Spurs under 18’s 2-3 West Ham United: (match report)

Our under 18’s took on West Ham United in a London derby on Saturday morning, in game week five of the under 18 premier league south. Matt Taylor’s side contested a fierce match in the morning sun at Hotspur Way, as West Ham ran out narrow winners in an exciting end to end game. The ‘ Hammers ‘ opened the scoring on nine minutes through Kai Corbett and the score would stay like that at the break. Spurs were a lot more aggressive during the second half and they scored an equaliser on 51 minutes through Enock Asante. However, West Ham regained their lead four minutes later through Veron Parkes before Spurs drew level again, this time through Chay Cooper. Both sides went in search of that all important winning goal and it was the visitors who managed to find it courtesy of a thumping finish from Sam Caiger as Spurs’ two game winning run came to an abrupt end. Matt Taylor’s side lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with the vocal Kacper Kurylowicz starting in goal. A back four consisting of Kallum Cesay, Marqes Muir, captain Luis Binks and Dermi Lusala lined up in front of him. Matthew Craig and Max Robson anchored the midfield while Chay Cooper and Tarrelle Whittaker operated out on the flanks, either side of CAM Rafferty Pedder. Second year scholar Enock Asante led the line for Spurs. The young ‘ Lilywhites ‘ got Saturday mornings game underway in front of a fair crowd at Hotspur Way. The first chance of the game came Spurs’ way after Max Robson sent a cross into the West Ham penalty area, Spurs striker Enock Asante managed to connect with the ball but his header lacked power and it was saved by ‘ Hammers ‘ goalkeeper Kristian Hegyi. A couple of minutes later left winger Tarrelle Whittaker won a free kick right on the edge of the West Ham box. However, Rafferty Pedder’s resulting whipped effort was saved by Hegyi. West Ham took the lead against the run of play shortly afterwards. After Veron Parkes passed the ball to Kai Corbett in the Spurs box the West Ham winger tucked the ball into the bottom left hand corner of Kacper Kurylowicz’s goal from around seven yards out from goal.

 Spurs were just patiently knocking the ball around the park as the half progressed. After receiving the ball Dermi Lusala gave the ball to Max Robson inside the West Ham box but the Tottenham midfielder dragged his effort wide of Kristian Hegyi’s goal. A couple of minutes later Kamarai Simon-Swyer headed Jake Giddings cross into the arms of Kacper Kurylowicz. A long ball from Luis Binks up to Rafferty Pedder was laid onto Enock Asante by the Spurs midfielder but the Spurs strikers resulting effort was blocked by Iyiola Adebayo. A sloppy pass from Matthew Craig resulted in Kai Corbett latching onto the ball but he fired it over Kurylowicz’s crossbar from long range. The ‘ Hammers ‘ were more aggressive than us and it was starting to show. Veron Parkes latched onto Joshua Okotcha’s long ball over the top of the Spurs defence before firing an effort wide of the Spurs goal. Luis Binks then cleared away Kamarai Simon-Swyer’s cross before Kai Corbett had a low drilled effort saved by Kacper Kurylowicz. Enock Asante came inside from the right flank before firing an effort over Kristian Hegyi’s crossbar before a good move resulted in Max Robson passing the ball to Rafferty Pedder who in turn passed it to Chay Cooper on the right flank, but his resulting cross was gathered by Kristian Hegyi. Marqes Muir blocked Kai Corbett’s shot before the referee sounded his whistle for halftime. Matt Taylor made a change at the break as Kion Etete replaced Rafferty Pedder. West Ham got the game back underway. After Kion Etete had latched onto Matthew Craig’s long ball inside the West Ham box the Spurs striker forced a low albeit fairly comfortable save out of Kristian Hegyi at his far post. Spurs drew level shortly afterwards. After the speedy Tarrelle Whittaker had beaten Will Greenidge down the left flank the Spurs winger whipped the ball into the West Ham danger zone where he managed to pick out Enock Asante who emphatically volleyed the ball past Kristian Hegyi to draw Spurs level. Shortly after the restart Kacper Kurylowicz did well to claw away a menacing cross from Jake Giddings as Spurs started to play with a higher intensity about their game.

Luis Binks cleared away Jake Giddings cross before Spurs conceded a free kick right on the edge of their own penalty area. Veron Parkes elected to take the following free kick and he whipped a fantastic effort in off Kurylowicz’s right hand post and into the top left hand corner of the goal. Shortly after the restart Gael Kileba came in from the left wing before curling an effort wide of goal. Tarrelle Whittaker had a cross gathered by Kristian Hegyi before Kion Etete shot wide after coming in from the left flank. Captain Luis Binks then fired an effort well wide of Kristian Hegyi’s goal from long range as Kallum Cesay urged his teammates to ‘ be patient ‘ for the remainder of the game. Etete then fed  the ball into Whittaker who fired an effort wide of goal, before Spurs drew level for the second time in the game. A quick passing move ended in Chay Cooper playing a clever one two with Enock Asante down the right hand side of the Wet Ham box, before the former curled a nice effort in off Kristian Hegyi’s right hand post, 2-2. The alert Luis Binks cleared Jake Giddings free kick before the Spurs captain made a really well timed challenge on Gael Kileba on the edge of the Spurs box to thwart a dangerous West Ham attack. A good Spurs move resulted in Max Robson passing the ball to Enock Asante who fed in Kion Etete whose low first time effort on the edge of the West Ham box was saved by Kristian Hegyi. Marqes Muir was shown a yellow card before Spurs made their second change of the game when Romaine Mundle came on for Chay Cooper. However, West Ham regained the lead for the third time in the game on 77 minutes through left back Sam Caiger. After Gael Kileba’s shot was blocked by Marqes Muir inside the Spurs box the ball came to Caiger who fired an unstoppable effort past Kurylowicz and into the middle of the Spurs goal, 2-3. After Tarrelle Whittaker passed the ball to Kion Etete in the West Ham box he fired a deflected wide on the turn. Eddie Carrington replaced Tarrelle Whittaker shortly afterwards. Marqes Muir then made a fine interception on Jake Giddings inside the Spurs box.

Jake Giddings then curled an effort over from the left flank before Luis Binks was shown a yellow card for a foul on Veron Parkes. After Gael Kileba had passed the ball to Veron Parkes inside the Spurs box it looked as if the ‘ Hammers ‘ were going to make it 4-2 but Luis Binks made a timely interception. Kion Etete then fired an effort wide from down the left hand side of the West Ham box in what turned out to be the final piece of action of the game. Spurs’ next game is away to Southampton, next Saturday.

