Spurs Under 21’s 0-0 Wycombe Wanderers (Wycombe won the extra point on penalties – 4-3): (match report)

Spurs’ Under 21 side faced League One side Wycombe Wanderers in their first group-stage match of the 2022/23 Papa Johns Trophy, on Tuesday evening at Adams Park. Wayne Burnett’s Spurs side recorded a 0-0 draw during 90 minutes, in what was a very impressive all-round performance from Spurs, against Wycombe. However, after both sides had picked up one point from the result after 90 minutes, the game went to penalties, to determine who would win the extra point. Unfortunately for Spurs, Wycombe won the extra point, after winning 4-3 on penalties. Spurs started the match with Josh Keeley in goal, while Matthew Craig, Alfie Dorrington, Marqes Muir and Tyrell Ashcroft started in defence. Harvey White and captain Nile John started in central midfield, as Kallum Cesay and Romaine Mundle started out wide on the flanks, either side of CAM Jamie Donley. Yago Santiago led the line for Spurs, who got the match underway. 

Jack Wakely volleyed wide Daryl Horgan’s free-kick delivery into the Spurs box, early on in the match. Spurs’ goalkeeper Josh Keeley did well to tip Joe Jacobson’s curling corner-kick away from the Spurs goal, a couple of minutes later, as Wycombe started the game well. Joe Jacobson headed an effort just wide from a cross, before Marqes Muir blocked Jasper Pattenden’s effort on the edge of the Spurs penalty area. Matthew Craig then managed to block an effort from Joe Jacobson, just before a Wycombe corner-kick which was delivered towards Connor Parsons at the back post of Josh Keeley’s goal, was saved well by The Republic of Ireland youth international, from Parsons’ powerful effort. Wycombe were continuing to see more of the ball, and after Jasper Pattenden headed wide Joe Jacobson’s cross, Connor Parsons received the ball on the left side of the Spurs penalty area, but his powerful effort was well saved by Josh Keeley, with the ball then going behind for a goal kick.

After Jamie Donley had passed the ball to Romaine Mundle on the left flank, the skilful winger went forward with the ball, into the Wycombe box. He then came inside with the ball onto his right foot, before hitting an effort at Wycombe goalkeeper Max Stryjek’s goal, which was well saved by the former Sunderland goalkeeper. Yago Santiago curled an effort over from the edge of the Wycombe box, before Romaine Mundle took a free-kick early and found Kallum Cesay on the right side of the Wycombe penalty area. Cesay’s resulting effort on goal was saved by Max Stryjek. Nick Freeman hit a late effort wide of the Spurs goal, from the edge of their penalty area, before the referee sounded his whistle for half-time. Wycombe got the second half underway. Ben Kaninda headed over Joe Jacobson’s free-kick, before Marqes Muir did well to rush Ali Al-Hamadi’s effort on the edge of the Spurs box, which went wide of Josh Keeley’s goal. After going past Alfie Dorrington on the left side of the Spurs box, Adam Leathers was met by Josh Keeley who had closed down his angles and eventually made a good save.

Adam Leathers delivered a low cross into the Spurs box which bounced off of Daryl Horgan, before the alert Josh Keeley managed to gather the ball. Roshaun Mathurin came on to replace Harvey White, before Connor Parsons’ effort from the left side of the Spurs box, was really well blocked behind by Alfie Dorrington. Nile John then hit a low effort on the Wycombe goal from the edge of their penalty area, which was saved by Max Stryjek. After receiving Marqes Muir’s pass on the right flank, Kallum Cesay went forward with the ball into the Wycombe penalty area. His resulting effort on goal was blocked and eventually cleared away, just before Yago Santiago was able to score a goal from close range. Max Robson came on to replace Romaine Mundle in the 78th minute of the game, in what turned out to be Spurs’ final substitution. After winning the ball on the edge of the Wycombe penalty area Tyrell Ashcroft hit a powerful effort which went over Max Stryjek’s goal.

Ali Al-Hamadi managed to get on the ball after Marqes Muir had lost the ball. The former Swansea City player went forward towards the edge of the Spurs box, before hitting an effort over Keeley’s goal. Marqes Muir got a very important foot on the ball inside the Spurs box soon after, to divert Ali Al-Hamadi’s effort away from the Spurs goal. Muir then blocked a late effort from Ali Al-Hamadi inside the Spurs box, before the referee sounded his whistle for full-time. Onto penalties, and Jamie Donley stepped up to take the first penalty for Spurs. His effort off his left foot went into the top right hand corner of the goal, 1-0. Ali Al-Hamadi equalised to make it 1-1, after his penalty went into the bottom right corner of Josh Keeley’s goal. Nile John then stepped up to find the bottom right corner from his penalty kick, before Daryl Horgan found the bottom left corner of the goal, to make it 2-2. Kallum Cesay unfortunately hit his effort against the crossbar, before Jason McCarthy’s effort was then saved well by Josh Keeley, to his right.

