Spurs under 18’s 4-1 Aston Villa: (match report)

It was our under 18’s best performance of the season which saw them see off a talented Aston Villa side, at Hotspur Way this afternoon. It was a display of the highest quality as Scott Parker’s highly attacking side totally out played the villains with slick and fast attacking football, played at a high intensity. It really was champagne football from the Spurs lads as Parker’s side secured their second win in the final group game of this seasons u18 premier league cup, and in doing so have managed to secure one of two runner up berths to make the knockout stages. Parker’s side which included talented school boy J’neil Lloyd Bennett, started with a real zip about their game. They passed the ball around with pace and were instantly looking to attack. Villa were trying to play us on the counterattack and it worked early on. After Graham burst down the left channel before forcing De Bie into making a good save at his far post. With the ball then deflecting off Reynolds and then on to the post, before eventually falling to Indiana Vasillev who slotted home, 0-1. Having looked the better team in the opening stages it was of no surprise to me when we equalised just minutes later courtesy of a stunner from Rodel Richards. It was the youngsters first of the season, after a move was started by Shashoua the ball came to Griffiths who passed to Richards, he turned on the edge of the area before firing a low effort inside the bottom corner of Idem’s net, 1-1.

The prominent Lloyd-Bennett surged down the left soon after the restart, picking out Clarke at the far post, though the wingback missed timed his header and Idem was easily able to gather. Villa looked for a response but Colin Odutayo could only force De Bie into making a routine save. Parker’s side had got a real grip on the game, they were dictating play across all areas. Villa were being reduced to long range efforts, as demonstrated by Dmitri Sea on 15 minutes, when he dragged an effort wide of goal. Spurs soon continued their attacking forays down the flanks, Patterson’s cross was glanced just over by Clarke. Before Griffiths turned and fired just wide, we then threatened through the potent Lloyd-Bennett whose searing pace resulted in him whipping an inviting cross into the area, which was duly cleared by a Villa defender. Reo Griffiths tested the defence soon afterwards, when he ran across the length of the box before firing into the side netting. Whilst De Bie had to be alert at the other end as Villa broke forward, the Belgian making a fine stop to keep the danger at bay. Another lively player was Phoenix Patterson, playing in the centre of the park, he managed to cut in and fire an effort straight at the keeper as Spurs continued their domination on the game. Perhaps Parker’s side weren’t having enough efforts on goal considering there possession but they were really impressing, especially with the the pace and crosses of Lloyd Bennett and Clarke.

Rodel Richards had a goal ruled out for offside, whilst Patterson tested Idem from range, as Spurs continued to outplay the villains. However, Parker’s lads were almost caught out by a long ball from Villa which put Odutayo through on goal. The wingers powerful effort being superbly tipped over the crossbar by De Bie. Spurs then took a deserved lead towards the end of the half through the lively J’neil Lloyd Bennett who manage to get on the end of Clarke’s deep cross. Before sweetly catching it on the half volley, to power it inside the far corner of the goal, to give Spurs the lead. Spurs weren’t content with just a one goal lead as Griffiths proved soon afterwards, when his effort flew inches wide of the goal. The half could have ended very differently for Spurs when Statham was beaten for strength by Sea in a dangerous part of the pitch. Thankfully for Spurs the forwards low effort was well saved by the alert De Bie. Shashoua tested Ide towards the dying stages of the half with a powerful effort, whilst Griffiths went close with a bicycle kick. Spurs were looking much the fitter side. We started the second half even brighter, Lloyd Bennett showing great pace early on to whip in a dangerous cross, which was only inches away from being met by Clarke. Then a fine move saw the wingback test Idem once again. Spurs had limited Villa’s options to only long range efforts as demonstrated by Graham on the hour mark, the defenders effort being easily caught by De Bie.