Player reviews:

• Kacper Kurylowicz: Extremely vocal and commanding inside his penalty area Kurylowicz made two saves during yesterday’s game. Kurylowicz dealt well with crosses and set pieces.
• Kallum Cesay: The extremely hardworking right back showed great stamina throughout Saturday’s high intensity match. Cesay made some good challenges and interceptions and he was generally very solid up against West Ham winger Kamarai Simon-Swyer.
• Marqes Muir: The RCB showed good strength on the ball and he had some nice moments in the game.
• Luis Binks: The Spurs captain was one of our better performers on the day and he made several well timed challenges and interceptions including that excellent one on Gael Kileba during the second half. Binks’ passing was good and he was also dominant in the air, and an effective leader too.
• Dermi Lusala: Particularly good at going forward down the left flank Lusala also did a good job at limiting the attacking threat of West Ham winger Kai Corbett.
• Matthew Craig: Generally the 16 year old was tidy in the middle of the park.
• Max Robson: Tidy and good at going forwards, Robson linked up well with Spurs striker Enock Asante.
• Chay Cooper: After a quiet first half Cooper came to life during the second half and he scored a well taken goal to level up the scores for Spurs.
• Rafferty Pedder: The CAM was surprisingly taken off at halftime after putting in what I thought was a good performance. Pedder had some nice touches, his movement and link up play also impressed me.
• Tarrelle Whittaker: The very one footed left winger set up Enock Asante’s leveller and his pace and skill would go onto cause major problems for West Ham fullback Will Greenidge.
• Enock Asante: My man of the match, see below.
• Kion Etete: The Spurs striker had a decent second half performance and he  came close to finding the back of the net on a couple of occasions. Etete shielded and held up the ball well. 
• Romaine Mundle: The midfielder showed good energy in the middle of the park and his passing was neat and tidy. 
• Eddie Carrington: The winger showed good pace down the left flank during his short time on the pitch.

My man of the match: Enock Asante played the first half at centre forward before shifting out onto the right flank for the second half. Asante showed good movement and strength on the ball and he held it up well. Furthermore the second year scholar took his second half goal very confidently and he was involved in some nice intricate play to assist Chay Cooper’s goal. It was a very positive all round performance from Asante who is beginning to look sharper and more dangerous by each passing game.

Spurs: Kurylowicz, Cesay, Lusala, Matthew Craig, Muir, Binks (c), Cooper (Mundle 75), Robson, Asante, Pedder (Etete 46), Whittaker (Carrington 80). Substitutes (not used): Lo-Tutala, Alonso.

Spurs under 18’s statistics 2019/20:

Goals: 

Chay Cooper – 3

Enock Asante – 2

Kion Etete –  2

Kallum Cesay – 1

Max Robson – 1

Tarrelle Whittaker – 1

Rafferty Pedder – 1

Assists:

Tarrelle Whittaker – 2

Chay Cooper – 1

Max Robson – 1

Luis Binks – 1

Michael Craig – 1

Dermi Lusala – 1

Eddie Carrington – 1

Kion Etete – 1

Kallum Cesay – 1

Marqes Muir –  1

Enock Asante – 1

Clean sheets: Joshua Oluwayemi – 1

Kacper Kurylowicz – 1

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

(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC)

Our under 23’s returned to PL2 action on Friday afternoon when they took on Southampton at Hotspur Way. Wayne Burnett’s strong side totally dominated the first half and they should have led by at least four goals at the break. However, the second half was a far more even and less fluent half of football. After creating some decent chances during the opening stages of the game Spurs took the lead on 23 minutes courtesy of a fine finish from Dilan Markanday. Wayne Burnett’s side then doubled their lead less than ten minutes later through Harvey White’s sumptuous free kick. However, the ‘ Saints ‘ pulled a goal back shortly afterwards through Kornelius Hansen (it has been credited as a Jubril Okedina own goal). And on 65 minutes the Norwegian teenager got his second of the game to level up the scores. Neither side was able to find a winner during the remaining stages of the game and in the end Spurs had to settle for a point, which was slightly disappointing considering their stranglehold on the game during the first half. Spurs lined up in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation with Alfie Whiteman starting in goal. A back four consisting of Jubril Okedina, Jonathan Dinzeyi, captain TJ Eyoma and Harvey White lined up in front of him. Jamie Bowden and Armando Shashoua anchored the midfield while Dilan Markanday and Shilow Tracey operated out on the flanks, either side of CAM Phoenix Patterson. 18 year old Rodel Richards led the line for Spurs. Southampton got the game underway on a warm afternoon in north London. A great early pass from the involved Jamie Bowden to Shilow Tracey down the left flank set the winger on a surging forward run. Tracey burst into the Southampton box before being intercepted by defender Aaron O’Driscoll. A couple of minutes later Shilow Tracey headed Dilan Markanday’s cross into the arms of Southampton goalkeeper Jack Bycroft. Harlem Hale almost robbed Spurs goalkeeper Alfie Whiteman of the ball at the opposite end of the pitch from TJ Eyoma’s back pass, before Kayne Ramsay headed Callum Slattery’s corner kick over Alfie Whiteman’s crossbar. Jonathan Dinzeyi headed away Kayne Ramsay’s cross shortly afterwards as the ‘ Saints ‘ started to see more of the ball.

Shilow Tracey whipped a menacing ball across the face of the Southampton goal before Jonathan Dinzeyi cleared Kayne Ramsay’s cross at the other end of the pitch. Spurs were just knocking the ball around the park. A Southampton break away resulted in Kornelius Hansen laying the ball into the path of Harlem Hale on the edge of the Spurs box, but the Southampton winger shot wide of Alfie Whiteman’s goal. Dilan Markanday then curled an effort into the arms of Jack Bycroft, before Phoenix Patterson went on a good run through the middle of the park before eventually dragging an effort wide of goal. Spurs took the lead a couple of minutes later. Jamie Bowden’s crisp long pass fell into the feet of Armando Shashoua. The Tottenham midfielder laid the ball off to Dilan Markanday on the edge of the Southampton box and he then calmly tucked the ball inside the bottom left hand corner of Jack Bycroft’s goal, 1-0. Jubril Okedina cleared Jake Vokins’ corner kick before Kornelius Hansen dragged an effort across the face of Alfie Whiteman’s goal from the left hand side of the pitch. Armando Shashoua robbed Southampton captain Callum Slattery before feeding a perfectly weighted pass into Shilow Tracey down the left flank. He burst into the box before drifting past Christoph Klarer and firing a low effort a fraction wide of the goal. Shortly afterwards Rodel Richards managed to win a free kick on the edge of the Southampton penalty area. Dead ball specialist Harvey White elected to take it and he curled a sumptuous effort over the Southampton wall and into the right hand corner of the helpless Jack Bycroft’s goal, 2-0. However, Southampton managed to pull a goal back a couple of moments later. After Kayne Ramsay passed the ball to Harlem Hale the Southampton winger passed the ball to Kornelius Hansen inside the Tottenham box and Hansen’s resulting effort deflected off of Jubril Okedina before creeping into Alfie Whiteman’s goal, 2-1. Callum Slattery had an effort blocked by Jamie Bowden. Spurs then had a penalty shout waived away after Phoenix Patterson managed to get in front of Pascal Kpohomouh inside the Southampton box.