Spurs’ fourth penalty was taken by Yago Santiago, but his low effort was saved to his left by Max Stryek. Jack Wakely then made it 3-2, with a cool finish into the roof of the goal. Roshaun Mathurin made it 3-3 from his penalty into the left of the goal. However, the decisive penalty kick was scored by Jack Young, whose effort went into the bottom left corner of the goal, although Keeley had managed to get a hand on the ball, 4-3. This was a very respectable point for Spurs against Wycombe, and it was also a really good performance. Spurs’ Under 21 side face Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, in their next Premier League 2 fixture.

Player reviews:

  • Josh Keeley: On his return to the side the Republic of Ireland youth international and goalkeeper had another very impressive game. Josh Keeley made some really good and important saves, and his decision making and distribution was also good against Wycombe. Keeley saved one penalty, and was unlucky not to have saved another, after the 90 minutes of the match had ended.
  • Matthew Craig: Starting the match at right-back, midfielder Matthew Craig was very tidy on the ball, and he did well in defence. Craig played some of the latter stages of the game in midfield.
  • Alfie Dorrington: My man of the match, see below.
  • Marqes Muir: This was a very good defensive performance from Marqes Muir, who was always very composed on the ball, and alongside Alfie Dorrington, both players dealt well with crosses and long balls into the Spurs box. Marqes Muir’s decision making was very good.
  • Tyrell Ashcroft: The left-back for the match, Tyrell Ashcroft had a good balance to his game against Wycombe Wanderers. The 18 year old did get forward well down the left flank, but he was also solid defensively.
  • Harvey White: The 20 year old showed his experience during his time on the pitch in central midfield, and he moved the ball around the pitch well. On his second appearance of the season for the Spurs Under 21 side, Harvey White completed 64 minutes of the match.
  • Nile John: The Spurs captain and central midfielder got on the ball quite a bit during the match, in midfield. John had one effort on goal which was saved during the second half.
  • Kallum Cesay: Starting the match on the right flank as a winger, Sierra Leone international Kallum Cesay would later move to the right-back position. He went on some good forward runs with the ball during the match.
  • Jamie Donley: The Spurs CAM worked so hard off the ball, and he was always looking to receive it, and also to try and make a good impression on the game.
  • Romaine Mundle: After creating a good chance during the first half, the skilful winger looked good whenever he got on the ball, during his time on the pitch.
  • Yago Santiago: The Spurs centre-forward for much of the match, Yago Santiago didn’t get a lot of service. However, that was to be expected playing against a League One side, and he did work well off the ball before moving out to the left flank, later on in the game.
  • Roshaun Mathurin: The second half substitute went out to the right flank to play as a winger. The 18 year old showed some good skill on the ball, and he was always looking to go forward with it.
  • Max Robson: The late substitute went to the CAM position.

My man of the match – Alfie Dorrington. The second year scholar and central defender had in my opinion a really good debut performance, on what was his first ever competitive appearance for the Spurs Under 21 side. The Enfield born England youth international won a good amount of headers, showed his quality on the ball alongside Marqes Muir, and he dealt really well with Wycombe’s direct approach to the match. Dorrington went on some good surging forward runs out of defence, and he made some very good decisions in defence.

Remembering former Spurs player Stuart Skeet:

In this commemorative piece I will be looking back and remembering former Spurs goalkeeper, youth team, A team and reserve team player Stuart Skeet, his time at Spurs and his footballing career. Born in Edmonton, in the July of 1948, Stuart Christopher Skeet grew up in nearby Cheshunt, and he was a talented all-round sportsman during his schooldays. As well as being very good at football, Stuart was also a good golfer, fisherman, squash player and athlete. The 100 yards record holder at his old school in Cheshunt, Stuart was scouted and recommended to Spurs and manager Bill Nicholson, by former chief-scout Dickie Walker, after he had watched Stuart play local schools football in the Cheshunt area. Stuart was first associated with Spurs as a youth player before signing for them in the May of 1964, at the age of 16. The tall goalkeeper (Stuart was 6ft 2 1/2 inches tall) would sign professional forms with Spurs in the December of 1965. 

Part of a very talented Spurs youth team, which included the likes of Jimmy Pearce, John Pratt and Tony Want, Stuart was the first choice goalkeeper for the Spurs youth side, before the mid 1960s. He would later progress up to the Spurs A team, who competed in the old Metropolitan League. In that old Metropolitan League Stuart would play against teams like Sheppey United and Chatham Town, and that would have been a great experience for the then young goalkeeper, against tough sides. He loved being at Spurs as an apprentice and as a professional, and the goalkeeper who is remembered by his old Spurs youth teammates (such as Jimmy Pearce) as being a solid, reliable and talented goalkeeper, also had a good sense of humour. Jimmy Pearce remembers Stuart as being a “ genuinely nice man ” and from speaking to a number of Stuart’s old Spurs teammates over the last couple of years, they all say very similar things about Stuart, who was clearly a very popular player at Spurs, in the Youth, A team and reserve sides.