Another good chance for Clarke followed before Spurs managed to extend their lead on 66 minutes courtesy of a brilliant goal. Bowden’s delicate chip played Richards through on goal, showing remarkable skill inside the area before being intercepted, Patterson then tried his luck. Before the ball eventually fell back into Richards feet to see him squeeze it home, 3-1. The passing and fluid attacking play from Spurs was truly breathtaking. And things got even better when Richards secured his hat trick to put the game beyond doubt, bolstering our goal difference in the process. Rayan Clarke’s powerful drive was thwarted by Idem straight into the path of Richards who buried his chance, 4-1. It was champagne football from the young lilywhites! However, the visitors seemed to up their game after conceding the fourth, Lewis Brunt came very close to pulling a goal back. Whilst a crucial save from Oluwayemi and a goal line block by Reynolds ensured a fantastic result for our lads! COYS

Player reviews:
– Jonathan De Bie: Had a fine game, made some really important stops including a stunning reflex save in the first half.
– Rayan Clarke: Adapted really well to the right wing back role, powerful and creative going forward. Managed to set up two goals.
– Jamie Reynolds: Put in an excellent shift at left back, very decisive and solid.
– Jamie Bowden: Dictated play in the central areas, playing in a deep lying role the 16 year old holding midfielder. Was Winkseque in his play, neat and tidy with a crisp pass. He anticipated the game well and played a big part in Richards second of the game.
– Maxwell Statham: Had a decent game, strong in the challenge.
– Tariq Hinds: The versatile Hinds managed to slot in well at LCB today, he formed a good partnership with Statham.
– Rodel Richards: Absolutely phenomenal performance from the promising striker. Playing on the right flank today Richards got a rare start and he seized his opportunity. All three of his finishes were classy, but it was his intelligent runs and energy that were so impressive, I really like his style of play and his willingness to track back.
– Phoenix Patterson: One of his best performances of the season, operating on the right side of central midfield. Patterson put in a brilliant display, he was so creative in his play. His decision making second to none, the forward was instrumental throughout the game, I’ve started to think of he reminds of a bit. And it’s Brighton’s Izzy Brown when he was the same age. Patterson was so involved in today’s game.
– Reo Griffiths: Had a decent game up top though he didn’t manage to test Idem much in goal. He did however, get the assist for our first of the game.
– Armando Shashoua: Another great performance from young Shashoua, done his job perfectly. Operating as a 10 he dropped back, created space for others and instigated some good attacking moves, he has been excellent for us this season.
– Josh Oluwayemi: Came on as a late substitute (only his second appearance of the season) but done a good job, made one very good reflex save.
– Maurizio Pochettino: N/A
– Dilan Markanday: N/A

My man of the match: I feel really bad not giving it to the hat-trick hero Rodel Richards who was absolutely phenomenal out wide. But I’m going to award it to the school boy J’neil Lloyd-Bennett, the wide man who I first saw play at the under 16 game in Cambridge a couple of months back, appears to be making rapid progress since joining our Academy from QPR. This was his third consecutive under 18 game in a row, and I’m sure it will have been his best. This kids got incredible ability, he had Aston Villa defenders on the floor during todays game, they just couldn’t cope with his speed, power and decision making especially in the final third. He took his goal so well, but it was his eagerness to just run at defenders with sublime pieces of skill (think Zaha) he also delivers a mean cross. I know it’s only the second time that I’ve seen him live but I really like how he plays. Something I liked in particular was the way he played with a smile on his face, he appeared to be loving the game, buoyant and determined throughout the 90 minutes.

Spurs U18s: De Bie (c, Oluwayemi 76), Clarke, Reynolds, Bowden, Statham, Hinds, Richards (Markanday 79), Patterson, Griffiths (Pochettino 76), A Shashoua, Lloyd-Bennett. Substitutes (not used): Tainio, Mukendi.

