Spurs under 18’s 3-0 Chelsea: (match report)

Something quite extraordinary occurred during our under 18’s league game with Chelsea on Wednesday afternoon, at their Cobham training centre. Scott Parker’s sides penultimate league game of the season would prove to be one of their finest wins of the campaign, as his lads brought Chelsea’s three year home unbeaten run to an abrupt end, with a superb 3-0 victory over our London rivals. As I predicted in my preview, the blues minus Jody Morris were forced into fielding a much weekend side owing to this Fridays UEFA youth league semifinal against Porto. This meant that fringe players such as former Spurs schoolboy Tushaun Walters got their chance alongside a coupe of under 16’s. But don’t take anything away from Parkers side, who still had to deal with an abundance of talent. Which included the likes of Scottish wonder kid and captain Billy Gilmour, u17 world cup winner Jonathan Panzo and prolific forward Martell Taylor-Crossdale. Meanwhile, Spurs lined up with the experienced trio of Jonathan Dinzeyi, Oliver Skipp and TJ Eyoma. Playing a 4-2-3-1 which saw Eyoma and Dinzeyi line up as the centre halves, Skipp and Bowden as the midfielders and Markanday and Patterson playing as the wide men. From start to finish, Parker’s side were exceptional. They showed a maturity and class about their game which the young blues couldn’t handle, they were imperious at the back and slick and tidy in the midfield. The wide men, especially Markanday created openings down the channels whilst the powerful Griffiths used the ball resourcefully up top. We were superb across the park. The already crowned champions got the game underway on a hot April’s day at Cobham. As expected it was an even start to proceedings, Skipp’s hopeful but eventually blocked attempt was the first piece of action of any note.

It was a lively start for the England u17 international, who did incredibly well to win the ball off of Lawrence a couple of moments later down the left hand side. The blues were very compact in the opening stages and were doing little to get forward. A fine move from Spurs managed to create their first decent chance of the game, when Dinzeyi picked out Markanday down the right flank. The skilful winger took the ball forward before slipping a nicely weighted pass into Griffiths down the right side of the penalty area. With little to aim at and with few options, Griffiths fired an effort straight across the face of Ziger’s goal. However, things all changed for Spurs when they took the lead on 15 minutes albeit through a slightly fortuitous goal from Reo Griffiths. It was another fine move in the lead up to the goal, the lively Markanday brought the ball inside from the right flank before passing to Griffiths. The Tottenham striker ran across the Chelsea goal before letting fly. His powerful effort took a heavy deflection off of Jack Wakely, before looping over the head of the stretching Ziger and bouncing into the back of the net, 1-0. Spurs were looking to consolidate their lead and soon after the restart they almost doubled their advantage. Courtesy of another exciting attacking foray from Markanday who managed to pick out Patterson on the edge of the Chelsea box. The winger brought the ball into the area before rifling a low effort inches wide of Ziger’s near post. Spurs were passing the ball about really well and were continuing to dominate the central areas, as the home side struggled to break us down.

We were pushing for our second of the game and we weren’t a million miles away from achieving that goal. The prominent Markanday cut inside from the right wing before smashing an effort ajar of Ziger’s goal. Chelsea responded with a clever move up the other end, Uwakwe’s clever over the top pass managed to find Taylor-Crossdale inside the Spurs box. But the striker couldn’t keep down his effort as it flew over De Bie’s crossbar, on the half volley. Desperate for his team to maintain their stranglehold on the game, manager Scott Parker could be heard urging his team to ”keep it short”, from the dugout. Spurs continued to unsettle this inexperienced blues side, Patterson’s curling effort had to be diverted clear by the head of Lavinier. Before the Spurs man’s resulting corner kick caused more bother for Ziger. Who got lucky after dropping the ball at the back post, luckily for Chelsea Jon Panzo was on hand to clear the ball before Griffiths could tap home at the far post. The last piece of action of the half would come through a rare Chelsea foray into the penalty area. When Jonathan Dinzeyi was forced into making a terrific, pitch perfect sliding challenge to rob the advancing Taylor-Crossdale of the ball inside the box. Parker’s side got the second half back underway as Spurs looked to hold on to a historic win. It was a lively start to the second half, Chelsea’s Clinton Mola did just about enough to stop Bowden’s promising through ball from putting Griffiths through on goal. Straight from that chance Chelsea brought the ball forwards after Taylor-Crossdale had robbed the ball off of Patterson.

The young winger surged into the penalty area before being taken out by the sliding Dinzeyi, who made a rash two footed challenge on his man. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, it was a really rash decision to make from the Spurs defender. The awkward looking Taylor-Crossdale stood up to take the penalty kick but his finely struck effort was excellently kept out by De Bie who dived to his left, to palm it away. Moments later, Maximus Tainio got a vital head on the ball to prevent Lavinier’s header from squeezing in at the back post. Chelsea were really going for it and were looking far more threatening in the final third. But the Spurs defence were resolute and they managed to hold there own incredibly well. The imperious Dinzeyi made another crucial intervention, then a couple of minutes later De Bie was almost caught out by Taylor-Crossdale whilst trying to play the ball out from the back. After a spell of pressure, Spurs were able to break down the other end through the so far uninvolved Griffiths. The striker caught the blues out as he charged forwards, his first touch was erratic but he got lucky as the ball came back to him off of a Chelsea leg. Griffiths continued into the Chelsea box but despite an excellent run from Shashoua to his right, he opted to go for glory from a tight angle. His effort was duly closed down by Masampu who blocked it out for a corner kick. You could tell that Shashoua was in disbelief that Griffiths hadn’t squared the ball to him, with his hands in the air he roared ”Reo!” In this such instance, Griffiths had made the wrong call.

The impressive Tainio made an impressive last ditch challenge at the other end to stop Walters inside the box, as Spurs continued to frustrate the increasingly desperate looking home team. One player who had been excellent throughout was Oliver Skipp, and the Spurs man made a vital block when he threw himself in the way of Lavinier’s powerful effort from the edge of the area. We were having to defend for our lives against an increasingly more attacking Chelsea side. It was end to end and exciting, a proper London derby. After catching Chelsea in possession, Markanday embarked on yet another surging run as he sprinted past his man before slipping the ball into Griffiths who ended up getting his feet all wrong at the vital moment. Shortly after being introduced in the place of Phoenix Patterson, forward Rodel Richards made the perfect impact when he doubled Spurs’ lead on 74 minutes. The opportunity was created by our high pressing, in this instance it was from Shashoua whose tigerish running managed to unsettle Karl Ziger. The Chelsea keeper ended up passing the ball straight out to the newly introduced Richards who took a sublime first touch to knock the ball past his man. Richards then sprinted into the Chelsea box before weighing up his options and calmly slotting the ball inside Ziger’s near post, it was a terrific finish. Spurs were now dominating play and their constant high press was causing nightmares for the blues defence. Soon after restarting the game, the Industrious Oliver Skipp went on a brilliant attacking foray of his one down the middle, eventually passing the ball to Tainio out wide. The Finns pacy cross only just evading the alert Rodel Richards at the back post.