Stuart Skeet played a really good number of games for the old Spurs A side, and he would eventually get opportunities to play for the Spurs reserve side during the 1960s. It was of course at that time in the club’s history a great achievement to make the Spurs reserve side, as the Spurs reserve side had a very, very good squad of players throughout the 1960s. In addition, the legendary Pat Jennings was the first choice goalkeeper for the Spurs first team during much of Stuart’s time at Spurs, so there were basically no opportunities for Stuart to get first teams experience at the club. There was also double winner Bill Brown and Stuart’s old friend from the Spurs days Roy Brown at Spurs as goalkeepers during the 1960s. However, Pat Jennings and Stuart Skeet also got on well, and Pat Jennings always used to say that Stuart was a very good goalkeeper. In fact Stuart actually borrowed Pat’s Jaguar car for his wedding. 

Stuart used to clean the great Jimmy Greaves’ boots as an apprentice, and Jimmy was a player who like so many of the other apprentices, Stuart idolised. Very confident as a goalkeeper on the pitch, Stuart Skeet was a member of the Spurs youth sides who did very well in The Netherlands at several end of season tournaments, and he would have remembered those tournaments really well. After playing matches for the Spurs reserve and A side, Stuart went out on a loan move to Northampton Town in the March of 1969, for a short time. Stuart would get the train up to Northampton from London, all of the time for matches. He left Spurs not long after returning from his loan at Northampton, and although Stuart did go to The Republic of Ireland, to trial for a team based just outside of Dublin called Drumcondra, he didn’t actually sign for them in the end because it was only at a semi-professional level, and he would have needed to have got a job in Ireland, to continue playing football there.

Stuart would continue playing football while also working as a manager at a bookmakers in the Enfield area (Stuart was very good at mathematics). The goalkeeper played for a number of Saturday and Sunday teams until his late 40s, and he would later go into coaching, where he coached a number of men’s team and also youth sides as well, as Stuart really enjoyed the coaching side of football. He always followed Spurs in the years after he left the club, and he would even coach with former Spurs player Ralph Coates, at Allenburys at Glaxo. A man of many talents, Stuart was also a really good artist, and he was a much loved family orientated person. Stuart very sadly passed away from Bowel cancer in the February of 2011, and one of his last wishes was to watch Spurs play. He was able to fulfil that wish shorty before he died, as he watch a match between Spurs and Bolton Wanderers. Stuart’s passing was mentioned in the match programme for the Spurs versus AC Milan (home) match.

Stuart Skeet’s son Simon, is also a talented sportsman. And during his youth both Spurs and Chelsea scouted him for their respective Academy set-ups. However, at Stuart Skeet’s funeral a number of his former Spurs teammates were in attendance, including John Pratt. Stuart may not have had the opportunity to play for Spurs at first team level, but he was a man of great talent, who was highly thought of at Spurs, and who also achieved a lot during his life. Many thanks must go to Stuart’s daughter Louise, and also his former Spurs teammate Jimmy Pearce, for all of their help in writing this commemorative piece.

Spurs Under 21’s versus Wycombe Wanderers: (match preview)

Spurs’ Under 21 side will face League One side Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday evening at Adams Park (the game starts at 19:00pm), in their first group-stage match of the 2022/23 Papa Johns Trophy. Wayne Burnett’s Spurs side will be looking to record their first competitive win of the new season, later today. However, that won’t be easy, as Wycombe are a very good League One side. Spurs will be hoping to get a good result in Buckinghamshire in their opening group match, as they are in a difficult group which also includes Peterborough United and Stevenage. Gareth Ainsworth’s Wycombe Wanderers side includes former Norwich City Academy player Anis Mehmeti, who has started the season really well. Also, it will be interesting to see if creative forward/midfielder and Republic of Ireland international Daryl Horgan plays this evening. This will be a very difficult game for Spurs, but it will also be a great experience for Wayne Burnett’s side. I would like to wish Spurs all the very best of luck for the match.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Maguire, Craig, Muir, Fagan-Walcott, Ashcroft, White, John (c), Mundle, Donley, Mathurin, Santiago. 

Subs from: Hayton, Cesay, Dorrington, Abbott, McKnight, Robson, Williams.

Injured/unavailable: N/A.

Doubtful: Jamie Bowden, Alfie Devine, Charlie Sayers.

Previous meeting: N/A.

My score prediction: 2-2.

My one to watch: Daryl Horgan (30). The Republic of Ireland international can play in midfield and out wide on the flanks. He is a creative and experienced player, and one that the Spurs players will have to watch closely throughout the match.