After Jamie Bowden had passed the ball to Rodel Richards the Spurs forward sublimely turned around Christoph Klarer and darted into the Southampton box before curling an effort a fraction wide of the goal. After receiving Alex Jankewitz’s pass on the edge of the Spurs box Kornelius Hansen shot wide of the Spurs goal. A good passing move from Spurs saw Armando Shashoua pass the ball to Shilow Tracey, he passed it to Rodel Richards in the Southampton box and he quickly laid it off to Dilan Markanday who chipped an effort wide of goal. Spurs continued to dominate proceedings. After receiving Phoenix Patterson’s pass Rodel Richards had a pop on goal, but he shot wide of the mark. Dilan Markanday then had a cross cleared away by Christoph Klarer before TJ Eyoma cleared away a cross from Kayne Ramsay. After latching onto Jamie Bowden’s pass, Phoenix Patterson skipped past Pascal Kpohomouh before having a deflected effort saved by Jack Bycroft in what turned out to be the final piece of action from the first half. Spurs made a change at halftime as Tariq Hinds came onto replace Jamie Bowden as Harvey White went into central midfield. Wayne Burnett’s side got the game back underway. After Harvey White passed the ball to Shilow Tracey the left winger held off Christoph Klarer before skipping past Aaron O’Driscoll and entering the Southampton box and having a low shot saved well by Jack Bycroft. However, Tracey failed to spot Phoenix Patterson who was in space inside the danger zone. Shilow Tracey then had an effort blocked by Christoph Klarer inside the Southampton box. Harvey White then had a low cross cleared away by Aaron O’Driscoll before Phoenix Patterson had a low effort saved by Jack Bycroft. A couple of minutes later Dilan Markanday had a shot on goal blocked by Pascal Kpohomouh before Jonathan Dinzeyi cleared away a cross from Jake Vokins at the other end of the pitch before TJ Eyoma blocked the same players shot a couple of minutes later. 

Southampton were enjoying a good spell in the game as Alfie Whiteman gathered Jake Vokins’ cross. Paris Maghoma came onto replace Phoenix Patterson, then a matter of moments later the ‘ Saints ‘ drew level through Kornelius Hansen’s second goal of the game. After Harlem Hale had passed the ball to Lucas Defise the Belgian passed the ball to Jake Vokins down the left side of the Spurs box. Vokins had a shot on goal but his effort was parried away by Alfie Whiteman and into the path of Kornelius Hansen who just tucked the ball into the goal, 2-2. After putting some good pressure on the Southampton goalkeeper Jack Bycroft, Spurs striker Rodel Richards came close to winning the ball off of him inside his penalty area. Southampton had a penalty shout waived away after there was a coming together between Jonathan Dinzeyi and Harlem Hale inside the Spurs box. Jubril Okedina then had a cross cleared away by Christoph Klarer before Callum Slattery had a low effort saved by Alfie Whiteman from long range. After winning a free kick right on the edge of the Southampton box, Harvey White stood over the ball to take it. However, his resulting curling effort was deflected behind by the Southampton wall. After winning the ball off of Alex Jankewitz Paris Maghoma fired an effort on goal which was thwarted by Jack Bycroft. A couple of moments later Rodel Richards headed Shilow Tracey’s cross into the arms of Jack Bycroft before Rayan Clarke came onto replace Shilow Tracey in second half stoppage time. In the end it was a fairly disappointing afternoon for Wayne Burnett’s side who will be looking to respond when they face Blackburn Rovers in their next PL2 game.

Player reviews:

• Alfie Whiteman: The Tottenham goalkeeper made several decent saves and his distribution was good. The 20 year old had a good game all round. 
• Jubril Okedina: The right back defended well against Southampton winger Harlem Hale and he had some nice moments in the game. Okedina also went on some good surging forward runs of his own and he used his strength to his advantage.
• Jonathan Dinzeyi: Operating at RCB the central defender imposed himself well on the game and he made some timely defensive interventions. Dinzeyi was also dominant in the air.
• TJ Eyoma: Like his defensive partner the Spurs captain had a good game, he read the game well and also anticipated danger well while making some good blocks and challenges.
• Harvey White: White played the first half at left back where he had a solid game and scored a beauty of a free kick. However, his second half performance in central midfield was far better. White was composed and he kept things ticking in the middle of the park.
• Jamie Bowden: Returning from an injury the midfield craftsman could only play the first half of todays game but what a fantastic shift he put in for the team! Bowden and Shashoua pulled the strings in midfield and the 18 year old made several really intelligent forward passes which opened up the Southampton defence. Bowden kept things moving and he also broke up play and recycled possession well during his time on the pitch. The Londoner is an outstanding talent!
• Armando Shashoua: My man of the match, see below. 
• Dilan Markanday: The right winger went on several mazy runs down the right flank and he took his first half goal really well.
• Phoenix Patterson: The CAM had a good game, he linked up play well and he went on some good bursting runs through the middle of the pitch.
• Shilow Tracey: A player who was heavily involved in the game for large periods of the afternoon, the left winger went on many a good surging run down the left flank and he really stretched the Southampton defence. Tracey came close to scoring on a couple of occasions.
• Rodel Richards: The 18 year old led the line well and he made some intelligent runs in behind the Southampton defence. Richards came close on a couple of occasions to finding the back of the net.
• Tariq Hinds: The second half substitute put in a defensively solid performance at left back. 
• Paris Maghoma: The second half substitute came close to finding the back of the net with an effort from long range. 
• Rayan Clarke: N/A.

My man of the match: Armando Shashoua was a ball of energy in the middle of the park. During the first half him and Bowden pulled the strings from midfield with their excellent movement and perfectly weighted through balls. The tigerish Shashoua poached the ball well all over the pitch and he did an excellent job at linking play and getting himself into good advanced positions. Once again Armando showed tremendous strength on the ball.

Spurs: Whiteman, Okedina, White, Bowden (Hinds 46), Eyoma (c), Dinzeyi, Markanday, Shashoua, Richards, Patterson (Maghoma 64), Tracey (R Clarke 90+1). Substitutes (not used): De Bie, Lyons-Foster.

Southampton: Bycroft, Ramsay, Vokins, Kpohomouh (Ledwidge 83), O’Driscoll, Klarer, Slattery (c), Jankewitz (Chauke 62), Hansen, Defise, Hale (Olaigbe 79). Substitutes (not used): Scott, Freeman.

Goals: Spurs – Markanday 23, White 33; Southampton – Okedina (OG) 34, Hansen 65.

Yellow cards: Southampton – O’Driscoll, Jankewitz.

Referee: Daniel Middleton.

Venue: Hotspur Way.

Attendance: 168.