We came close to extending our lead once again through an incisive attacking move. Markanday’s mesmeric weaving run saw him bring the ball towards the penalty area, he sent a crisp pass to Richards out left. The substitutes first time cross managed to pick out Skipp on the edge of the area, but the Spurs anchorman’s powerful effort flew a fraction wide of the mark. Thankfully it wasn’t to matter, as soon afterwards Parker’s side wrapped the game up in style, with a scintillating move. Richards passed the ball to Hinds who burst forward down the left wing before sweeping the ball across the Chelsea goal and into the path of Markanday to calmly tap home at the back post, 3-0. Panzo attempted to respond with an effort at goal, which was dealt with all too easily by De Bie. Spurs had managed to totally unravel the Chelsea defence, comfortably seeing out the remainder of the game to claim a rare victory over our old foes. It was a superb performance from Parker’s men who thoroughly deserved the win, from start to finish they were the more impressive side, limiting Chelsea to few clear cut chances whilst managing to pose a significant attacking threat up the other end. Up next for Parker’s side is a home game against Arsenal, in our final league game of this season. COYS

Player reviews: – Jonathan De Bie: Excellent all round performance from our under 18’s very own brilliant Belgian. De Bie had yet another top game, making a game changing penalty save with the scores at 1-0. He made a string of fine stops, he was excellent in the air. And his distribution was just as impressive. I have a feeling that De Bie is more than ready for u23 football!
– Maximus Tainio: Solid and assured at right back, the young Finn put in a really impressive performance. Tainio dealt well with the threat of Walters down the flank, he was focused and decisive in his defending. Two notable pieces of defending, were a vital headed clearance and a superb last ditch challenge inside the Tottenham box in the second half. After struggling to get game time for the majority of the campaign, it’s great to see Taino looking so assured in the team.
– Tariq Hinds: A typically flawless defensive performance from Hinds. Filling in at left back for the injured Jamie Reynolds, Hinds put in a sterling defensive performance. As well as combining that with some well timed runs down the left hand side, he bagged a fine assist for our third of the game.
– Oliver Skipp: It was a performance of epic proportions from Tottenham’s domineering midfielder. His impact on the game was immense from start to finish, he bossed the central areas anticipating danger to perfection. Skipp also managed to recycle possession well, and threw himself into danger on numerous occasions to make vital blocks in and around the six yard box. He is without doubt the best midfielder of his age group in the country!
– TJ Eyoma: I can’t remember Eyoma making a single mistake throughout the game. Him and Jonathan Dinzeyi formed a formidable defensive partnership stopping everything that came between them. Eyoma took no risks, he was good in the air and strong in the challenge. His experience of playing in the development squad is really showing.
– Jonathan Dinzeyi: My motm, see below.
– Dilan Markanday: Markanday played a significant part in our dominant victory over the blues. Electric down the right hand side, with his weaving runs and numerous attacking forays, Markanday managed to totally unsettle the Chelsea fullback Lavinier. He mixed things up and cut inside on numerous occasions, the ball glued to his boot as he ran at the Chelsea defence. An assist and a goal for Markanday takes his goal involvement tally to 11 for the season.
– Jamie Bowden: An industrious force in the centre of midfield, Bowden’s energetic performance really caught the eye. He was relentless and helped to thwart the creativity from Chelsea’s midfield. He is such a grafter!
– Armando Shashoua: Like Bowden, Shashoua is another grafter who really caught the eye against the champions. Playing in the number 10 role, Shashoua gave a great account of himself. With his crisp passing and fine movement, Shashoua made some excellent runs into the danger zone. He worked immensely hard for the team and also performed his defensive duties really well.
– Phoenix Patterson: It was a good showing from the left winger, who had a particularly bright first half in which he managed to cause quite a bit of a trouble. However, he wasn’t as involved in the second half and ended up being replaced by Richards on 71 minutes.
– Rodel Richards: Excellent cameo from our second top scorer this season. It only took him a matter of minutes before he doubled our lead with one of our goals of the season, he remained for the rest of the game.
– Rayan Clarke: A bright, albeit it very short cameo.
– Troy Parrott: From his short time on the pitch, a single terrific sliding challenge from the Irishman really caught the eye. It also caught the eye of the Spurs coaching staff who were cheering him on. Physically he is more than ready to lead the line for the 18’s!

My man of the match: Jonathan Dinzeyi. A colossal defensive performance from the 18 year old centre half, Dinzeyi had an excellent game alongside Eyoma. Dinzeyi was superb, he was so calm and composed on the ball and decisive without it. He won all his aerial duels, made some absolutely brilliant sliding challenges inside his own box, and he also managed to successfully frustrate Taylor-Crossdale, for whom he allowed little time on the ball. He did however concede a penalty in the first half for a two footed challenge on Taylor-Crossdale, but at least he had the courage to make that challenge in the first place, many defenders wouldn’t have had the bottle!

Spurs U18s: De Bie (c), Tainio, Hinds, Skipp, Eyoma, Dinzeyi, Markanday (Clarke 83), Bowden (Parrott 81), Griffiths, A Shashoua, Patterson (Richards 71). Substitutes (not used): Oluwayemi, P Maghoma.

Under 18 Goals scored this season: Reo Griffiths-29
Phoenix Patterson -8
Dilan Markanday- 7
Jamie Bowden- 1
Moroyin Omolabi-1
Rayan Clarke-2
Maurizio Pochettino-1
Paris Maghoma-3
Rodel Richards-13
J’neill Lloyd-Bennett-2
TJ Eyoma-1
Armando Shashoua-1
Troy Parrott-1

Assists: Phoenix Patterson-9
Jamie Bowden-1
Matt Lock- 2
Jeremie Mukendi-2
Jamie Reynolds-6
Reo Griffiths-9
J’neill Lloyd-Bennett-6
Rayan Clarke-2
Rodel Richards-2
Dilan Markanday-4
Oliver Skipp-1
Tariq Hinds-3
Paris Maghoma-5
Armando Shashoua-1
Maurizio Pochettino -1
Max Tainio-1

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

Our under 18’s resume league action tomorrow when they make their second trip to Chelsea’s Cobham training ground of the season. Parker’s will be hoping to get revenge on the blues for their 2-0 defeat to Jody Morris’ side in the league cup final in March. With just two league games remaining for both sides, the already crowned champions of the southern section have bigger fish to fry ahead of this dead rubber league game, with an important UEFA youth league semi final and FA youth cup final to look forward to. As for Parker’s side, he’ll be wanting the lads to finish the season off in good form. After suffering a surprise 5-3 defeat to Norwich in their last match, Parker will likely field a much stronger side for tomorrows derby. Whilst Morris will likely do the opposite, and field second and third string players for the game (still excellent players mind you!). It’s unlikely that Spurs will end Chelsea u18’s three year unbeaten run at Cobham, but it’s certainly not beyond their realms to bring the game to them, just like they did during the reverse fixture earlier in the season. When we drew 4-4 with the blues at Hotspur Way. I think our poor form against the blues over recent years has been down to psychological aspects rather thana lack quality, a win tomorrow would do no harm in stopping that. COYS

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) De Bie(c), Hinds, Eyoma, Dinzeyi, Clarke, Bowden, A.Shashoua, Markanday, P.Maghoma, Richards, Griffiths.

Subs from: Freeman, Statham, Mukendi, Parrott.

Unavailable: Brooklyn Lyons Foster (ligaments).

Doubtful: Jubril Okedina and Jamie Reynolds. The following schoolboys are doubtful due to school commitments: Troy Parrott, Harvey White and J’neil Bennett.

My score prediction: 2-2.

Previous meeting: Spurs 0-2.

One to watch: The Scottish maestro that is Billy Gilmour. A midfield technician, Gilmour caused havoc for Spurs in the league cup final at Cobham, with his excellent vision and Winkseque passing ability, the former Rangers man is a player who Spurs will need to watch closely.