Spurs Under 21’s 3-3 Liverpool: (match report)

Spurs’ Under 21 side welcomed Liverpool to Stevenage’s Lamex Stadium on Friday evening, for a Premier League 2 fixture. The game finished in a 3-3 draw. Spurs lined-up with Aaron Maguire in goal, as Matthew Craig, Marqes Muir, Charlie Sayers and Tyrell Ashcroft started in defence. Harvey White and captain Nile John started in central midfield, with Romaine Mundle and Roshaun Mathurin starting out on the flanks, either side of CAM Jamie Donley. Yago Santiago led the line for Spurs, who got the game underway. After Jamie Donley passed the ball to Yago Santiago on the left side of the Liverpool box, Santiago hit a low effort across the face of the Liverpool goal, in what was Spurs’ first real chance of the match. After Jamie Donley had won the ball off of Jarell Quansah, the England youth international continued forward with the ball before passing it to Romaine Mundle in the Liverpool penalty area, and be finished with a good, low first time finish past Liverpool goalkeeper Harvey Davies, 1-0. 

A long ball over the top of the Spurs defence resulted in Spurs goalkeeper Aaron Maguire rushing out of his goal, but he was unable to clear the ball. The ball then came to Melkamu Frauendorf on the edge of the Spurs box, but his looping effort went just over the Spurs goal. Melkamu Frauendorf volleyed a cross from Luke Chambers just wide of the Spurs goal, before Roshaun Mathurin then had an effort blocked on the edge of the Liverpool box, with Harvey White then receiving the ball and hitting the ball over the goal. An excellent volleyed effort from distance from Jake Cain, hit the Spurs crossbar. Maguire then gathered the ball bravely from the feet of Max Woltman inside the Spurs box, following a good through-ball pass. After Santiago had a low cross from the right blocked by a Liverpool defender, the ball came to Romaine Mundle inside the Liverpool box. However, his effort went over the Liverpool goal.

A well weighted through-ball pass from Matthew Craig, resulted in Yago Santiago making a good run in behind the Liverpool defence to meet the ball. Santiago ran into the Liverpool box with the ball, before finishing well across goal into the left corner of the goal, 2-0. A pass forward fortunately came to Yago Santiago shortly after, and the forward ran forward, showing good pace as he entered the Liverpool penalty area, before going past goalkeeper Harvey Davies and finishing into the goal, 3-0. Lee Jonas headed wide Liverpool captain Jake Cain’s late free-kick, just before the referee sounded his whistle for half-time. Max Robson replaced the influential Harvey White in central midfield for the start of the second half, which Liverpool got underway. Not long into the half Charlie Sayers had unfortunately picked up an injury and had to be substituted for Kallum Cesay, with Matthew Craig going into central defence. Liverpool managed to get a goal back after Luke Chambers had a low effort saved by Maguire from the left side of the Liverpool box, and then the ball came back to the left-back, who this time was able to find the bottom right corner of the goal, 3-1.

Max Woltman had an effort blocked on the edge of the Spurs box, and then Dominic Corness hit an effort wide of Aaron Maguire’s goal. Maguire managed to save a headed effort from close range, just before Layton Stewart hit an effort over his goal from the left side of the Spurs box. Jake Cain’s curling free-kick effort then went wide of the Spurs goal. Liverpool were in full control of the match at this point, and after an effort from the left side of the Spurs box hit one of Maguire’s posts, the ball came to the impressive Luca Stephenson, but his effort went wide of the goal. James Norris had an effort from the edge of the Spurs box saved by Maguire, before Spurs made a change, as Jaden Williams came on to replace Romaine Mundle. After receiving Jake Cain’s pass, Max Woltman hit an effort into the far corner of the Spurs goal, from the left side of the box, 3-2. Woltman then had an effort saved by Maguire shortly after the game got started again.

Liverpool managed to score an equalising goal in the 77th minute of the game, through substitute Harvey Blair. After receiving the ball on the right side of the Spurs penalty area, Harvey Blair hit a powerful and unstoppable effort into the Spurs goal, 3-3. Max Robson headed Roshaun Mathurin’s cross wide of the Liverpool goal, just before Jaden Williams won a free-kick on the edge of the Liverpool box. Roshaun Mathurin stepped up to take the resulting free-kick, but his curling effort went just wide of the Liverpool goal. After showing great pace to go forward with the ball down the right flank, Yago Santiago crossed the ball into the Liverpool box, and Jaden Williams’ resulting volleyed effort went just wide of the goal. Spurs were looking for a late winner. Nile John volleyed Roshaun Mathurin’s corner-kick into the Liverpool box wide. However, Liverpool then went forward with the ball. Substitute Oakley Cannonier hit an effort wide, across the Spurs goal from the right side of their penalty area, just before the referee brought the game to an end.

Spurs’ Under 21 side face Wycombe Wanderers in their next match (on Tuesday), in a Papa Johns Trophy group-stage fixture.

