Spurs’ Under 18 side faced Crystal Palace on Saturday morning at their training ground in south London, in a Premier League South fixture. Spurs won the game 3-1, and they had a good game, from start to finish. Captain Luca Gunter started in goal for Spurs, as George Abbott, Alfie Dorrington, Archie Chaplin and Will Andiyapan started in defence. Rio Kyerematen and Tyrese Hall started in central midfield, and Damola Ajayi and Jaden Williams started the game out on the flanks, either side of CAM Jamie Donley. Will Lankshear led the line for Spurs. Crystal Palace got the game underway. Will Lankshear headed a cross from Will Andiyapan wide inside the Crystal Palace box early on in the game, before Spurs took the lead in the ninth minute of the match. Tyrese Hall’s low cross from the right side of the Crystal Palace box found Will Lankshear just in front of the goal, but the former Sheffield United player was unable to control the ball, as it came to Jamie Donley, who was able to finish from close range, 1-0.

After Rio Kyerematen went forward with the ball from midfield he passed the ball forward well to Will Lankshear, who had made a run in between the Crystal Palace defence. Lankshear passed the ball across the goal to Jaden Williams, who was able to tap home from close range, 2-0. Archie Chaplin did well to block Zach Marsh’s effort inside the Spurs box, before Crystal Palace managed to get a goal. Caleb Kporha skilfully worked his way into the Spurs box, before finding the bottom left corner of Luca Gunter’s goal, 1-2. Alfie Dorrington blocked Jake Grante’s effort well inside the Spurs penalty area soon after, before a long ball over the top of the Crystal Palace defence from Damola Ajayi, sent Will Lankshear through on goal. However, Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jackson Izquierdo came rushing out of his goal, and he ended up clattering into Lankshear, and after consulting with the linesman on the far side, the referee showed him a red card. Jamie Donley sent the resulting free-kick from distance over the goal.

The impressive Rio Kyerematen had an effort deflected just wide of the Crystal Palace goal, from the edge of their penalty area. George Abbott then had a curling effort which was pushed behind by Laurence Shala, just before half-time. Spurs got  the second half underway, and early on in the half Wales youth international Will Andiyapan had a low effort from distance saved by the Crystal Palace goalkeeper. Luca Gunter saved Freddie Bell’s effort from the edge of the Spurs box, before Spurs regained their two goal lead on 59 minutes. The influential Jamie Donley’s low cross from the left flank managed to find Will Lankshear in the centre of the Crystal Palace penalty area, and he finished well past the goalkeeper in clinical fashion, 3-1. Adler Nascimento hit an effort over the Spurs goal from inside their penalty area, as the home side tried to respond. Rio Kyerematen then hit an effort over from the edge of the Crystal Palace box, before having an effort blocked soon after.

Spurs continued to control the game, and after Jamie Donley’s effort inside the Crystal Palace box was blocked behind for a corner-kick, at the other end of the pitch Luca Gunter saved Adler Nascimento’s effort from a free-kick on the edge of the Spurs box. Alfie Dorrington then hit a low effort wide from distance, a couple of minutes before Oliver Irow and Yusuf Akhamrich came on for Damola Ajayi and Will Lankshear. The substitute Oliver Irow hit an effort just wide of the goal, from the edge of the Crystal Palace box. Kieran Morgan replaced Will Andiyapan soon after, before Dorrington did well to block an effort towards goal from Caleb Kporha. Luca Gunter saved another Crystal Palace effort, this time from a corner-kick, before then saving Eyimofe Jemide’s headed effort on goal. Jamie Donley had a late effort blocked on the edge of the box, with Tyrese Hall then departing the field moments later, after an impressive performance on his return to the side, as he was replaced by Riley Owen. Jaden Williams had an effort blocked, with Yusuf Akhamrich then hitting an effort over the goal, after getting on the ball following a Spurs free-kick. The referee sounded his whistle for full-time shortly after. Spurs’ next game (in the league) is at home to Norwich City on Tuesday.

My man of the match – Alfie Dorrington. Showing his quality on the ball throughout the entirety of the match, central defender Alfie Dorrington made some good defensive decisions and blocks against Crystal Palace. The England Under 18 international also read the game impressively, and his overall performance was once again of a very good quality.