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

After being reduced to ten men inside the opening 40 minutes, Wayne Burnett could never have predicted his sides heroic response to what was an unfair dismissal of the Spurs skipper Christian Maghoma inside the first half. Our lads have endured a difficult campaign, a campaign where results don’t tell the whole story of how well they have played and gelled as a team. Last nights victory over London rivals Chelsea was testament to that fighting spirit and quality that they have in their ranks. A defensive performance of seismic proportions, not only did we manage to keep Chelsea at bay following the dismissal of Maghoma, but we also managed to time our counter attacks to perfection. Two excellent free kicks from Keanan Bennetts managing to secure a rare win at the bridge for Spurs, who responded to Jordan Grants opener for the blues on 66 minutes. It might just have been our finest performance of the season. Burnett’s side got the London derby underway from a floodlit Stamford Bridge, for Spurs’ penultimate PL2 fixture of the season. And they enjoyed a dominant opening few minutes. As they knocked the ball about with ease, some good tracking back from left winger Bennetts saw him get back to make an important challenge on the byline. Tottenham skipper Christian Maghoma conceded a dangerous free kick a couple of minutes later after being adjudged to have brought down Jacob Maddox, who clearly dived. Charlie Colkett sent the resulting free kick well over Austin’s crossbar. The referee Adrian Quelch wasn’t giving the Tottenham players the benefit of the doubt in the opening 20 minutes, and he was more than happy to book Eyoma on 16 minutes.

There was very little between both sides as we reached the 20 minute mark, it was becoming a very cagey game. Spurs continued to look solid at the back, the impressive Tanganga managed to deal accordingly with Dujon Sterling’s menacing cross. The blues then had a good chance, after Maddox slipped the ball in to Sterling down the right hand side. The Chelsea fullback cut inside Georgiou before squaring the ball to McCormick inside the box. However, the Chelsea midfielder squandered the chance as his miscued effort flew well wide of the mark. Brandon Austin had to make his first save of the game when he dealt comfortably with Colkett’s effort shortly afterwards. Spurs then picked up their second yellow card of the game after Maghoma was penalised for pulling back the advancing Redan on the edge of the Spurs box. Harvey St.Clair’s resulting free kick flew straight into Eyoma in the Spurs wall, winding him in the process. The only criticism of Spurs in the opening stages was their tendency to let the Chelsea wingbacks bomb forwards down the flanks far too easily, giving them lots of space. Spurs managed their first attempt on goal of the game through Kazaiah Sterling after he picked up Tracey’s cross on the edge of the Chelsea box. The Spurs striker fired just over Bulka’s crossbar on the turn. Dutchman Daishawn Redan was being allowed too much space to run at the Spurs defence, the former Ajax mans pace was continuing to cause us problems, once such attacking foray forced Tanganga into making an important block inside the danger zone. Then in the 38th minute the referee made a bold and significant decision when he sent off the Spurs captain Christian Maghoma, after he picked up his second yellow card of the game.

Redan had gotten Maghoma sent off after he had managed to get in front of the Spurs defender after latching on to a through ball. Maghoma kept up with Redan well, before the Dutchman fell emphatically to the floor after Maghoma had made the most minimal if any contact on his man (I was sat right behind the goal!). Quelch produced his red card almost immediately afterwards and to Maghoma’s credit he didn’t even make a major fuss of what was a terrible refereeing decision. Maghoma had been our best player up until his sending off. Chelsea were looking to make the extra man count and soon after the dismissal of Spurs’ skipper they threatened the Spurs goal through St.Clair. The Scotsman cut inside before firing an effort straight at Austin in the Spurs goal, before whipping a delightful cross into the danger zone moments later, which was only narrowly missed by the outstretched boot of Redan. Chelsea hogged possession for the remainder of the half, McCormick’s overly ambitious bicycle kick would be the last significant action of the half. Spurs had the first chance of the second half when Keanan Bennetts cut inside from the left before curling a low effort towards goal, which was only just kept out by the diving Bulka. McCormick had two attempts on goal for Chelsea at the other end, the first being a speculative effort from long range. The second being a sliced effort which he hit following St.Clair’s lay off. Chelsea were continuing to threaten, Redan had an effort deflected narrowly wide after getting on the end of Castillo’s cross. Substitute Reece James then whipped a dangerous ball across the face of the Spurs goal, before St.Clair threatened once again when he bent an effort inches wide of the mark.

Spurs were unable to get out of their own half, they were reluctant to run at the Chelsea defence and were also struggling to stop the blues down the channels. Something which Burnett wanted to address when he brought off Georgiou for Brown on the hour mark. In a rare Spurs attack, Tanganga powered a diving header towards the Chelsea goal after meeting Pritchard’s corner, but his effort was diverted wide by a Chelsea defender. Adrian Viveash’s side broke straight down the other end, but to Spurs’ rescue came makeshift centre half Oliver Skipp who made a key interception at the decisive moment. Tracey conceded a free kick in a dangerous position soon afterwards, but once again the Spurs wall was on hand to stop the ball. The Chelsea onslaught would continue through St.Clair who sent a dangerous corner kick into the penalty area. Despite Tottenham’s resilience the net would finally bulge, as Jordan Grant rose the highest to plant a header inside the far corner of Austin’s goal, 0-1. Burnett’s side had been excellent up until this point, now they had to get body’s forward to try and salvage something from the game. Keanan Bennetts seized the initiative as he burst forward straight from the restart, managing to win a promising free kick in the process. The dead ball specialist managed to curl the ball over the Chelsea wall and into the left hand corner of Bulka’s goal to give Spurs an unexpected leveller, 1-1. It was an excellent effort from Bennetts who did so well to get the ball over the Chelsea wall from just 20 yards out, it had been a brilliant response.

With the game back in the balance Chelsea looked to regain the lead, substitute Reece James’ attacking advance into the penalty area could well have achieved this, were it not for another decisive interception by Tanganga. A couple of moments later Spurs had another go at the Chelsea, Bennetts once again ran straight at the Chelsea defence and in doing so he managed to win a free kick in an identical position to the first. Unbelievably the 19 year old took the resulting free kick with aplomb and managed to outwit Bulka for the second time in the space of just five minutes, with another excellent attempt. Curling a deceptive effort around the Chelsea wall and into the bottom left hand corner of the Poles goal to send the away end into dream land! Now Spurs had to guard their lead against a potent and aggressive Chelsea front line, for the remaining 16 minutes. Brandon Austin had to be alert to make a good stop soon afterwards, as Chelsea began to really pile the pressure on the Spurs defence. The dangerous St.Clair bent another dangerous effort narrowly wide, as the blues continued to push for a late leveller. Spurs were staying deep but the pressure was mounting from the home side, St.Clair’s brilliant cross field pass managed to pick out McCormick whose first time delivery into the danger zone was met by Redan. The Dutchman smashing an effort inches over the Spurs crossbar, the Chelsea players fervently claimed a touch from Austin on the way over. Burnett had instructed his side to wind down the clock, and they were doing a great job of it. Some good hold up play was coming from the potent Bennetts whose skill and athleticism made it hard to for the Chelsea players to win the ball back, on one such occasion he was hacked viciously by a Chelsea player as he guarded the ball.