Some overall notes: I thought that Spurs played well in the first half, with the influential Harvey White in midfield, doing well as he made a good impression on the game. The Spurs defence also did well, and Spurs definitely missed Charlie Sayers after he had to be substituted early on in the second half. However, Yago Santiago was in my opinion Spurs’ best and most influential player on the day.

My Spurs player of the match – Yago Santiago. The Spurs centre-forward for much of the match, Yago Santiago made some really good runs with the ball at pace, and he moved well off the ball. The 19 year old took both of his goals really well, and he almost got an assist during the second half, after doing well to create a good chance for substitute Jaden Williams.

Spurs Under 18’s versus Arsenal: (match preview)

The Spurs Under 18 side will face Arsenal in the Premier League South on Saturday, at Arsenal’s London Colney Training Ground (the game starts at 11:00am), in the first North London Derby of the new season. Stuart Lewis’ Spurs side lost 2-1 to West Bromwich Albion in their most recent league match, but they were unlucky not to get at least a point from that game. Arsenal won both of their fixtures against Spurs at this level last season, and in the most recent meeting between the two sides, they were very good. Arsenal have drawn one and lost one of their opening two Premier League South matches of the 2022/23 season, but this will be a very competitive game. I would like to wish Spurs all the very best of luck for the match. 

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Gunter (c), Abbott, Dorrington, Andiyapan, Linton, Hall, Heaps, McKnight, Black, Akhamrich, Williams,

Subs from: Krasniqi, Chaplin, Bloxham, Irow, Ajayi.

Injured/unavailable: N/A.

Doubtful: Rio Kyerematen (the second year scholar had to be substituted in Spurs’ last game, after picking up an injury).

Previous meeting: Spurs 0-5.

My score prediction: Spurs 2-1.

My one to watch: Omari Benjamin. The Arsenal forward and first year scholar has scored one goal from two appearances for Arsenal’s Under 18 side, so far this season.

Spurs Under 21’s versus Liverpool: (match preview)

Spurs’ Under 21 side face Liverpool on Friday evening, at Stevenage’s Lamex Stadium (the game starts at 19:00pm). Spurs recorded a good 0-0 draw with the current Premier League 2 Division One champions Manchester City last Sunday, and they’ll surely go in to the fixture with Liverpool in good confidence, after playing so well against Manchester City. Liverpool have lost one match, drawn one and also won one, from their first three Premier League 2 fixtures of the 2022/23 season. In their most recent Premier League 2 fixture they won 1-0 against Blackburn Rovers. This will be another difficult game for Spurs, but they’ll be looking to get a good result against Liverpool, after losing to them in their last meeting in this competition, last season. This will be another good game of football, and I’d like to wish Spurs all the very best of luck for the match.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Maguire, Cesay, Muir, Sayers, Ashcroft, Craig, John (c), Mundle, Donley, Mathurin, Santiago.

Subs from: Hayton, Dorrington, Abbott, Robson, Williams.

Injured/unavailable: N/A.

Doubtful: Jamie Bowden, Alfie Devine.

Previous meeting: Spurs 1-7.

My score prediction: Spurs 2-1.

My one to watch: Oakley Cannonier (18). The Liverpool forward scored a remarkable total of 28 goals from 26 Under 18 Premier League South appearances for Liverpool’s Under 18 side last season, as well as providing four assists. Oakley started the Liverpool Under 21’s last Premier League 2 fixture.

Spurs Under 21’s 0-0 Manchester City: (match report)

Spurs’ Under 21 side faced the current Premier League 2 Division One champions Manchester City, on Sunday afternoon at the Manchester City Academy Stadium. The game finished 0-0, and it was a performance that Spurs could be proud of, despite the fact that Manchester City played much of the game with ten men. Spurs lined-up with Aaron Maguire in goal, while Kallum Cesay, Marqes Muir, Charlie Sayers and Tyrell Ashcroft started in defence. Matthew Craig and captain Nile John started in central midfield, as Romaine Mundle and Roshaun Mathurin started out on the flanks, either side of CAM Jamie Donley. Yago Santiago led the line for Spurs. Spurs got the game underway. Kallum Cesay made an important early clearance inside the Spurs box, before Manchester City created their first real chance of the game. After receiving Shea Charles’ pass on the left side of the Spurs box, Oscar Bobb went past Kallum Cesay before hitting an effort on goal, which the alert Aaron Maguire did well to tip onto his near post.

Marqes Muir blocked Carlos Borges’ effort inside the Spurs penalty area, and then at the opposite end of the pitch Roshaun Mathurin had an effort from distance saved by Mikki van Sas. After receiving Tom Galvez’s pass inside the Spurs box Carlos Borges was met by Spurs goalkeeper Aaron Maguire, who made a good save from Borges’ effort. After Manchester City were unable to clear a Spurs corner-kick inside their penalty area, Charlie Sayers headed an effort wide of the goal. After going inside with the ball from the right flank Juan Larios hit an effort wide of the Spurs goal. Dire Mebude had a deflected effort from the edge of the Spurs box saved by Aaron Maguire, and then Carlos Borges hit a low effort wide from a good position inside the Spurs penalty area. After Tyrell Ashcroft passed the ball to Roshaun Mathurin on the left side of the Manchester City box, Mathurin passed the ball back to Ashcroft, but his effort went over the goal.