Spurs under 23’s statistics: 

Goals: Troy Parrott – 2

Kazaiah Sterling – 2

Harvey White – 2

Tashan Oakley-Boothe – 1

Shilow Tracey – 1

Paris Maghoma – 1

Rodel Richards – 1

Phoenix Patterson – 1

Armando Shashoua – 1

Dilan Markanday – 1

Assists: Shilow Tracey – 5

Jamie Bowden – 1

Tariq Hinds – 1

Paris Maghoma – 1

Kazaiah Sterling – 1

Dilan Markanday – 1

Tashan Oakley-Boothe – 1

Armando Shashoua -1

Clean sheets: Brandon Austin – 1

Spurs under 18’s versus West Ham United: (match preview)

Our under 18’s resume league action on Saturday morning when they take on London rivals West Ham in the under 18 premier league south. Matt Taylor’s side have won their last two league games by a healthy margin of four goals and they’ll be looking to continue that trend when they welcome the ‘ Hammers ‘ to Hotspur Way. It’s fourth versus fifth place in the premier league south. West Ham who are managed by Kevin Keen have won one, lost one and drawn two of their opening four league games this season. Some of the West Ham players to look out for on Saturday morning include centre forward and top scorer last season Vernon Parkes, midfielder Sebastian Nebyla, centre half Will Greenidge and former England under 16 international Amadou Diallo. This will be a very competitive London derby with plenty of action, and for Matt Taylor’s inform side it is their first very big game of the season. Last season we did the double over West Ham in the league, we’ll be hoping to do the same this season. We will also face the ‘ Hammers ‘ in the Premier League Cup at the end of this month.

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

Subs from: Kurylowicz, Muir, Mundle, Carrington, Etete.

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

Doubtful: Nile John. 

Previous meeting: Spurs 5-3.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-1.

My one to watch: The ‘ Hammers ‘ top scorer last season with eight goals Vernon Parkes. The second year scholar is a physical player and he could prove to be a handful for the Spurs defence.

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

Our under 23’s return to PL2 action on Friday when they host Southampton at Hotspur Way. Wayne Burnett’s sides last game was an enthralling one against Ipswich Town in the EFL trophy however, it’s back to league action for the young ‘ Lilywhites ‘ who take on Radhi Jaidi’s out of form Southampton side who have lost three of their opening four league games this season. Newly promoted Southampton who came up to division one through the play off system last season, have some talented players in their young side. Some of the players to look out for tomorrow include tricky Irish winger Will Ferry, fullback Kameron Ledwidge, tenacious midfielder Callum Slattery and potent centre forward Christian Norton. Southampton lost their last league game 8-2 to Everton, so they’ll be looking to make amends for that heavy defeat on Friday. Known for playing with a lot of width, Southampton are a fairly direct side who have a tendency to whip balls into the danger zone. Apart from the players already mentioned, the ‘ Saints ‘ tricky attacking midfielder Will Smallbone is another player to watch out for tomorrow, with his low centre of gravity and good turn of pace. Spurs are still missing a number of players to injury but hopefully some will return in time for tomorrow’s game. Namely central midfielder Jamie Bowden whose creative passing from deep we have missed during the last couple of games. However, we are still likely to be without J’Neil Bennett and Maxwell Statham for our meeting with the ‘ Saints ‘. I shall be reporting on Fridays game and my in-depth match report will be out later that night. A win for Spurs tomorrow would temporarily lift them to the top of the division one table.

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

Subs from: De Bie, Okedina, Dinzeyi, Oakley-Boothe, Clarke. 

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

Doubtful: Maurizio Pochettino, Maximus Tainio.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-1.

Previous meeting: Spurs 3-1.

My one to watch: Left winger and Ireland under 19 international Will Ferry is a player who really caught my eye for Southampton at under 18 level over recent seasons. Ferry has good pace, quick feet and a wand of a left foot. Furthermore, the 18 year old has good vision for a pass. 

Spurs under 21’s 1-2 Ipswich Town: (match report)

Wayne Burnett’s development side took on league one side Ipswich Town in the EFL trophy, in their first group game of this seasons competition on Tuesday night. On paper it was a tough test for the young ‘ Lilywhites ‘ who were taking on a team who were top of league one. Despite losing 2-1 to the ‘ Tractor Boys ‘ at Portman Road the young Spurs lads battled hard and they gave a good account of themselves under testing conditions. Spurs started the game well and after a good passing move they took the lead after just eight minutes through the potent Armando Shashoua. Spurs defended well for the remainder of the first half and they also defended solidly against an aggressive Ipswich side. However, Paul Lambert’s Ipswich stepped up their efforts in the second half and they would go onto dominate the half. Jordan Roberts got the leveller for the ‘ Town ‘ on 47 minutes before the same player scored again on 66 minutes to give Ipswich the lead. Unfortunately Spurs were unable to respond although they came very close to scoring a late equaliser through both Shilow Tracey and Enock Asante. Spurs lined up in a 4-3-3 formation on Tuesday night as Alfie Whiteman started in goal once again for the young ‘ Lilywhites ‘. A back four made up of Jubril Okedina, captain TJ Eyoma, Brooklyn Lyons-Foster and Tariq Hinds lined up in front of him. A midfield trio of Tashan Oakley-Boothe, Harvey White and Armando Shashoua teamed up in central midfield, while Dilan Markanday and Shilow Tracey operated out on the flanks, behind 18 year old centre forward Rodel Richards. Ipswich got the game underway on a mild evening in county Suffolk. Gwion Edwards’ early corner kick came to Emyr Huws whose shot was blocked by Harvey White. The ball then came back to Huws whose resulting cross into the Spurs box was cleared away by Harvey White. A cross from Jon Nolan came close to picking out Jordan Roberts in the Spurs box but Alfie Whiteman managed to gather the ball. Ipswich were seeing more of the ball during the opening stages of the game. However, on eight minutes Spurs took the lead through the lively Armando Shashoua after a good passing move from Spurs.

After Shilow Tracey had passed the ball to Tashan Oakley-Boothe on the edge of the Ipswich box, the Spurs midfielder threaded a well weighted pass through to Armando Shashoua who had made a good run into the Ipswich box. Shashoua kept his composure in front of goal and he calmly slotted the ball underneath Ipswich goalkeeper Will Norris to give Spurs the lead through their first attack of the game, 1-0. Shortly after the restart Jordan Roberts headed one time Spurs triallist Janoi Donacien’s cross narrowly over Alfie Whiteman’s crossbar, before Brooklyn Lyons-Foster cleared away a cross from Donacien. Spurs captain TJ Eyoma then did well to cut out a pass from Jordan Roberts inside the Spurs box. Tashan Oakley-Boothe did well to block an effort on goal from Emyr Huws. A cross from Oakley-Boothe at the other end of the pitch was only just missed by Dilan Markanday who had made a good, ghosting run into the Ipswich box. After receiving Tashan Oakley-Boothe’s pass on the edge of the Ipswich box Shilow Tracey tried his luck with a curling effort on goal which was saved by Ipswich goalkeeper Will Norris. Jordan Roberts then had an effort inside the Spurs box blocked by TJ Eyoma. The lively Armando Dobra then robbed Tariq Hinds of the ball before running into the Spurs box before having a shot on goal blocked by TJ Eyoma. James Wilson then headed Myles Kenlock’s free kick wide of the Spurs goal before Jordan Roberts narrowly poked over Emyr Huws’ low cross inside the Spurs box. Then at the other end of the pitch Jubril Okedina passed the ball into the feet of Dilan Markanday down the right hand side of the Spurs box but his resulting cross was blocked by Myles Kenlock. Harvey White then had a corner kick gathered by Will Norris. Before another corner kick by Harvey White, this time to Markanday was intercepted by Idris El Mizouni as Ipswich broke forward down the left hand side of the pitch. Gwion Edwards burst forward before passing the ball to Armando Dobra in the Spurs box but his thumping effort on goal was well saved by Alfie Whiteman. Rodel Richards cleared Emyr Huws’ resulting corner kick before Gwion Edwards volleyed over on the edge of the Spurs box. 