Spurs did tremendously well to see out what was an anxious remaining ten minutes, to record one of their finest wins of the campaign. They defended magnificently, counter attacked Chelsea at the decisive moment and managed to show the maturity of a senior side to see out the game, with just ten men. It was an absolute pleasure to witness such a hearty Spurs display first hand, this means we can well and truly relax when we take on Man City in our final league game of the season next month, with safety rubber stamped for another campaign! COYS

Player reviews : – Brandon Austin: A solid all round performance from the 19 year old in between the sticks. Austin was flawless, excellent at dealing with aerial balls, the US youth international also managed to make a string of fine stops against the club that released him as a youngster.
– TJ Eyoma: Another player who didn’t put a foot wrong. Eyoma was rock solid down the right channel. He defended with class and let little in the way of openings for the Chelsea wingers to exploit, he was also dominant in the air. Fine showing!
– Anthony Georgiou: A more defensive showing from the Cypriot international, who managed to keep up with the speedy Maddox down the left channel. He defended superbly and didn’t allow the Chelsea man with much space to run through.
– Oliver Skipp: The words magnificent and Skipp seem to go together all the time! A domineering figure in the central areas during the first half, the dismissal of Maghoma on half time forced Skipp into reverting to centre half. A position which he mastered throughout the second half. Skipp was so comfortable playing the ball out from the back, but it was his perfect timing and decision making which proved the most effective. I’d lost count at the amount of times that he managed to single handedly thwart the Chelsea attack. If ever there was a player that deserved to be going on the summer tour of the USA, it’s him!
– Christian Maghoma: Our best player of the game up until his wrongful dismissal on the stroke of half time. Maghoma dominated in and around the danger zone, leading the defence by example. He made many crucial interceptions. As for his two bookings which may cost him his place in the side for the Man City game, well I’m not even going to go there!
– Japhet Tanganga: A defensive performance of real stature, Tanganga managed to marshal the Tottenham defence to perfection following the dismissal of Maghoma. He managed to maintain excellent positioning throughout and this led to him making many heroic challenges. Dominant in the air, Tanganga’s performance was not too unlike Vincent Kompany’s majestic performance against our first team on Saturday.
– Shilow Tracey: Despite having his offensive capabilities hampered somewhat by the Chelsea defence, Tracey made up for his lack of openings by tracking back and working exceptionally hard for the team, running back and getting involved with our defence. I desperately hope to see Tracey retained for next season, as he thoroughly deserves it.
– Tashan Oakley-Boothe: A tidy and competent performance from the 18 year old midfielder. Oakley-Boothe managed to keep the ball well and use it resourcefully. It was a well rounded performance from the England youth international.
– Kazaiah Sterling: A workman like performance from the Tottenham striker who despite his limited service up top, still managed to make a positive contribution to the game through his hard work and grit. Sterling was rewarded with a surprise inclusion on the bench for the Manchester City game the next day.
– Joe Pritchard: Dominant and effective midfield showing, maintained a ridiculously high work rate throughout. Helping to break up possession and get forwards whenever possible.
– Keanan Bennetts: My motm, see below.
– Jaden Brown: Good half an hour cameo, he managed to strengthen the Spurs defence.
– Dylan Duncan: N/A.
– Samuel Shashoua: N/A.

My man of the match: Keanan Bennetts. The speedy winger took the game into his own hands, his individual brilliance and attacking initiative changing the outcome of the game. Of the three on target attempts that Spurs managed to muster throughout the game, all three managed to come from Bennetts. The 19 year old won us the game through his attacking prowess. Not once but twice did his hopeful attacking forays lead to us winning free kicks in dangerous positions. Both of which were despatched with real class from the Spurs wide man. He was the only player brave enough to run at the Chelsea defence, his pace and trickery managing to cause the blues problems. His brace makes it seven goals from 21 PL2 performances for the Spurs man this season! I would be surprised not to see him make the bench for the seniors during the last couple of league games!

Chelsea: Bulka, Sterling, Chalobah, Grant, Castillo, Sammut (c, James 54), Maddox (Hudson-Odoi 54), McCormick, Redan, Colkett, St Clair. Substitutes (not used): Cumming, Colley, Nartey.

Spurs: Austin, Eyoma, Georgiou (Brown 61), Skipp, C Maghoma (c), Tanganga, Tracey, Oakley-Boothe, Sterling (S Shashoua 90+2), Pritchard (Duncan 82), Bennetts. Substitutes (not used): Whiteman, Roles.

Goals: Chelsea – Grant 66; Spurs – Bennetts 68, 74.

Yellow cards: Chelsea – Sterling 37, McCormick 67, Grant 73; Spurs – Eyoma 16, C Maghoma 26, 39.

Red card: Spurs – C Maghoma 39.

Referee: Adrian Quelch.

U23’s 2017/18 statistics: Top scorers: Sterling-11
Loft-1
Duncan-2
Edwards-4
Tanganga-1
Pritchard-4
S.Shashoua-5
Bennetts-7
Tracey-3
Harrison-4
C.Maghoma-2
Roles-4
Walkes-1
Eyoma-1
Skipp-1
Georgiou-1

Assists: Skipp-1
Miller-1
Sterling-2
Pritchard-7
Edwards-3
Tracey-7
Eyoma-1
S.Shashoua-1
Brown-1
Sterling-4
Bennetts-8
Marsh-1
Harrison-1
Roles-1
Tanganga-1

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

With safety all but confirmed, Wayne Burnett’s Spurs under 23 side can afford to play with the shackles off when they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this evening, in their penultimate game of the PL2 season. After defeating Derby 4-2 in their last game, Burnett’s side are four points clear of the relegation zone and a win tonight would rubber stamp their division one status for another season. Unbeaten in their last seven games, Burnett’s side have enjoyed quite a turn around over recent months and the visit to Chelsea will not faze them in the slightest. Adrian Viveash’s blues side occupy sixth spot in the table after having a decent season thus far. Though they may lack in consistency, they certainly don’t lack in quality with players such as Hudson-Odoi, Juan Castillo, Daishawn Redan and Trevor Chalobah all at their disposal. It promises to be a cracking game of football, my in depth match report of the game will be published by tomorrow morning. Ironically we may even get to see Ross Barkley turn out for Chelsea this evening as he continues to make his return from injury! COYS

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Austin, Eyoma, C.Maghoma (c), Tanganga, Georgiou, Skipp, Marsh, Tracey, Oakley-Boothe, Bennetts, Sterling.

Subs from: O’Reilly, Brown, Pritchard, Roles, Griffiths.

Injured/unavailable: Nick Tsaroulla and Brooklyn Lyons-Foster.

Doubtful: Samuel Shashoua and Jonathan Dinzeyi and Marcus Edwards.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-1.

Previous meeting: Chelsea 3-2.

One to watch: The blues speedy Dutch forward Daishawn Redan, still only 17 years of age. Redan has adapted well to life at Chelsea following his move from Ajax in the summer, he has also been in particularly good form for their under 23’s, scoring five goals from five league games. Including a hat trick in his last outing at Derby.

Important info: For those unable to attend the game, it is being shown live on Chelsea TV.

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

With safety all but confirmed, Wayne Burnett’s Spurs under 23 side can afford to play with the shackles off when they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this evening, in their penultimate game of the PL2 season. After defeating Derby 4-2 in their last game, Burnett’s side are four points clear of the relegation zone and a win tonight would rubber stamp their division one status for another season. Unbeaten in their last seven games, Burnett’s side have enjoyed quite a turn around over recent months and the visit to Chelsea will not faze them in the slightest. Adrian Viveash’s blues side occupy sixth spot in the table after having a decent season thus far. Though they may lack in consistency, they certainly don’t lack in quality with players such as Hudson-Odoi, Juan Castillo, Daishawn Redan and Trevor Chalobah all at their disposal. It promises to be a cracking game of football, my in depth match report of the game will be published by tomorrow morning. Ironically we may even get to see Ross Barkley turn out for Chelsea this evening as he continues to make his return from injury! COYS

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Austin, Eyoma, C.Maghoma (c), Tanganga, Georgiou, Skipp, Marsh, Tracey, Oakley-Boothe, Bennetts, Sterling.