Manchester City would have to play the rest of the match with ten men, after Jadel Katongo fouled Romaine Mundle, when he was through on goal. Romaine Mundle’s resulting free-kick effort went into the Manchester City wall, just before the referee sounded his whistle for half-time. Manchester City got the second half underway. After receiving Jamie Donley’s pass inside the Spurs box, Roshaun Mathurin had an effort saved by Mikki van Sas. Shortly after that chance for Spurs, Jamie Donley had a good chance to take the lead. After receiving a pass from Charlie Sayers, Roshaun Mathurin showed some good skill inside the Manchester City box, before passing the ball to Jamie Donley, whose effort from a difficult angle was saved by Mikki van Sas. A low corner-kick from Roshaun Mathurin to Romaine Mundle on the edge of the Manchester City box resulted in Romaine Mundle having an effort tipped over the goal by the Manchester City goalkeeper. Roshaun Mathurin then had an effort blocked on the edge of the Manchester City penalty area, shortly after.

Yago Santiago met Romaine Mundle’s corner-kick in the centre of the Manchester City box, but his effort was saved by the Manchester City goalkeeper. Romaine Mundle then had an effort blocked, before Kallum Cesay was shown a yellow card after making a foul. From a Manchester City free-kick Shea Charles found Josh Adam inside the Spurs box with a lofted pass, but Aaron Maguire was alert to make the save. Maguire then saved an effort from Carlos Borges, before Romaine Mundle volleyed an effort over the Manchester City goal from just outside their box. After going inside from the left flank Roshaun Mathurin hit an effort over the Manchester City goal. Jaden Williams came on to replace Jamie Donley, before Carlos Borges missed a good chance, after he hit an effort over from inside the Spurs box. Max Robson replaced Romaine Mundle, and then a couple of minutes later Max Robson headed an effort wide from Roshaun Mathurin’s late corner-kick. The referee sounded his whistle for full-time shortly after. The Spurs Under 21’s next Premier League 2 fixture is against Liverpool, at the Lamex Stadium on Friday.

Player reviews: 

  • Aaron Maguire: My man of the match, see below.
  • Kallum Cesay: The right-back had to defend against the very talented Carlos Borges for some of the game, and so he had quite a lot of defending to do. Defensively I thought that Kallum did well.
  • Marqes Muir: I thought this was a good performance from the central defender, who read the game well and made some good decisions during the match.
  • Charlie Sayers: Like Marqes Muir, central defender Charlie Sayers had a good game and he also read the game well. Sayers made some good passes out from defence.
  • Tyrell Ashcroft: Making some good overlapping runs down the left flank, Tyrell Ashcroft had a good game both in defence, and at going forward. He had a good chance to score a goal during the first half of the match.
  • Matthew Craig: Tidy, clever on the ball and hardworking. Midfielder Matthew Craig had another good game in midfield for Spurs’ Under 21 side, today.
  • Nile John: Starting the match in central midfield, Nile John worked well off the ball for Spurs, and he used the ball well. 
  • Romaine Mundle: One of Spurs’ best forwards against Manchester City, Romaine Mundle went on some really good skilful runs with the ball, and he was involved in a lot of good things for Spurs, when they went forward with the ball.
  • Jamie Donley: The Spurs CAM for this match made some good passes from midfield, and he was unlucky not to score a goal during the second half, from what was a good position. 
  • Roshaun Mathurin: Starting the match on the left flank as a winger, Roshaun Mathurin showed good creativity on the ball, and he was always available to receive the ball.
  • Yago Santiago: The centre-forward for most of the game against Manchester City, Yago Santiago led the line well. He was enthusiastic without the ball and he covered quite a lot of ground.
  • Jaden Williams: The second half substitute went to the centre-forward position after replacing Jamie Donley.
  • Max Robson: The late substitute went to the CAM position.

My man of the match – Aaron Maguire. This was as an impressive Premier League 2 debut for the Republic of Ireland Under 19 international and first year professional. The 18 year old made two key saves early on in the match, and he had a solid game. Maguire’s distribution was also good throughout the match.