Updated statistics:

Under 18’s Goals scored this season: Reo Griffiths-9
Phoenix Patterson -3
Dilan Markanday- 3
Jamie Bowden- 1
Moroyin Omolabi-1
Rayan Clarke-1
Maurizio Pochettino-1
Paris Maghoma-1
Rodel Richards-3
J’neill Lloyd-Bennett-1

Assists: Phoenix Patterson- 4
Jamie Bowden-1
Matt Lock- 2
Jeremie Mukendi-2
Jamie Reynolds-1
Reo Griffiths-2
J’neill Lloyd-Bennett-1
Rayan Clarke-2

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

”We’ve come up against two League Two teams and one League One team in this competition and at times we’ve competed well, we’ve played some decent football but we’ve come up short. Yes, the players are still developing but part of their development is understanding how to win and we haven’t done that again. We’ve very disappointed in the goals conceded but we have to learn from that. We understand mistakes might happen but we have to learn and that’s the key thing for these young players.“ (Wayne Burnett)

After taking my seat at Barnets new stadium ‘the hive’ I looked around in awe at the stadium, it’s a lovely little ground with a pristine and modern feel about it, I also noticed whilst walking in, that the training ground is right next to the stadium. Enough of that, the reason I was there was to see our under 21’s final Checkatrade trophy game of the season, on paper it was a dead rubber with both sides unable to advance to the knockout stages, this game was all about playing for pride. And Burnett’s lads done just that, they put in a spirited display really taking the game to Barnet in the first half, leading deservedly at the interval. However, the bees experience shone through in the second half, they took control of the game and managed to put two past our defence to comfortably see out the tie on a bitterly cold evening. Former Spurs man Shaq Coulthirst embraced Spurs’ head of Academy development John McDermott prior to kick off, and the former Academy player had the first chance of the game. When the forward had a go from range, his effort sailing high above Whiteman’s goal. Barnet fired narrowly wide moments later as they looked to put a foothold on the game. The bees fine start to the game continued a couple of minutes later, goalkeeper Alfie Whiteman managing to palm a dangerous cross away, but it fell right to veteran defender Michael Nelson who smashed the ball against the upright.

Shayon Harrison tested Ross with a thumping effort from range as Spurs looked to get into the game. Moments after our first goal attempt of the game, we took the lead courtesy of a stunning strike from Harrison. Edwards started the move off, showing some good feet before picking out Bennetts down the left channel, he surged forward before putting in a delicious cross into the box which was met on the half volley by Harrison, whose emphatic finished hit the roof of the net, 1-0. Jack Roles was a calming presence in the midfield, almost pulling off a brilliant through ball shortly after the restart. Whiteman did well to gather Kyei’s cross before Maghoma threw himself in the way of Fonguck’s effort to prevent a goalscoring opportunity. Barnet should have levelled from the resulting corner, Nelson’s bullet header darting inches wide of Whiteman’s far post. Barnet were looking dangerous on the break, Whiteman had to be alert to stop a powerful low effort on 23 minutes as Barnet continued to threaten our defence. Alex Nicholls 20 yard thunderbolt was only stopped by a heroic fingertip save from Whiteman, as Spurs continued to cling on. Spurs continued their impressive forward play, Harrison bending an effort wide on the half hour mark. Ryan Watson almost caught Whiteman out with his dipping free kick which struck the cross bar as Spurs continued to defend well. Marsh marking a vital block soon afterwards inside the area.

The lively Marcus Edwards was proving to be Spurs’ most creative player, one such promising run saw the starlet pick out Eyoma down the right, the fullbacks cross being met by no one inside the box. The second half saw a more clinical Barnet team, who took there chance to equalise just after the restart. The prominent Vilhete’s dangerous cross was most unfortunately turned into his own net by Maghoma who tried to clear. The young centre half was clearly distraught as he looked to the sky. Barnet went on the offensive, testing Whiteman with a thumping effort soon afterwards before forcing Maghoma into making a good block. Barnet had taken control of the game whilst Spurs struggled to get the ball out of their half. However, we did manage to create a good chance after Roles won the ball in the central area of midfield. He played in Edwards who embarked on a promising run before slipping in Harrison inside the box, his effort from a tight angle hitting the side netting. Then came a disappointing goal to concede after Nicholls put Barnet ahead on 57 minutes. It was a poor goal to concede Whiteman was caught napping with the ball at his feet, being pressed by Nicholls he panicked smashing the ball off the Barnet man, with it rebounding into the back of his net, 1-2. Barnet were in the ascendancy, Coulthirst firing narrowly over moments later. Then a bees man managed to cut in from the left before firing an effort straight at the Spurs keeper. The prominent George Marsh made a brilliant sliding challenge to halt the home team who then fired the ball across the face of the Spurs goal.