Subs from: O’Reilly, Brown, Pritchard, Roles, Griffiths.

Injured/unavailable: Nick Tsaroulla and Brooklyn Lyons-Foster.

Doubtful: Samuel Shashoua and Jonathan Dinzeyi and Marcus Edwards.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-1.

Previous meeting: Chelsea 3-2.

One to watch: The blues speedy Dutch forward Daishawn Redan, still only 17 years of age. Redan has adapted well to life at Chelsea following his move from Ajax in the summer, he has also been in particularly good form for their under 23’s, scoring five goals from five league games. Including a hat trick in his last outing at Derby.

Important info: For those unable to attend the game, it is being shown live on Chelsea TV.

Spurs under 18’s 3-5 Norwich City: (match report)

A much changed Spurs under 18 side fell to a 5-3 defeat to bottom of the table Norwich on Wednesday afternoon, in a thrilling affair at the clubs Colney training centre. Despite Parker fielding a second string side with bit of experimentation across the park, it was a game in which Spurs should have won. For large periods of the game we were the better and more resourceful side who managed to use the ball well. Despite the fact that we were the far more threatening side going forwards, we still managed to let in five Norwich goals against a canaries team whose only real attacking threat came from striker Adam Idah (who ended up scoring a hat-trick). A major factor behind this, was the poor and sloppy defending from the defence along with a few goalkeeping errors from Charlie Freeman on his first appearance of the season. Interestingly Parker opted to play winger Mukendi in the centre of midfield alongside u16 Harvey White. Whilst deciding to put Bowden and Statham in the centre of defence. All three of Tottenham’s goals came from top scorer and captain Reo Griffiths, who was once again simply unplayable both on and off the ball. Griffiths also managed to score two absolute howitzers past the Norwich keeper Sam Blair. The 17 year olds stock continues to rise by each game. Norwich got the game underway, in what were foggy conditions in the Norfolk countryside. It took the canaries less than a minute before getting their first attempt on goal of the game, through forward Adam Idah. The strikers quick fire attempt from the edge of the area ended up smashing into the side netting of Freeman’s net. Soon afterwards, Spurs came within an inch of opening the scoring after catching Norwich on the counter. After going forward down the left flank, Rayan Clarke managed to set Griffiths charging down the same side with a clever little pass. Griffiths continued into the penalty area before squeezing an effort narrowly wide of the post.

Harvey White had an effort blocked soon afterwards as Spurs began to assert their authority on the game. However, some bad defending at the other end allowed Norwich to take an underserved lead following a costly error from Maxwell Statham at the back. Despite not being under pressure the centre half sloppily passed the ball straight to Idah. After picking up the ball, the Irishman sprinted towards goal before rifling the ball into the bottom left hand corner of Freeman’s net. Such was the venom on Idah’s shot, that Freeman’s hand on the ball couldn’t stop it from heading in, 0-1. A couple of moments later, Statham did exactly the same thing after gifting the ball straight to Idah. But this time the Cork man fired wide of the mark. The canaries were enjoying a good spell of possession, Alfie Payne managed to pick out Saul Milovanovic inside the danger zone with a whipped free kick. Thankfully Freeman was aware to the danger, and managed to collapse his body to stop Milovanovic’s header from close range. Parker’s side needed to find a break through. After Bilal Kamal lashed over for the home team, Spurs went on a promising attack down the left channel. Reynolds nicely threaded pass to Griffiths, resulted in the Spurs striker bursting forward. Managing to hold his man off with ease as he strode into the opposition box, Griffiths squared for Mukendi in front of the centre of the goal. But the makeshift midfielder couldn’t quite make contact with the ball as Max Aarons got in front of him to make a timely intervention. Spurs were struggling to carve open the deep lying canaries defence despite their best efforts, Rob Burch knew of the importance of not conceding the next goal, as he rallied to the players the need to ”Stay in the game!” from the touchline.

Our 30 minute leveller through Reo Griffiths came as no surprise however, it had been coming for a while. Shortly after volleying the ball over the crossbar, Griffiths had managed to totally catch out the Norwich goalkeeper. It was a goal out of nothing, Richards had won the ball out left before passing to Griffiths. Who continued forwards with the ball before unleashing a howitzer of an effort, which flew into the bottom right hand corner of Blair’s goal. No sooner had the Norwich keeper been able to register Griffiths’ shot than he was picking it out of the net. It was a stunning strike, 1-1. Such was the end to end nature of the game, that Norwich responded with a clever piece of play from Alfie Payne. Payne threaded a deceptive pass through the Spurs defence, but Jamie Bowden managed to get a vital foot on the ball to prevent a golden chance for Adam Idah inside the area. We continued to improve and we were looking the far better side on the ball. Rodel Richards had a promising effort blocked by a Norwich defender, before Reo Griffiths won a penalty on the stroke of half time. After seeing his scooped ball into the danger zone handled by Jordan Thomas, the referee immediately pointed to the spot. Tottenham’s top scorer stood up confidently before calmly tucking the ball the wrong way of Blair, giving Spurs a deserved lead. This was fast becoming a thrilling and unpredictable encounter, one in which you couldn’t take your eye off. It was also fast becoming a game to forget for young centre back Maxwell Statham. Whose second costly error of the game would allow Norwich with an opportunity to equalise, straight from the restart. It was a silly cross field pass from Statham towards Bowden which allowed Norwich with a clean route through to goal. His undercooked pass was intercepted by Payne who quickly played the ball in to Rosaire Longelo, who drove the ball into the bottom right corner of the Spurs goal, straight through the hands of the diving Freeman. The game could have and should been out of sight by the time the Spurs players had made their way of the pitch for half time.

I noticed that Scott Parker was giving left winger Rayan Clarke a talking to as the two sets of players came out for the second half. Clarke had rarely taken on any Norwich players during the first half, something which would change dramatically in this half. The second half started in just the same fashion as the first. After powering forwards through the middle, Griffiths slipped the ball out to Clarke on the left hand side. Clarke cut inside on to his right before seeing his curling effort blocked wide for a corner kick. The canaries responded at the other end through substitute Connor Parsons, who managed to weave around Tainio inside the Tottenham box, before squaring for Kamal. Thankfully for Freeman, the midfielders effort from close range was completely scuffed and resulted in an easy save for the 18 year old. After a decent start to proceedings, Parker’s side got caught completely by surprise by the home side when Adam Idah made it 3-2 to City. It was a really fast and well worked move from the canaries, Payne managed to pick out Idah down the right hand side. The Irishman advanced forward before firing an effort towards the Tottenham goal which wasn’t dealt with accordingly by Freeman, as it went through his
legs and into the back of the net. The impressive Jamie Reynolds had managed to pick up a bad looking injury in the aftermath to the that goal, Reynolds was swiftly replaced by Tariq Hinds. But before that substitution could be made Spurs had spectacularly drawn level through a Reo Griffiths thunderbolt. Straight from the restart Spurs had managed to knock the ball forward, Tainio did well to cushion the ball down to Griffiths who managed to get the ball out of his feet before smashing an excellent arching effort into the top left hand corner of Blair’s goal from 25 yards out, leaving him absolutely motionless in the process. It was a goal of the highest quality from Griffiths whose latest goal proved to be his 29th of this season, 3-3!