Spurs Under 18’s 1-2 West Bromwich Albion: (match report)

Spurs’ Under 18 side faced West Bromwich Albion at Hotspur Way, in game-week two of the Under 18 Premier League South season, on Saturday afternoon. Spurs lost the match 2-1, but it was a close and fairly even game of football. Stuart Lewis’ side lined-up with captain Luca Gunter in goal, as George Abbott, Alfie Dorrington, Will Andiyapan and Jahziah Linton started in defence. Billy Heaps and Rio Kyerematen started in midfield, as Maxwell McKnight and Yusuf Akhamrich started out wide on the flanks, either side of CAM Leo Black. Jaden Williams led the line for Spurs, who got the game underway. Early on in the match Maxwell McKnight headed Jahziah Linton’s cross into the West Brom box, to Yusuf Akhamrich, who controlled the ball well, before seeing his effort deflect over the goal, off of West Brom defender Jenson Sumnair. Spurs took the lead shortly after that chance, after Maxwell McKnight received Alfie Dorrington’s pass on the right flank, he then continued forward with the ball before delivering a good low cross into the West Brom penalty area. Rio Kyerematen had made a good run into the box to meet McKnight’s cross, and he finished well with a good first time effort into the goal, 1-0.

After a West Brom free-kick wasn’t cleared from the Spurs penalty area, Luca Gunter made an impressive reflex save to stop Jenson Sumnair’s effort from going into the Spurs goal. Following a good move from Spurs, Billy Heaps hit an effort over the West Brom goal from distance, before Luca Gunter did well to save Harry Whitwell’s effort from distance, at the other end of the pitch. Layton Love’s ambitious effort from distance went wide of the Spurs goal, and then Spurs went forward with the ball. Heaps passed the ball to Williams on the edge of the West Brom penalty area, but Jaden Williams’ effort went over the goal. A couple of minutes later and after winning the ball off of Jenson Sumnair, Jaden Williams went forward with the ball before squaring it to Yusuf Akhamrich on the edge of the West Brom box, but his effort went over the goal. A loose pass inside the Spurs penalty area resulted in Luca Gunter doing well to save Fenton Heard’s effort, before Alfie Dorrington bravely blocked Layton Love’s powerful effort on goal.

After receiving the ball, Maxwell McKnight went on an excellent forward run with the ball at pace down the right side of the pitch, before putting the ball across the face of the West Brom goal. Thomas Bloxham replaced the injured Rio Kyerematen shortly after, just before the referee sounded his whistle for half-time. Archie Chaplin, James Roswell and Damola Ajayi replaced George Abbott, Alfie Dorrington and Jaden Williams respectively for the start of the second half, which West Brom got underway. Jenson Sumnair blocked Damola Ajayi’s effort inside the West Brom box, before Ajayi received a yellow card a couple of minutes later. West Brom managed to get an equaliser on 57 minutes, after Akeel Higgins received the ball on the edge of the Spurs box, before finding the top right hand corner of Luca Gunter’s goal with a good effort, 1-1. Leo Black headed over Yusuf Akhamrich’s corner-kick, and then shortly after that chance, Leo Black was shown a yellow card for a challenge that he made on Harry Whitwell on the edge of the Spurs box. Layton Love’s resulting low free-kick was saved by Luca Gunter.

Oliver Irow came on to replace Billy Heaps, before Maxwell McKnight had an effort blocked on the edge of the West Brom box. After James Roswell had picked up an injury to his head, Billy Heaps was allowed to be substituted back on to the pitch. Yusuf Akhamrich had a free-kick effort from distance saved by Beau Hudd, before a well delivered free-kick from Thomas Bloxham on the left flank, into the West Brom penalty area was just missed by Archie Chaplin. Will Andiyapan did really well to clear Harry Whitwell’s effort off the line, from inside the Spurs box. However, in the 95th minute of the game West Brom scored the winning goal of the game. After receiving Fenton Heard’s pass on the edge of the Spurs box, Layton Love managed to find the bottom left hand corner of the Spurs goal, leaving Luca Gunter with no chance to make the save. Layton Love had a very late effort saved by Luca Gunter from a similar position, not long after, just before the referee sounded his whistle for full-time. Spurs’ next game at this level is another league fixture, this time away to Arsenal next Saturday.

Player reviews:

