes Muir did well to stop a triallist’s low cross before an Enfield triallist blazed over from the edge of the Spurs penalty area.

Shilow Tracey came in from the left flank before entering the Enfield box and having a shot blocked by Dan Rumens before Rumens blocked a shot from Armando Shashoua on the edge of the penalty area. An Enfield triallist surged forward down the left flank before clipping an effort just wide of Brandon Austin’s goal. Michael Craig was then replaced by his twin brother Matthew as we entered the final stages of the game. Marqes Muir cleared a cross from Lewis Taafe before Michael Craig blocked an effort from the same player. After receiving Jubril Okedina’s pass Armando Shashoua managed to jink away from Marc Weatherstone before slipping the ball into the Enfield box for Dane Scamette whose quickly taken effort was saved by Nathan McDonald. Spurs then made another sub as Jeremy Kyezu came onto replace Kallum Cesay as Maxwell Statham swapped over to right back. Eddie Carrington poked wide a cross from Armando Shashoua before Maxwell Statham did well to clear Junior Mubiayi’s cross at the other end of the pitch. Sam Bantick surged forward through the middle before firing an effort over Brandon Austin’s crossbar before Dane Scamette fired an effort over Nathan McDonald’s crossbar on the turn, after he had received Armando Shashoua’s pass on the edge of the Enfield box. The referee sounded his whistle for full time a couple of moments later to bring an end to what could only be described as quite a flat game of football.

Player reviews:

• Brandon Austin: Although he didn’t make a single save on the night Austin did have a good game and he had some impressive moments. Vocal and commanding throughout the match Austin turned sweeper keeper on two occasions. He also dealt well with crosses and set pieces, and he led the defence well. 
• Kallum Cesay: The young right back was defensively sound and good going forwards. Cesay looked very comfortable on the ball. 
• Jubril Okedina: The 18 year old made some nice passes and like Cesay he was comfortable at the back. Okedina was also good in the air. 
• Marqes Muir: The 16 year old brought the ball out well from the back and he also made some important interceptions and clearances.
• Maxwell Statham: Operating at left back for the majority of the game before later switching to right back, Statham had one of the best performances out of our defenders. Statham went on some good surging runs down the left flank but he remained defensively disciplined. It was a good all round performance from the versatile defender.
• Michael Craig: A calming presence in central midfield, the 16 year old made some impressive and well weighted passes. Furthermore, Craig was nice and tidy with the ball.
• Armando Shashoua: My man of the match, see below.
• Shilow Tracey: Although he had a bit of a quiet first half out on the right wing. After switching flanks during the latter stages of the game he was a lot more involved in proceedings and he went on some good attacking forays down that side of the pitch.
• Elliot Thorpe: Thorpe was lively in the CAM role and he got himself into some good positions when he was on the pitch. In addition the 19 year old came close to finding the back of the net on a couple of occasions.
• Tarrell Whittaker: Tricky and direct out on the left wing the 16 year old went on a number of good surging runs which really troubled Enfield right back Sam Hatton.
• Kazaiah Sterling: The Spurs captain held the ball up very well on the night and he also managed a couple of decent efforts at goal.
• Eddie Carrington: Skilful and often looking to drive forward with the ball.
• Dane Scamette: The schoolboy played up top during the final stages of the game.
• Romaine Mundle: Energetic and lively in the centre of the park following his introduction on 69 minutes.
• Matthew Craig: He looked nice and composed on the ball.
• Jeremy Kyezu: The left back stayed deep during his time on the pitch.

My man of the match: Technically gifted central midfielder Armando Shashoua was our best player on Wednesday night. Shashoua was by the far the most creative and productive player on the park. With his nonstop pressing and willingness to receive the ball and take players on with his low centre of gravity, Shashoua had a nice variety to his game. In addition the 18 year old made some very intelligent passes and his movement was superb. He certainly didn’t let the physicality of the opposition affect him. He has had an excellent pre-season!

Spurs: Austin, Cesay (Kyezu 79), Statham, Michael Craig (Matthew Craig 74), Okedina, Muir, Tracey, A Shashoua, Sterling (c) (Carrington 69), Thorpe (Mundle 69), Whittaker (Scamette 69). Substitute (not used): Kurylowicz.

Goals: Enfield Town – Bricknell 13, Payne 25.

Referee: Alex Kyriacou.

Venue: Queen Elizabeth II Stadium.