Substitute Tariq Hinds fired an effort narrowly wide soon afterwards, as the frantic pace of the game continued to cause problems for both teams. This crazy game of football took another significant turn after Parsons regained the lead for Norwich soon afterwards with a slightly fortuitous effort on goal. The substitute had tried his luck from the edge of the area with a decent low attempt on goal, but it lacked power and was seemingly not going to trouble the diving Freeman. Unfortunately, that wasn’t to be the case as the young goalkeeper misjudged the pace on the ball, as he palmed into his own net. Leaving Spurs coach John McDermott with his head in his hands. There wasn’t to be a quick fire response for Tottenham this time, Rodel Richards wayward effort was the only goal attempt they could muster before Norwich made it 5-3! Shortly after Parsons fired inches wide of Freeman’s goal from the left hand side. Freeman did well to deal with Adam Idah’s menacing cross, but he could do nothing to prevent their fifth of the game. Idah had secured the points for Norwich with an unstoppable strike from an acute angle. After receiving the ball out on the right flank, Idah decided to run at Statham. Off balancing him as he surged forward towards the danger zone, before rifling the ball into the left corner of Freeman’s goal with a superb strike from so little to aim at. If anyone remembers Robbie Keane’s memorable goal against Bolton, well it was like that but without the sublime piece of skill, 3-5. Spurs were trying desperately hard to respond, Griffiths hit an excellent thumping effort towards goal which was well parried from the surprised looking Blair.

Parker brought on late substitutions by the names of Maghoma and Thorpe, the former managed to go close soon after entering the fray. After firing over the bar following some good build up play from the Spurs players. You could tell that Spurs were really pushing for the game as it entered its final stages. After receiving Clarke’s cross field pass from about 25 yards out from goal, Griffiths almost got his fourth with a promising low effort on the turn, which flew inches wide of the goal. The two tried to combine again moments later but Clarke’s pacy cross managed to just deceive the attention of Griffiths at the back post. For the neutrals it was a really entertaining game of football with plenty of attempts on goal, even as we reached the final moments of the game. Chances came and went for the hosts to extend their lead, first through former Spur Anis Mehmeti who ran at the Spurs back line before dragging an effort wide of goal. Mehmeti came close to scoring again, after getting on the end of Thomas’ through ball on the right flank. Mehmeti cut inside before attempting to tuck the ball inside Freeman’s near post, somehow Statham got there to make a magnificent goal line block. Mehmeti was making some impact on the game and he fired another effort wide just a couple of minutes later. Following the introduction of Maghoma, Spurs had pushed Bowden up to CM whilst dropping White back at centre half alongside Statham. Despite their best late efforts, Spurs were unable to salvage anything from the game, Kamal curled an effort narrowly wide for the home side. Before Tariq Hinds tried his luck at the other end with a good effort on goal which was duly saved by Blair after he cut inside from the left. It was a day to forget for Spurs in the Norfolk countryside, despite being the better side they let defensive errors allow Norwich a way into the game and they were punished for it. On a different note it was great to see some different players on the team sheet, I think it’s fair to say that it was a game of experimentation from Parker, whose sides next game is away to Chelsea on Wednesday. COYS

Player reviews: – Charlie Freeman: First of all, for those unaware of Freeman’s situation, he has been absent for most the campaign with a broken arm. A long rehabilitation process coupled in with the fact that he has only featured two times previously for the u18’s. This was still relatively uncharted territory for the 18 year old. As you may have gathered from my report, he did make some costly errors, ones that he’ll be bitterly disappointed with. But he was also on hand to make some good saves and managed to be alert to danger. Freeman is an excellent young keeper who has had a very tough two years as a scholar. I will accept no criticisms of his performance against the canaries. I look forward of seeing more of him during the remainder of the campaign, I rate him highly!
– Maximus Tainio: A competent performance at right back from the young Finn who looked good overall. He did however get done for pace on a couple of occasions down that side.
– Jamie Reynolds: A typically high energy performance from the flying left back. Reynolds was flawless defensively but once again it was his attacking play and surging runs down the left which were so potent. That’s why it was such a shame to see him go off on the hour mark with what looked like a potentially bad injury to his leg, he had to be helped off the pitch by two paramedics.
– Harvey White: An impressive full u18 debut from the schoolboy. White looked very assured in the centre of the park, he kept himself busy and made some crunching and well timed challenges on the Norwich players. His range of passing was also impressive, filled in well at CB for the latter part of the game.
– Maxwell Statham: This wasn’t a game that Statham will have fond memories of, he wasn’t at his best by any means. Despite the fact that he was excellent in the air, Statham had a tough game against the canaries attacking players. Two completely misplaced passes after playing it out from the back proved costly and resulted in two goals. Had a couple of other shaky moments but did make a magnificent goal line block late on. From my observations this season, he strikes me as more of a Shane Duffy type of player than a Lyons-Foster.
– Jamie Bowden: In what was clearly another piece of experimentation from the Tottenham coaches, Bowden played the majority of the game at CB. And he did a good job and looked more than competent in a position that he is more than capable in. It was his exceptional long balls from the back which were his greatest asset, I must have counted about 20 or so perfect launched balls up to the wide men. That was exactly the reason why it was so frustrating not to see him in the centre of the park.
– Maurizio Pochettino: Pochettino Junior was pretty anonymous for this game, rarely took players on and was rarely seen with the ball at his feet, tended to drift away from the action.
– Jeremie Mukendi: A direct winger by trade, it came as a real surprise to see Mukendi start the game from the centre of midfield. Never really managed to impact the game from that position, and was brought off injured on 68 minutes.
– Reo Griffiths: My motm, see below.
– Rodel Richards: Decent performance from the cam, showed good feet and managed to do well on the ball. Assisted Griffiths’ first of the game.
– Rayan Clarke: After a very quiet first half, Parker had a word in his ear at the break and it seemed to really change Clarke’s game. He was taking players on for fun in the second half down the left side. Was direct and tricky, and in doing so he managed to unsettle Max Aarons.
– Paris Maghoma: A nice cameo, gave us an attacking outlet from midfield. Looked good on the ball and showed flashes of creativity, also hit some decent efforts at goal.
– Elliot Thorpe: A fleeting cameo from the Welshman who despite his limited time on the pitch, still managed to get involved in some nice Spurs moves.

My man of the match: Reo Griffiths. Simply unplayable, but that’s nothing unusual from the young lilywhites top scorer this campaign. Griffiths had an immense impact on the game, of course he grabbed out three goals, all of which were taken excellently. But it was his all round game which was so impressive, that ability to combine his ‘fox in the box’ style of play alongside excellent hard work and pressing for the team. He skippered them well, covered a huge amount of distance and was a real creative force whenever he decided to drive forward, he peeled off the defenders well and did a great job at holding up the ball.

Spurs U18s: Freeman, Tainio, Reynolds (Hinds 58), White, Statham, Bowden, Pochettino (P Maghoma 68), Mukendi (Thorpe 80), Griffiths (c), Richards, Clarke. Substitute (not used): Oluwayemi (GK).