Spurs’ Under 18 side welcomed Chelsea to Hotspur Way for a Premier League South fixture on Saturday morning. Head coach Stuart Lewis saw his side lose the game 2-1, but it was still in my opinion a good performance from his side. Spurs lined-up with captain Luca Gunter in goal, as George Abbott, Alfie Dorrington, Archie Chaplin and Maxwell McKnight started the game in defence. Rio Kyerematen and Callum Olusesi started in central midfield for Spurs, as Jaden Williams and Mikey Moore started the game out on the flanks, either side of CAM Jamie Donley. Will Lankshear led the line for Spurs, who got the game underway. The game started at a good pace, and early on in the match Maxwell McKnight made a good headed clearance at the back post of the Spurs goal, to clear away Frankie Runham’s good cross. Travis Akomeah had a headed effort from a free-kick saved by Luca Gunter, before Archie Chaplin made an excellent sliding challenge to take the ball off of Tudor Mendel-Idowu, who was through on goal inside the Spurs penalty area.

After receiving Mikey Moore’s good pass inside the Chelsea box, Jamie Donley had a powerful effort saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Ted Curd. After going on a good run into the Chelsea box, Mikey Moore had an effort saved, before then having a low effort from distance saved a couple of minutes later. Louis Flower headed over Somto Boniface’s cross, and then he had a header saved by Luca Gunter shortly after. Jaden Williams headed wide Maxwell McKnight’s good cross into the Chelsea box, before Chelsea took the lead. After Frankie Runham had got past George Abbott on the left flank, the Chelsea winger found Michael Golding inside the Spurs box, and the midfielder curled an effort past Luca Gunter and into the Spurs goal, 0-1. Spurs tried to respond before half-time. After receiving Callum Olusesi’s pass inside the Chelsea box, Will Lankshear had an effort blocked, before Maxwell McKnight also had an effort blocked, with Jaden Williams then having an effort saved by the Chelsea goalkeeper.

Tudor Mendel-Idowu’s effort from the edge of the Spurs box was saved by Luca Gunter, before Spurs went forward with the ball. Maxwell McKnight brought the ball forward at pace, and he then played a one-two pass with Mikey Moore, before having an effort blocked. Archie Chaplin was shown a yellow card, and shortly after Frankie Runham’s free-kick delivery to Louis Flower resulted in the Chelsea forward having his good looping header well saved by Luca Gunter. Callum Olusesi was then shown a yellow card, just before Spurs managed to get an equalising goal. Rio Kyerematen managed to get on the ball, before passing it out to Mikey Moore on the left flank. The Spurs winger then found Jamie Donley on the right side of the Spurs box, and he was able to finish low past Ted Curd, 1-1. Louis Flower then hit an effort wide, across the Spurs goal from the left side of the Spurs box, just before the referee sounded his whistle for half-time.

Chelsea got the second half underway. A good turn inside the Chelsea box by Mikey Moore resulted in the Spurs winger having his effort deflected just wide of Ted Curd’s goal. Lankshear had an effort blocked on the left side of the Chelsea penalty area, with Alfie Dorrington’s lofted pass to Mikey Moore on the left flank seeing him take the ball into the Chelsea box really well, before having an effort saved by the goalkeeper. Alfie Dorrington blocked an effort inside the Spurs box at the other end of the pitch, before Luca Gunter managed to save Frankie Runham’s effort from inside the Spurs box. Spurs made a double change shortly after, as Han Willhoft-King and Damola Ajayi came on to replace Jaden Williams and Callum Olusesi respectively. Tudor Mendel-Idowu headed Harrison McMahon’s cross wide form inside the Spurs box, and then Frankie Runham hit an effort over the goal from the edge of the penalty area.

After receiving Tudor Mendel-Idowu’s pass just outside of the Spurs box, Josh Acheampong hit a powerful and quite unstoppable effort into the top left corner of Luca Gunter’s goal, 1-2. Luca Gunter then tipped over Tudor Mendel-Idowu’s headed effort from a cross into the Spurs box, before at the other end of the pitch Rio Kyerematen won a free-kick on the edge of the Chelsea box, which Jamie Donley then hit over the goal. A pass from Donley to Lankshear on the left side of the Chelsea box, saw the former Sheffield United player have his effort blocked by Harrison Murray-Campbell. Lankshear then had an effort from the right side of the Chelsea box tipped over by Ted Curd, before Rio Kyerematen had an effort on goal blocked. After receiving Damola Ajayi’s pass on the left side of the Chelsea box, the impressive Mikey Moore went past Frankie Runham, before having an effort saved by Ted Curd. Yusuf Akhamrich came on to replace Rio Kyerematen, and soon afterwards the winger went forward down Chelsea’s left side at pace, before crossing into the Chelsea box, but Jamie Donley’s header was saved. The referee sounded his whistle for full-time not long after. 

Spurs’ Under 18 side face Crystal Palace (away) next Saturday, in what is their next league fixture.