Janoi Donacien just missed Gwion Edwards’ cross inside the Spurs box before Armando Shashoua passed the ball to Rodel Richards on the edge of the Ipswich box but his effort on the turn was saved by Will Norris. Jubril Okedina did well to clear Janoi Donacien’s cross before Armando Shashoua had an effort on goal blocked by Emyr Huws. TJ Eyoma then cleared Jon Nolan’s cross from the right flank. Harvey White then cleared away a corner kick from Janoi Donacien before blocking a shot on goal from Jon Nolan. Brooklyn Lyons-Foster was on hand to clear behind a cross from Jordan Roberts. Then arose a great chance for Spurs to double their lead. After Emyr Huws’ poor back pass was intercepted by Rodel Richards the Spurs forward skipped past the out rushing Will Norris before entering the Ipswich box and disappointingly clipping the ball over the crossbar from a tight angle. Jordan Roberts then fired over Gwion Edwards’ low cross at Alfie Whiteman’s back post as Ipswich should have levelled it. The referee then blew his whistle for halftime. Spurs got the second half underway. Jubril Okedina cleared away Gwion Edwards’ cross inside the Spurs box. Then in the 47th minute of the game Ipswich netted the equaliser. After the aggressive Armando Dobra robbed the ball off of Brooklyn Lyons-Foster down Spurs’ left flank the talented 18 year old slid the ball into Jordan Roberts inside the Spurs box and the Ipswich striker calmly tapped the ball into Alfie Whiteman’s goal, 1-1. Shortly after the restart Armando Dobra latched onto Gwion Edwards’ lofted pass in the Spurs box before firing an effort wide of Alfie Whiteman’s goal. Jordan Roberts powerful effort deflected just wide of Alfie Whiteman’s goal by TJ Eyoma. Jordan Roberts then flicked Idris El Mizouni’s corner kick wide of the Spurs goal before Harvey White cleared the same players corner kick a couple of minutes later. Idris El Mizouni played a one two with Emyr Huws on the edge of the Spurs box before having a shot on goal blocked by Brooklyn Lyons-Foster. 

El Mizouni then headed Jordan Roberts’ cross into the arms of Alfie Whiteman as Ipswich started to totally dominate the game. Spurs started to just knock the ball around the park as they tried to regain their composure. After Harvey White passed the ball to Shilow Tracey down the left side of the Ipswich box, the Spurs winger attempted to cut the ball back across the face of the Ipswich goal but the ball was gathered relatively comfortably by Will Norris. Idris El Mizouni then curled the ball narrowly wide of Alfie Whiteman’s goal. A couple of minutes later Ipswich took the lead for the first time in the game. After Gwion Edwards played a lofted pass down the line to Armando Dobra the youngster burst into the Spurs box where he did his best to not go down after being pulled back by TJ Eyoma. Dobra then pulled the ball back for Jordan Roberts in the centre of the box and he tapped home to give Ipswich the lead, 1-2. TJ Eyoma cleared Janoi Donacien’s cross shortly afterwards before Dilan Markanday passed the ball to Shilow Tracey who darted into the Ipswich box before having a shot on goal blocked by Ipswich defender Luke Woolfenden. Phoenix Patterson came onto replace Tashan Oakley-Boothe shortly afterwards as Spurs looked for an equaliser. Gwion Edwards fired an effort wide from the left flank before Rodel Richards had a shot blocked inside the Ipswich penalty area by Luke Woolfenden. Jubril Okedina was shown a yellow card shortly afterwards for pulling Gwion Edwards’ shirt. Alfie Whiteman punched behind a cross from Jon Nolan before Jubril Okedina cleared the same players corner kick. Tariq Hinds then headed away a cross from Idris El Mizouni before Armando Shashoua conceded a free kick right on the edge of the Spurs penalty area but Emyr Huws fired over the resulting free kick. Jubril Okedina whipped a cross into the Ipswich box which was gathered by Will Norris before Alfie Whiteman did well to save Ipswich substitute Tyreece Simpson’s powerful effort on goal. A good attacking move from Spurs resulted in Patterson passing the ball to Shashoua who gave it to Rodel Richards. Richards then slipped the ball into the feet of Shilow Tracey down the left side of the Ipswich box but he curled the ball just a fraction wide of Will Norris’s goal.

Striker Enock Asante came onto replace Harvey White for the final moments of the game. Spurs had a glorious late chance to rescue a point after Dilan Markanday was intercepted by Jordan Roberts on the edge of the Ipswich penalty area as the ball ran through to Enock Asante inside the penalty area. However, one on one with Will Norris, Asante could only shoot wide, much to the disbelief of his teammates. Idris El Mizouni then passed the ball to Armando Dobra in the Spurs box but his powerful resulting effort was pushed away by Alfie Whiteman before the referee sounded his whistle for full time. There were however, many positives to take away from Tuesday nights match for the young Spurs lads. Our development sides next match is against Southampton on Friday the 13th of September.