Under 18 Goals scored this season: Reo Griffiths-28
Phoenix Patterson -8
Dilan Markanday- 6
Jamie Bowden- 1
Moroyin Omolabi-1
Rayan Clarke-2
Maurizio Pochettino-1
Paris Maghoma-3
Rodel Richards-12
J’neill Lloyd-Bennett-2
TJ Eyoma-1
Armando Shashoua-1
Troy Parrott-1

Assists: Phoenix Patterson-9
Jamie Bowden-1
Matt Lock- 2
Jeremie Mukendi-2
Jamie Reynolds-6
Reo Griffiths-9
J’neill Lloyd-Bennett-6
Rayan Clarke-2
Rodel Richards-2
Dilan Markanday-3
Oliver Skipp-1
Tariq Hinds-2
Paris Maghoma-5
Armando Shashoua-1
Maurizio Pochettino -1
Maximus Tainio*-1

*unconfirmed.

My interview with former Spurs man Richard Cooke:

Richard Cooke was a product of the Tottenham Hotspur youth system of the late 1970’s. A winger by trade, Cooke broke into the senior team during the 1980’s. Playing on 11 occasions for the lilywhites, scoring two goals and even making the bench for the first leg of the 1984 UEFA cup final. After being sold by David Pleat in 1987, Cooke went on to play for Bournemouth and Luton Town. Before resigning for the cherries in 1991 where he would spend a further two years at the club, before injury forced him to call it a day.

What are your earliest memories of your time at Spurs and how did you come about joining the club?

Richard: I was spotted playing football by a scout playing for a Sunday schoolboy side Ajax who played in the Enfield district league and my School Albany comprehensible in Enfield. my earliest memories are wow I’ve signed for the club I support. Because I went to the school which was on the back of the east stand, St Paul’s and All Hallows.

What was your time at Spurs like on the whole?

Richard: As a supporter my time was fantastic until a certain manager came in and sold me.

Who was your footballing inspiration/hero?

Richard: Glenn Hoddle.

Who were your greatest influences at the club?

Richard: Keith Burkinshaw, Peter Shreeves, Robbie Stepney and John Pratt.

Were any other players at the club or outside who you’d model your game around?

Richard: I used to love Tony Morley at Aston Villa as a winger and as a kid so he inspired me quite a lot.

What was the toughest thing about being an academy footballer?

Richard: Not knowing if you were going to be taken on as a pro or not.

How did your time as a youth player at Spurs prepare you for your later career?

Richard: was quite spoiled I guess as playing for a big club you take things for granted, as when you play for a team in the lower leagues you realise how massive this club is.

Could you talk me through some of your favourite memories from your time as a youth player at Tottenham Hotspur?

Richard: As a Youth player I used to love it when I got called up to the reserves in the football combination, as a youth team player we once played Sunderland in the FA Youth cup at Roker Park when I was 15 years of age, it was incredible.

Could you talk me through your career after you left Spurs?

Richard: I was sold to AFC Bournemouth in 1987 and that year we won the old 3rd division championship under Harry Redknapp, I was then sold onto Luton Town of the then 1st division under Ray Harford in 1990, then Harry Redknapp bought me back to AFC Bournemouth in 1992, I then sustained a knee injury that year that would end my career.

What was the pinnacle of your footballing career?

Richard: The pinnacle of my career was winning a UEFA Cup winners medal in 1984 and scoring on my league debut at 17 years of age.

Who was the greatest player that you had the pleasure of sharing a pitch with?

Richard: Glenn Hoddle, he was absolutely amazing, some of the things I used to see in training would blow your mind away. And he took it to the pitch then on a Saturday.

What would your advice be to the current Spurs academy players, as they look to make their way up the footballing pyramid?

Richard: Have confidence in yourself and listen to any pro player that gives you advice as they are saying it for a reason because they have gone through it, if you get released by the club, be positive and be strong as there are lots of opportunities in the game for you to succeed.

You played 11 times for the senior team, could you share some of your memories of your stint in the Spurs first team?

Richard: As I said before as a 17 year old, my parents took a call from Peter Shreeves at 8.00am on the Saturday of my debut to say I was going to be making my debut at Kenilworth Road in a Division 1 game at Luton, wow! And then to score the first goal of the game on Match of the day was just incredible

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

Back in August at the beginning of the campaign Scott Parker got his tenure as Spurs under 18’s manager underway in style, with a classy 4-0 victory over this Wednesday’s opponents Norwich City, at Hotspur Way. Just under eight months later, the two sides face each other once more with Parker’s side eyeing the double over an out of form and struggling Norwich outfit. After a poor domestic season, Norwich find themselves bottom of the table with just ten points to their name. Meanwhile, Parker’s side now occupy sixth spot after their 2-1 win over Fulham at the weekend. Looking to finish the season on good terms, Parker’s side will be eager to keep up their fine form over the last five games, with a win over Norwich enough to lift themselves up to fourth in the table. Despite Norwich’s poor league form, they still have some really talented young players on their books. Including the likes of Irish youth prodigy Adam Idah, top scorer Anthony Spyrou and midfielder Bilal Kamal. Also on their books is former Spurs schoolboy Anis Mehmeti. Ahead of the north London Derby with Arsenal next Saturday, I would expect Parker to rest several key players for the Norwich game. One thing I’m not sure about is the involvement of schoolboys for this fixture, I seem to remember this time last season that they would leave out schoolboys for the midweek games, presumably to focus on their end of year exams. I will be travelling up to Norfolk tomorrow evening ahead of the Wednesday lunchtime kick off at Norwich’s Conley training centre. As always I’m anticipating a goal fest! COYS

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Freeman, Tainio, Hinds, Dinzeyi, Reynolds, Bowden, A.Shashoua, P.Patterson, P.Maghoma, Clarke, Richards.

Subs from: J.Oluwayemi, Statham, Bennett, Thorpe, Parrott.

Unavailable: Brooklyn Lyons-Foster (ligaments).

Doubtful: Matthew Lock.

My score prediction: Spurs 4-2.

Previous meeting: Spurs 4-0.

One to watch: Irish canary Adam Idah is a player who I’ve watched on the international stage he was an u15. A speedy forward who is known for his jinking runs and ability to finish in and around the six yard box. Idah has adapted well to life at Norwich and appears to be enjoying his first season in England, managing to find the net ten times for the 18’s. Idah has also made the step up to the under 23’s on occasion.

Under 18 Goals scored this season: Reo Griffiths-25
Phoenix Patterson -8
Dilan Markanday- 6
Jamie Bowden- 1
Moroyin Omolabi-1
Rayan Clarke-2
Maurizio Pochettino-1
Paris Maghoma-3
Rodel Richards-12
J’neill Lloyd-Bennett-2
TJ Eyoma-1
Armando Shashoua-1
Troy Parrott-1

Assists: Phoenix Patterson-9
Jamie Bowden-1
Matt Lock- 2
Jeremie Mukendi-2
Jamie Reynolds-6
Reo Griffiths-8
J’neill Lloyd-Bennett-6
Rayan Clarke-2
Rodel Richards-1
Dilan Markanday-3
Oliver Skipp-1
Tariq Hinds-2
Paris Maghoma-5
Armando Shashoua-1
Maurizio Pochettino -1

My interview with Spurs academy graduate and FA youth cup winner Anthony Potts:

In the latest of my series of interviews with former THFC academy graduates, I caught up with striker Anthony Potts. To discuss his time at Spurs, later career in the game and that famous FA youth cup campaign of 1989/90.

What are your earliest memories of your time at Spurs and how did you come about joining the club?

Anthony: My first memory is playing my first game at Mill Hill (the training ground at the time) I remember it as I felt in awe but at home at the same time. The way Spurs played suited me down to the ground. I also remember it as I was supposed to meet Alan Curbishley the Thursday before to sign for Charlton but hadn’t turned up once I realised Spurs were interested. So it was very awkward lining up against them in my trial game! The club offered me a contract pretty much straight after the game. My memory of the club at the time was how professional everything was and the quality of the players being higher than I had experienced before.