  • Luca Gunter: The Spurs captain and goalkeeper made some really fine saves today, against West Brom. Luca was commanding inside his penalty area, and he was vocal throughout the match.
  • George Abbott: Starting the match at right-back, George Abbott completed the first half of the match, and he had a solid game.
  • Alfie Dorrington: The central defender made a very brave block which resulted in him being substituted at half-time, but he had a defensively solid game for Spurs.
  • Will Andiyapan: The left sided central defender completed the whole of the game against West Brom. The second year scholar made a very good clearance during the second half.
  • Jahziah Linton: The left-back really got forward well on occasions, but he stayed deep when he had to.
  • Billy Heaps: Starting the match as the defensive-midfielder, Billy Heaps completed 77 minutes of the match, before returning to the pitch shortly afterwards, to replace the injured James Roswell.
  • Rio Kyerematen: The central midfielder took his early goal well and he got on the ball on a good number of occasions during his time on the pitch in the first half, before unfortunately having to be substituted after picking up an injury.
  • Maxwell McKnight: Starting the match on the right flank as a winger, Maxwell McKnight went on some good forward runs with the ball and he got the assist for Rio Kyerematen’s goal. Maxwell went into central midfield late on in the first half.
  • Leo Black: The midfielder started the match in the CAM position, but he would finish the match as Spurs’ defensive-midfielder. The first year scholar did some good defensive work, and he also brought the ball forward well on occasions. 
  • Yusuf Akhamrich: My man of the match, see below.
  • Jaden Williams: The centre-forward led the line well during the first half and he also dropped deep to link the play well, on occasions. 
  • Thomas Bloxham: The substitute came on late on in the first half to replace the injured Rio Kyerematen. The Republic of Ireland youth international did a lot of defensive work on his side of the pitch (the left flank) but he also got forward well as well.
  • Archie Chaplin: The second half substitute went in to central defence during his time on the pitch.
  • James Roswell: Despite entering the pitch for the start of the second half, James Roswell (he went to right-back) had to leave the pitch to be substituted later on during the second half, after picking up a head injury.
  • Damola Ajayi: The second half substitute went to the centre-forward position, and he made some good runs off the ball.
  • Oliver Irow: The late substitute went to the CAM position, late on in the match. 

My man of the match – Yusuf Akhamrich. He might not have scored a goal or provided an assist today however, first year scholar Yusuf Akhamrich impressed on his first competitive start for the Spurs Under 18 side. Starting the match on the left flank as a winger but later moving to the right flank, Yusuf was very vocal throughout the match, but he was always looking to go past the defender on his side of the pitch, and he showed good pace with the ball, and he was direct with it. He had a couple of chances to score a goal against West Brom, and I was impressed with his all-round play.

Spurs Under 21’s versus Manchester City: (match preview)

Spurs’ Under 21 side will face the current Premier League 2 Division One champions, Manchester City on Sunday afternoon (the game starts at 12:00pm) at their Academy Stadium. Spurs are looking for their first Premier League 2 win of the season, but Manchester City will be a very difficult team to play against. They have won their first two Premier League 2 matches of the season and they will be looking to win the Premier League 2 Division One, yet again this season. However, Wayne Burnett’s Spurs side won both of their league fixtures against Manchester City at this level last season, and they were two very good performances from Spurs. Manchester City are very good at Academy level, and they have a very good team. 18 year old forward Carlos Borges has started the season really well for Manchester City’s Under 21 side, and he will definitely be a player to watch, if he does play on Sunday. Also, Adedire Mebude has also started the season really well for the Manchester City Under 21 side, and he will also be a player to watch. This will be a very difficult game for Spurs, but hopefully they can get a good result tomorrow. Both Jamie Bowden and Alfie Devine picked up injuries in the Spurs Under 21’s last league game, and they will probably be doubts for the match on Sunday. I would like to wish Spurs all the very best of luck for the game.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Keeley, Paskotši, Fagan-Walcott (c), Sayers, Cesay, Craig, Santiago, Mundle, Robson, John, Donley. 

Subs from: Maguire, Ashcroft, Muir, Mathurin.

Injured/unavailable: N/A.

Doubtful: Jamie Bowden, Alfie Devine.

Previous meeting: Spurs 3-0.

My score prediction: 2-2.

My one to watch: Carlos Borges (18). Often playing as a winger, Portugal youth international Carlos Borges really impressed when he played against Spurs in the Under 17 Premier League Cup final last season. He is a very skilful, creative and fast winger, who Spurs will have to watch closely tomorrow. Carlos Borges has scored one league goal and provided two assists so far this season for the Manchester City Under 21 side.

Spurs Under 18’s versus West Bromwich Albion: (match preview)

Spurs’ Under 18 side face West Bromwich Albion on Saturday (the game starts at 12:00pm at Hotspur Way), in their first home Under 18 Premier League South fixture of the season. Stuart Lewis’ side impressively won 1-0 away to Leicester City on the opening day of the Premier League South season. Last season they won two and lost one of their fixtures against West Brom, at this level. This included an impressive 6-1 win over them at Hotspur Way, in the fourth round of the 2021/22 FA Youth Cup. Last season West Brom finished in tenth place in the Premier League South, two points behind Spurs in ninth place. This will be an interesting game, and I’m looking forward to covering the match, especially as I was unable to go to the opening game of the season against Leicester City, last Saturday. I would like to wish Spurs all the very best of luck for the match.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Gunter (c), Abbott, Dorrington, Andiyapan, Linton, Hall, Heaps, McKnight, Kyerematen, Bloxham, Williams.

Subs from: Krasniqi, Bryan-Waugh, Akhamrich, Ajayi, Olusesi.

Injured/unavailable: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Previous meeting: Spurs 2-1.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-1.

My one to watch: Fenton Heard (17). The second year scholar and West Bromwich Albion player scored five goals and provided six assists last season for the West Bromwich Albion Under 18 side, in the Premier League South.