Player reviews: 

• Alfie Whiteman: The Tottenham goalkeeper made four saves in total on Tuesday night and once again he put in a strong performance in between the sticks. Whiteman made a couple of good saves, he also dealt well with crosses and set pieces and his distribution was also decent.
• Jubril Okedina: The right back had a good game up against Ipswich winger Gwion Edwards who he managed to keep in check for large periods of Tuesday’s game. Okedina overlapped Markanday on occasions and he also whipped some promising crosses into the danger zone.
• TJ Eyoma: The Spurs captain had some excellent moments on Tuesday night. Eyoma and Lyons-Foster were like a brick wall for large periods of the game. The Tottenham captain kept excellent positioning, made some heroic blocks and he made several really important interceptions while also being good in the air. I was very impressed by the quality of Eyoma’s performance.
• Brooklyn Lyons-Foster: Another very solid performer, this time at LCB. Brooklyn Lyons-Foster marshalled the back line well and like Eyoma he contributed to the game by making some important and well timed interceptions. Lyons-Foster was also good in the air.
• Tariq Hinds: The Tottenham left back had a decent game up against Janoi Donacien. Hinds made some timely challenges and he went on several good runs down the left flank.
• Harvey White: A player who I thought had a very good game was CDM Harvey White. The 17 year olds movement was good and he got around the park well. However, it was White’s tenacity and his ability to break up play so well while also maintaining good vision for a forward pass, which impressed me the most about his performance.
• Tashan Oakley-Boothe: The midfielder who got the assist for Armando Shashoua’s goal had a positive impact on Tuesday’s game. Oakley-Boothe went on some good surging runs through the middle of the park and his passing was nice and crisp.
• Armando Shashoua: My man of the match, see below.
• Dilan Markanday: Although he didn’t get an awful lot of joy down the right flank the skilful winger did cause problems for the Ipswich defence with his quick feet and low centre of gravity. Markanday tracked back well after him. 
• Shilow Tracey: The left winger was involved in our goal and he went on some good surging runs down the left side of the pitch. Tracey also came close to netting a late equaliser.
• Rodel Richards: The 18 year old centre forward led the line well and he came relatively close to scoring on two occasions for Spurs last night.
• Phoenix Patterson: The second half substitute who operated as a CAM, showed good energy and he moved the ball around the park well.
• Enock Asante: The second half substitute came desperately close to converting a glorious late chance for Spurs.

My man of the match: Advanced central midfielder Armando Shashoua had an excellent game for Spurs last night. It was an electric performance from Shashoua particularly during the first half, on what was his first competitive start of the season for our development side. Shashoua took his early goal really well and his razor sharp movement, quick feet and clever passing really got Spurs playing against Ipswich. What I loved about the 18 year olds performance was his off the ball movement and ability to drop into nice pockets of space. It was a very good all round performance from the midfielder who showed that he wasn’t affected by the physicality of the opposition.

Ipswich Town: Norris, Donacien, Wilson, Edwards, Nolan (c), Roberts (Simpson 68), El Mizouni, Woolfenden, Kenlock, Dobra, Huws. Substitutes (not used): Wright, Rowe, Downes, Vincent-Young, Ndaba, Clements.

Spurs: Whiteman, Okedina, Eyoma (c), Lyons-Foster, Hinds, White (Asante 86) Shashoua, Markanday, Oakley-Boothe (Patterson 70), Tracey, Richards. Substitutes (not used): De Bie, Dinzeyi, R Clarke, Thorpe.

Goals: Ipswich – Roberts 47, 66. Spurs – Shashoua 9.

Yellow card: Spurs – Okedina 77.

Referee: Craig Hicks.

Venue: Portman Road.

Attendance: 5,377.

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

Armando Shashoua – 1

Assists: Shilow Tracey – 5

Jamie Bowden – 1

Tariq Hinds – 1

Paris Maghoma – 1

Kazaiah Sterling – 1

Dilan Markanday – 1

Tashan Oakley-Boothe – 1

Clean sheets: Brandon Austin – 1

Farewell and good luck Samuel Shashoua:

Almost two weeks ago the news was confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur academy starlet Samuel Shashoua (20) had left the North London club to join Spanish side CD Tenerife on a permanent transfer. Shashoua had been at Spurs since the age of eight, he had worked his way up the ranks at the ‘ Lilywhites ‘ even going onto feature on the bench for the senior team in a competitive league fixture. The ridiculously skilful winger was a personal favourite of mine and a player who many Spurs fans admired for his quick feet, ability to impact a game, and his high work rate. A talented and highly intelligent footballer who has a real footballing brain, Shashoua’s Spurs story may have started at the age of eight, but for followers of the Tottenham youth team people would have first heard of Shashoua after he made his competitive debut for our under 18’s as a schoolboy during the 2014/15 season, in a league game against Norwich City. However, it was during the following season (the 2015/16 campaign) that Samuel joined Spurs full time. A mainstay in our under 18 side during that season, without registering loads of goals and assists, Samuel impressed for Kieran McKenna’s side and he had on the whole a very positive season. However, it was during the Chelsea born Shashoua’s second year of scholarship that everything really began to come together for the technically very gifted former Harrow schoolboy. Samuel hit double figures for both goals and assists that season, and he was a key part of the Spurs side which reached the semi-finals of that seasons FA Youth cup. Shashoua dazzled with his remarkable skill and big influence on matches. And it was during that season that Samuel was named on the bench for our first teams league game with Leicester City in the May of 2017. Although the then 17 year old never got on, it showed just how highly rated he was by Pochettino and his coaching staff at that particular time in his career. The following season, the 2017/18 one started of well for Samuel who was a part of the Spurs side which won the 2017 Tournoi Europeen during pre-season.

However, the 2017/18 season itself would be a slight frustrating one for Samuel who would be affected by a series of injuries over the course of the campaign. He did however, score some important goals and put in some typically dazzling performance for our under 23’s in the PL2 and our under 19’s in the UEFA youth league as he helped them to reach the quarter finals of that competition. However, fast forward a season and the now 20 year old Samuel has just experienced the most beneficial season of his life. After impressing for Spurs during the pre-season of 2018, Samuel would link up with Spanish third division side Atlético Baleares. Samuel would go onto become a fan favourite at the Mallorca based club who he would make 38 appearances for as he helped them to win their league and reach the final of the play off system, where they were defeated by Mirandes. I watched 99% of Samuel’s games last season and he was an absolute pleasure to watch. He had developed both physically and mentally, he was stronger and more sharper. Fitter and faster than ever Shashoua had, had a coming of age. There were games when I would watch Samuel play and I would think that he was destined to play for Spurs. Extremely aggressive, skilful and intelligent in his overall play. Shashoua was more often than not Atlético’s most creative and influential player. A real driving force within the side, Shashoua’s vision for a pass and ability to link play proved to be invaluable for Manix Mandiola’s side over the course of the season. I can vividly remember watching Samuel play for our under 18’s and thinking that there would never be another player who I would enjoy watching more than him. The 20 year old who is eligible to represent England, Venezuela, the USA, Spain and Egypt is a player who plays with a smile on his face. Always on the move and constantly creating pockets of space for himself to receive the ball, Shashoua has always played as if he has been brought up in the Spanish footballing system. Like a young David Silva, he plays the game as if he has eyes in the back of his head. Fiercely intelligent, and with his mercurial skill and low centre of gravity he would terrorise defences at both under 18 and 23 level for Spurs.

Without doubt my favourite the most technically gifted ever player to watch for Spurs at both youth and reserve team level. Samuel could not only ride challenges so well, and weave his way into dangerous areas, but he is also a really nice guy off the pitch and he ever so kindly gave me a signed shirt last season, something which I will never forget. The older of the two Shashoua brothers time at Spurs may be over but his career is only just getting started. Our loss is CD Tenerife’s gain, but how Shashoua never played for the Tottenham first team even in pre-season is something which I will never understand! I would like to wish Samuel all the very best of luck for the future and I have absolutely no doubts what so ever that he’ll be playing in the Spanish top flight by 2021. Samuel is a richly talented young player who like Marcus Edwards can and will go to the very top. I am gutted to see him leave Spurs but I am also looking forward to following his career over the coming years.