What was your time at Spurs like on the whole?

Anthony: It was the best time of my life- and in a way the worst. From the minute I joined the club I could do no wrong and everything seemed to progress like a dream. We won everything and the footballing education I got from people like Ray Clemence, Pat Holland, Keith Ealdrem and Terry Venables was second to none. Also the players in the first team at the time were amazing and some of the most talented in the country. People like Gascoigne, Waddle, Lineker, Nayim and the like. It was the worst due to the injury I received in my first year as a pro that effectively ended my career.

Who was your footballing inspiration/hero?

Anthony: My footballing hero was Pele and I loved the Brazilian teams growing up. The 1982 team in particular. The player who I tried to base my game on was Kenny Dalglish. And being at Spurs when I was, I am the same as every player at that time and loved watching Gazza.

Who were your greatest influences at the club?

Anthony: Greatest influences is tough- there were some great coaches. Ray Clemence was really good to play for but Venables was on a different level. He was so knowledgeable and everything he did was spot on. I remember when we used to practice on a Friday before the game on the Saturday, and he would be working on the first team shape and set pieces etc but would still spot things about what you were doing even though you were just there to take the place of the opposition.

Were there any other players at the club or outside, who you’d model your game around?

Anthony: Like I said I was a big fan of Dalglish but the Spurs squad at the time was massively talented so you would try and pick things up from everyone.

What was the toughest thing about being a young up and coming player during that time and what were the training facilities like in those days?

Anthony: Training facilities were decent but the sports science was primitive so it was all based on getting out on the training ground and working. The tough thing was there were about 50 professionals fighting for 22 places on a Saturday so if you got injured or had a bad game you didn’t know when you would get another opportunity.

What was your greatest memory from your time at the lilywhites?

Anthony: I had loads of great memories from my time at Spurs but I guess the obvious one would be winning the FA youth cup final at White Hart Lane. As a forward scoring in the first leg was also a great memory.

Could you talk me through your career after you left Spurs?

Anthony: After I left I went to Dagenham and Redbridge in the Conference as they were favourites for promotion but I kept getting injured- from the injury to my knee I ended up with a bad back and weak ankles. I don’t think I ever played a full injury free season after leaving Spurs. I played for lots of non league sides but never for long and I also travelled to New Zealand with another ex Spurs player Greg Howell but again I could never seem to shake the injuries, so in the end at about 25 I gave up trying to get back into football and trained to be a teacher.

What was the pinnacle of your footballing career?

Anthony: Thats a tough one, Gazza was unbelievable but I never played a competitive game with him. Him, Samways and John Moncur were all very gifted but Jamie Redknapp was probably the one.

What would your advice be to the current Spurs academy players, as they look to make their way up the footballing pyramid?

Anthony: Remember you are very close and the only thing that can stop you now is you. So start training early be the last one to leave, go to the gym – make yourself the fittest strongest version of you that you can be, as when I look back it wasn’t the most talented who made it but the hardest working and most focused. Also mentally don’t get carried away by success and don’t get too down at failure just treat it all as a learning curve. Make sure you can never look back and say “If only” I was always very focused and the injury was my main issue but I still look back and wish I had done even more.

Could you talk me through that triumphant FA youth cup campaign of 1989/90?

Anthony: I can’t remember the early rounds but I think we might have played Wolves in one of the games. The hardest two matches were the quarter and semi final. In the quarters we were drawn away to a very strong Man City side – on a personal front although I didn’t score it was probably my best game for the club and we won 2-0. In the semi it was a really strong Man United side complete with Giggs. There was only one goal in it which we got at Old Trafford. I was lucky enough to set it up with a cross/shot inside the last few minutes and we were through! I remember the game as a huge occasion and all the club’s big names were there watching and seemed genuinely thrilled at the occasion. The final itself was won at Middlesborough when we won 2-0 We played really well and myself and Scott Houghton got the goals. The ground was packed and they had to delay kick off and I can remember everyone getting very nervous sitting around waiting to go out. We dominated the game though and it meant the second was quite comfortable especially when Ollie Moran headed home from my cross. Although it finished one all we were in control throughout. It was brilliant lifting the trophy in front of our own fans at White Hart Lane.

My interview with former Spurs defender Jimmy Holmes:

I caught up with Jimmy Holmes to have a brief chat about his career at the lilywhites. A left back by trade, Holmes was full international for Ireland and played at Spurs from 1977-81. Making 80 appearances for the lilywhites before moving to the Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada. Jimmy is now retired from the game and lives in Warwickshire in England.

What are your earliest memories of your time at Spurs and how did you come about joining the club?

Jimmy: I played my last game for Coventry at Derby County we won 2-1 when we got back to Coventry I was told by our Manager Gordon Milne, that Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw were waiting for me at a local hotel and wanted me to join Spurs. I had no idea I was leaving Coventry.

What was your time at Spurs like on the whole?

Jimmy: Brilliant, best club I ever played for, very professional.

Who was your footballing inspiration/hero?

Jimmy: Johnny Giles.

Who were your greatest influences at the club?

Jimmy: Bill Nicholson and Steve Perryman.

Were any other players at the club or outside who you’d model your game around?

Jimmy: Tony Dunne. Great fullback.

What was the toughest thing about coming over to England as a youngster and trying to adapt to English football at your first club Coventry City?

Jimmy: Missing all of my mates from John Bosco FC. But Coventry City had a great youth team so I settled down very quickly, I played for Ireland before I played in Coventry’s first team.

Could you share with me your memories of your testimonial at Dalymount Park against a Glenn Hoddle XI?

Jimmy: I can say it was my proudest moment of my life all my family were there. I can recall myself watching Ireland play in Dalymount, and now they were there for me.

Could you talk me through some of your favourite memories from your time at Tottenham Hotspur?

Jimmy: To see Glenn Hoddle progress into a wonderful footballer, a great bloke, and top man. Also having the pleasure to play with Ossie and Ricky, amazing players.

Could you talk me through your career after you left Spurs?

Jimmy: when I broke my leg playing against Bulgaria it took me about a year to recover I was not the same player after that, I went out to Vancouver Whitecaps stayed there for 3 years. Came back played for Torquay, Leicester, and Brentford, then joined West Midlands Police Force in Coventry. I done 23 years in the Police and retired. I have been retired for 8 years and I now drive the Mayor of Nuneaton, where I live.

What was the pinnacle of your footballing career?

Jimmy: Playing against Brazil in Rio at the Maracana Stadium.

Who was the greatest player that you had the pleasure of sharing a pitch with?

Jimmy: Playing against Pele.

Spurs and Ireland have a long and rich history. Was the strong links between Spurs and Ireland something that had prompted your decision to join the lilywhites in the late 1970’s?

Jimmy: Of course, Joe Kinnear was one reason.

Could you talk me through the day you made your Spurs debut?

Jimmy: Played at home against West Brom and had a great right winger playing against me, Laurie Cunningham. Good game, 1-1.

As a Dubliner yourself, you may be aware of the highly rated Irish striker Troy Parrott who is currently a part of the Tottenham academy. As a player who came to play in England as a young man, what would your advice be to this latest Spurs starlet as he looks to carve a career for himself at the lilywhites?

Jimmy: I would tell Troy listen and learn and try to be honest in everything that you do. Train hard and don’t leave anything out on the field.