A rare Spurs attack saw Harrison and Bennetts combine well on the edge of the Barnet box, the former being tripped inside the area upon receiving the ball (should have been a penalty). The newly introduced Samuel Shashoua brought some much needed energy into the game his intricate play giving Spurs another option going forward. Barnet could well have got their third after firing over from close range, as George Marsh managed to get a good block in soon after. Roles showed good late vision to put Sterling through on goal in a golden late chance for Spurs. The strikers effort being blocked by a combination of Ross and Barnet defenders who scrambled the ball clear. But the ball managed to come straight back into the danger area, Shashoua received the ball 10 or so yards out from goal, he tried placing his effort which was well met by Ross. The final score Spurs under 21’s 1-2 Barnet. COYS

Player reviews:
– Alfie Whiteman: Made some decent stops and dealt with crosses well, he will however be disappointed at conceding the winner.
– TJ Eyoma: Composed and efficient dealt with danger coming down the right flank well.
– Keanan Bennetts: Produced a brilliant assist for the opener, embarked on some lovely forward runs down the left, and also done his defensive shift well.
– George Marsh: Had a great game, made some terrific blocks/challenges.
– Christian Maghoma: Done a good job, defended well and made some important blocks.
– Japhet Tanganga: Commanding performance, very composed from the skipper.
– Jack Roles: Brilliant display from Roles, on a rare start the central midfielder showcased his talents. Breaking up play really well, showing great vision and creativity. And using his ability to find pockets of space to relieve the Spurs lads of pressure on occasions.
– Luke Amos: Efficient and tidy.
– Shayon Harrison: My motm see below.
– Ryan Loft: Worked his socks off, held up the ball really well.
– Marcus Edwards: Lively throughout the game created a string of fine chances.
– Samuel Shashoua: Bright cameo, brought energy to the game and worked some good forward moves. Pressed relentlessly.

My man of the match: Shayon Harrison. This was a close one between Harrison and Roles, but I’m going to give it to the 20 year old centre forward who put in an excellent shift up top. Harrison looked very sharp (bearing in mind he had a long injury lay off) he pressed the defenders well and oozed with confidence. I’ve long been a fan of the striker since his under 18 days. Harrison made some intelligent runs against Barnet, he was lively and didn’t hesitate to try his luck from range. He took his goal brilliantly and was unlucky not to have got another. That’s four goals from seven games for the youngster since returning from a lengthy injury lay off, I really hope to see him in the first team fold again soon.

Barnet: Ross, Taylor, Blackman, Watson, Santos, Nelson (c), Nicholls, Fonguck (Coker 82), Coulthirst (Amaluzor 78), Vilhete, Kyei (Tutonda 78). Substitutes (not used): McKenzie-Lyle, Payne, Aghadiuno, Pascal.

Spurs U21s: Whiteman, Eyoma, Bennetts, Marsh, C Maghoma, Tanganga (c), Roles, Amos (S Shashoua 72), Harrison, Edwards (Sterling 81), Loft (Tracey 63). Substitutes (not used): O’Reilly, Skipp, Pritchard.

Goals: Barnet – Maghoma (OG) 48, Nicholls 57; Spurs – Harrison 16.

Referee: Lee Collins.

Attendance: 445.

U23’s 2017/18 statistics: Top scorers: Sterling-7
Loft-1
Duncan-2
Edwards-4
Tanganga-1
Pritchard-3
S.Shashoua-5
Bennetts: 1
Tracey-1
Harrison-4

Assists: Skipp-1
Miller-1
Sterling-
Pritchard-4
Edwards-3
Tracey-3
Eyoma-1
S.Shashoua-1
Brown-1
Sterling-3
Bennetts-3
Marsh-1

Some highlights from the game: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=If1MPbEh6pE&feature=youtu.be