Spurs under 21’s versus Ipswich Town: (match preview)

(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC).

Our development sides EFL trophy adventure begins tomorrow night when they take on league one side Ipswich Town at Portman Road, in their first group game of this seasons competition. After the exertions of Friday nights thrilling 2-2 draw with Chelsea in the PL2, Wayne Burnett’s side will be eager to face Ipswich Town in Tuesday’s exciting fixture in front of a big crowd at Portman Road. However, Spurs will be without at least 11 players for tomorrow’s game due to injuries and international call ups. Important players such as Paris Maghoma, Jamie Bowden and Dilan Markanday will all be missing. High flying Ipswich Town who are managed by Paul Lambert will be a difficult side to get a result against. Some players to look out for in tomorrow’s game include inform strikers Kayden Jackson and James Norwood. Young creative midfielder Andre Dozzell, experienced central midfielder Cole Skuse and pacy left back Luke Garbutt are some other players to look out for. I watched Ipswich once this season when I was watching Spurs loanee Anthony Georgiou (Anthony is unavailable for tomorrow’s game as he is away with Cyprus on international duty), and what I was struck by was the ‘ Tractor Boys ‘ desire to play with width. And during that game against AFC Wimbledon which they won 2-1, Ipswich loved to pump the ball into the oppositions danger zone, so that it something that the Spurs defence will have to be mindful of tomorrow night. Ipswich also like to play long and if either the physical James Norwood or Will Keane are playing then they could cause problems for the young Spurs defence. Tomorrow’s game will be a very tough one against Ipswich who are top of league one however, the passion and work rate of our young lads will once again stand them in good stead in this competition this season. After all they did manage to get out of the group stages of this competition last season. I would like to wish Wayne Burnett’s young side all the very best of luck for tomorrow nights match. I strongly believe that they can get a result against the ‘ Tractor Boys ‘.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Austin, Okedina, Eyoma (c), Lyons-Foster, Hinds, White, Oakley-Boothe, Clarke, Shashoua, Patterson, Richards.

Subs from: De Bie, Dinzeyi, Lusala, Michael Craig, Whittaker, Cooper, Etete.

Injured/unavailable: Dennis Cirkin, Malachi Walcott, Luis Binks, J’Neil Bennett, Maxwell Statham, Maximus Tainio, Jamie Bowden, Paris Maghoma, Dilan Markanday, Jeremie Mukendi, Elliot Thorpe. 

Doubtful: Nile John, Maurizio Pochettino, Japhet Tanganga, Troy Parrott, Shilow Tracey (I am unsure whether he is still eligible for this competition).

My score prediction: 2-2.

Previous meeting: N/A.

My one to watch: The ‘ Tractor Boys ‘ extremely physical centre forward James Norwood. The top scorer in league one this season with five goals, Norwood’s experience and physicality will be a lot for the Spurs defence to deal with tomorrow night if he plays. 

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

Our under 18’s recorded their second 4-0 victory in the space of seven days when they took on Swansea City in South Wales, in game week four of the under 18 premier league season. After a slightly disappointing first half performance Matt Taylor’s high pressing side started the second half with more attacking intent and it was that intent which brought the goals to the game. A fine strike from Chay Cooper opened the scoring for Spurs on 48 minutes, and Taylor’s side pushed on from there. Kion Etete doubled Spurs’ advantage from the penalty spot before Panashe Makokowe netted an own goal on 71 minutes. Enock Asante put the icing on the cake when he netted his first competitive goal at this level in additional time to give Spurs a comprehensive 4-0 win. Matt Taylor’s side was similar to the one which started last Saturday’s game against Norwich. Kacper Kurylowicz started in goal while a back four consisting of Kallum Cesay, Matthew Craig, captain Luis Binks and Dermi Lusala lined up in front of him. Max Robson and Michael Craig partnered up in central midfield while Chay Cooper and Tarrelle Whittaker operated out on the flanks, either side of CAM Rafferty Pedder. Second year scholar Kion Etete led the line for Spurs. Spurs got the game underway on a cool morning at Swansea’s Landore training ground. After knocking the ball around the park well during the first few minutes of the game Spurs won a free kick out on the left flank after Tarrelle Whittaker was fouled. However, Rafferty Pedder’s resulting delivery was cleared away Scott Butler. Chay Cooper then had a low cross gathered by Lewis Webb before Luis Binks cleared Bradley Gibbings cross. The lively Rafferty Pedder then had a cross cleared away by Ben Erickson. Spurs were playing high up the pitch and they were dominating possession. Luis Binks was once again on hand to clear away a cross from Bradley Gibbings before Swansea created their first real chance of the game. After Erick Kenko passed the ball to Ali Al-Hamadi the Swansea striker managed to get away from Matthew Craig down the right side of the Spurs box, before dragging an effort wide of Kacper Kurylowicz’s goal.

Luis Binks did well to cut out Panahse Makokowe’s pass which was intended for Ali Al-Hamadi in the Spurs box. Swansea were enjoying a decent spell in the game and shortly afterwards they came close to taking the lead. After Bradley Gibbings sent a low cross into the Spurs box, Ali Al-Hamadi managed to latch onto it and his resulting effort was well pushed behind for a corner kick by Kurylowicz at the Polish youth internationals near post. Scott Butler headed Ryan Bevan’s resulting corner kick wide of the Spurs goal. A couple of minutes later Ryan Bevan passed the ball to Adnaan Moti who fired an effort over Kurylowicz’s crossbar from distance. Spurs’ final ball was lacking as the first half progressed. Rafferty Pedder had a crossed cleared away by Scott Butler before Pedder received Chay Cooper’s pass and fired an effort over Lewis Webb’s crossbar. A couple of minutes later Kion Etete managed to meet Chay Cooper’s cross inside the Spurs box but his resulting looping header on goal was saved by Lewis Webb. A couple of moments later Matthew Craig won possession before passing the ball to Kallum Cesay who then gave it to Chay Cooper on the right wing. Cooper then drifted inside onto his left foot before having a shot deflected wide of Lewis Webb’s goal by Jacob Jones in what turned out to be the final piece of action from the first half. Swansea got the second half underway. Shortly after the restart Ali Al-Hamadi had a goal ruled out for offside before Spurs took the lead in the 48th minute of the game through Chay Cooper. After Kion Etete laid the ball off to Chay Cooper down the right flank (on the edge of the Swansea penalty area) the right winger got the ball out of his feet before lashing it into the top right hand corner of the helpless Lewis Webb’s goal, 1-0. Matthew Craig was shown a yellow card for a late challenge on William Rickard shortly after the restart. Jacob Jones cleared a corner kick from Tarrelle Whittaker a couple of minutes before Tarrelle Whittaker was clattered inside the penalty area by Ali Al-Hamadi as the referee James Cox pointed straight to the penalty spot. 

Kion Etete stepped up to calmly fire the ball past Lewis Webb and inside the left hand corner of the goal, 2-0. Shortly after the restart the energetic Rafferty Pedder embarked on an excellent surging run from deep, through the middle of the pitch. Pedder eventually slipped the ball into the feet of Kion Etete done the right hand side of the Swansea penalty area but his powerful low effort was pushed behind for a corner kick by goalkeeper Lewis Webb. Enock Asante came onto replace Kion Etete shortly afterwards. After receiving Kallum Cesay’s pass out on the right flank, Chay Cooper then whipped a teasing cross into the Swansea box but it was blocked behind for a corner by Ben Erickson. A couple of minutes later and with a bit of help from Swansea, Spurs made it 3-0. After receiving the ball out on the right flank Kallum Cesay whipped the ball into the Swansea box where it was turned into his own goal by Panahse Makokowe who failed to clear the ball. However, Makokowe’s clearance may have taken a slight nick off of Scott Butler on it’s way into the Swansea goal, 3-0. Matthew Craig did well to block William Rickard’s shot inside the Spurs box, before then blocking Bradley Gibbings effort on goal. At the other end of the pitch Rafferty Pedder hit an effort over Lewis Webb’s crossbar before Spurs made a double substitution when they brought off Tarrelle Whittaker and Max Robson for Marqes Muir and Romaine Mundle. Rafferty Pedder had a whipped effort saved by Lewis Webb before Swansea came at us down the other end of the pitch. After Bradley Gibbings darted down the left hand side of the Spurs box the Swansea winger looked as if he was going to pull the trigger but Kurylowicz came rushing out to smother the ball from underneath his feet. A good move from Spurs resulted in Rafferty Pedder passing the ball to Kallum Cesay who passed to Enock Asante, whose resulting thumping effort on goal was thwarted by Lewis Webb before being smothered by the Swansea goalkeeper. Swansea substitute Luke Motruk had a low effort blocked by Romaine Mundle in the Spurs box.

After Rafferty Pedder passed the ball to Chay Cooper the wide man laid the ball off to Kallum Cesay whose resulting effort was saved by Lewis Webb. After Cesay had fed a pass through to Enock Asante in the Swansea box the Spurs striker tried to stroke the ball past Lewis Webb but his effort was saved. However, Asante pounced on the loose ball and he rounded the Swansea goalkeeper before having a shot blocked on the line by Ben Erickson. After Pedder passed the ball to Mundle on the right flank the midfielder sent a cross into the Swansea box which was headed wide by Enock Asante. William Rickard fired an effort over Kacper Kurylowicz’s crossbar from the edge of the Spurs box before Chay Cooper had a cross cleared away by Ben Erickson. Then in second half stoppage time Spurs netted their fourth goal of the game. After Chay Cooper passed the ball to Marqes Muir down the right flank the defender whipped a cross into the Swansea penalty area which Enock Asante managed to connect with. And Asante’s powerful header nestled inside the bottom left hand corner of Lewis Webb’s goal. The referee James Cox blew his whistle for full time a couple of minutes later as Spurs recorded another impressive victory. The young ‘ Lilywhites ‘ next game is against West Ham United on Saturday the 14th of September.

Player reviews:

• Kacper Kurylowicz: The Spurs goalkeeper had a good game even though he only made one save (it was an important one). Kurylowicz’s distribution was good and I thought that he did a good job in dealing with set pieces, crosses and long balls.
• Kallum Cesay: It was another very steady performance from the right back. Cesay’s first touch was good and he went on some good attacking forays of his own down the right hand side of the pitch. Furthermore, the 16 year old got the assist for Panahse Makokowe’s own goal.
• Matthew Craig: It was another very solid performance at RCB from Matthew Craig who performed his defensive duties with aplomb. Craig made some good interceptions and defensive interventions.
• Luis Binks: I thought that the LCB put in a very mature performance for Matt Taylor’s side. Binks marshalled the defence well and he was dominant in the air. Furthermore, the second year scholar was vocal and commanding at the back. 
• Dermi Lusala: The left back was defensively solid and good at going forward.
• Michael Craig: Tidy in and out of possession the tigerish central midfielder had a good game in the holding midfield role. Craig closed down the Swansea players well and he was tenacious in the challenge.
• Max Robson: The LCM had a positive effect on the game from central midfield and he made some nice progressive passes.
• Chay Cooper: My man of the match, see below.
• Rafferty Pedder: Arguably the most influential player on the park, the 17 year old really got Spurs playing during the second half. Pedder initiated many chances for Spurs and his surging runs from deep really helped to stretch the Swansea defence. Pedder also wasn’t afraid to try his luck on goal which was another positive to take away from his performance.
• Tarrelle Whittaker: The lively left winger had a good game and he won our penalty kick during the second half.
• Kion Etete: The second year scholar held the ball up well, showed good movement and he also dispatched his penalty kick well during the second half.
• Enock Asante: The second half substitutes off the ball movement allowed him to get into some good goal scoring positions and he came close on several occasions to finding the back of the net before he eventually did in second half stoppage time with a fine header.
• Romaine Mundle: The second half substitute brought good energy to the game.
• Marqes Muir: The makeshift right back set up Enock Asante’s late goal.

My man of the match: Right winger Chay Cooper was potent and direct, and he was a major attacking outlet for Spurs throughout Saturday’s game. The skilful 17 year old was sharp and quick on his feet, and it was Cooper who opened the scoring for Spurs after he took responsibility and had a shot on goal which beat the goalkeeper. The former Southend United schoolboy was energetic and he was involved in the build up play to our fourth and final goal of the game. What I liked about Cooper’s performance was that he wasn’t afraid to run at Swansea left back Jacob Jones. Chay also tracked back really throughout Saturday’s entertaining contest. It was a very good all round performance from the second year scholar.

Spurs under 18’s statistics 2019/20:

Goals: Kion Etete –  2

Chay Cooper – 2

Kallum Cesay – 1

Max Robson – 1

Tarrelle Whittaker – 1

Rafferty Pedder – 1

Enock Asante – 1

Assists:

Tarrelle Whittaker – 1

Chay Cooper – 1

Max Robson – 1

Luis Binks – 1

Michael Craig – 1

Dermi Lusala – 1

Eddie Carrington – 1

Kion Etete – 1

Kallum Cesay – 1

Marqes Muir –  1

Clean sheets: Joshua Oluwayemi – 1

Kacper Kurylowicz – 1

Spurs: Kurylowicz, Cesay, Lusala, Michael Craig, Matthew Craig, Binks (c), Cooper, Robson (Mundle 74), Etete (Asante 65), Pedder, Whittaker (Muir 74). Substitute (not used): Lo-Tutala.