My man of the match – Maxwell McKnight. Playing out of position at left-back for the game against Chelsea on Saturday, second year scholar Maxwell McKnight continued his impressive start to the 2022/23 season by putting in a very good defensive performance against Chelsea, in my opinion. The player from Colchester in Essex, kept very good positioning throughout the match, and he defended really well against the talented and very creative Tudor Mendel-Idowu. Maxwell also got forward well, but it was his very good reading of the game and decision making, which impressed me most today.

Spurs’ Under 21 side faced West Ham United at the Rush Green Stadium on Friday evening, in their final Premier League 2 fixture until January. Spurs lost the game 1-0 to a resolute defensive West Ham side. Spurs lined-up with Josh Keeley in goal, as Kallum Cesay, Malachi Fagan-Walcott, Brooklyn Lyons-Foster and captain Matthew Craig started in defence for Spurs. Pape Matar Sarr and Harvey White started the game in central midfield, and Jamie Donley and Romaine Mundle started the match out on the flanks, either side of CAM Alfie Devine. Yago Santiago led the line for Spurs, who got the match underway. Will Greenidge blocked Jamie Donley’s early effort inside the West Ham penalty area, before Malachi Fagan-Walcott blocked Kamarai Simon-Swyer’s effort inside the Spurs box, a couple of minutes later. Spurs were starting to control the game, and after exchanging passes with Alfie Devine on the right side of the West Ham box, Kallum Cesay curled an effort over the goal. Matthew Craig received a yellow card, before Harvey White hit a good effort just over the West Ham goal, from distance.

After receiving Yago Santiago’s pass on the edge of the West Ham box, Romaine Mundle hit an effort over the goal. Then a couple of minutes later Brooklyn Lyons-Foster made a good and important clearance from Kamarai Simon-Swyer’s cross into the Spurs box. After Harvey White had conceded a free-kick and was shown a yellow card for a foul on the edge of the Spurs box, West Ham’s Oliver Scarles stepped-up to curl a really good effort into the top right corner of Josh Keeley’s goal, leaving the Spurs goalkeeper with no chance. The referee sounded his whistle for half-time shortly after. West Ham got the second half underway. Nile John had replaced Pape Matar Sarr at half-time. And the Spurs midfielder headed wide an early cross from Kallum Cesay, soon after the second half had started. Romaine Mundle was fouled by Michael Forbes inside the West Ham box, shortly after, resulting in a penalty kick for Spurs. Jamie Donley stepped-up to take the penalty, but his effort was saved really well to his left, by goalkeeper Krisztian Hegyi. 

Nile John hit an effort over from distance, before then having a curling effort from the edge of the West Ham box saved by Hegyi. After meeting a good through-ball pass, Kamarai Simon-Swyer continued with the ball into the Spurs box, but his effort from a difficult angle went wide of the goal. Harvey White had an effort saved from the edge of the West Ham box, and then the midfielder delivered a cross for Jamie Donley, inside the West Ham box, but Donley’s effort was saved by Hegyi. Damola Ajayi came on to replace Romaine Mundle, before Brooklyn Lyons-Foster did well to block an effort from Keenan Appiah-Forson. Malachi Fagan-Walcott then received a yellow card. Spurs were trying hard to find that equalising goal. Kallum Cesay hit an effort over from the edge of the West Ham box, and then Malachi Fagan-Walcott had a headed effort cleared inside the West Ham box. 

Harvey White’s late effort from the edge of the West Ham box was saved, before West Ham went forward with the ball. The move ended with Brooklyn Lyons-Foster making a great sliding block, to stop Gideon Kodua from testing Keeley, on the right side of the Spurs box. The referee sounded his final whistle shortly after. Spurs’ Under 21 side now don’t have a competitive game until early January, when they face Liverpool away.

My Spurs player of the match – Brooklyn Lyons-Foster. The left sided central defender had in my opinion another very strong defensive game. Lyons-Foster defended really well I thought alongside Malachi Fagan-Walcott, and his reading of the game and overall decision making was good. He also made some good defensive interventions.

Spurs’ Under 21 side faced Chelsea at Kingsmeadow, in a Premier League 2 fixture on Monday evening. Spurs lost the game 3-0. Wayne Burnett’s side lined-up with Josh Keeley in goal, and Malachi Fagan-Walcott, Brooklyn Lyons-Foster, Charlie Sayers and Kallum Cesay started in defence for Spurs. Matthew Craig, captain Nile John and Alfie Devine started in midfield, as Romaine Mundle and Roshaun Mathurin started out on the flanks, either side of centre-forward Yago Santiago. Chelsea got the match underway, and the home side started the game the better of the two sides. Jude Soonsup-Bell hit a very early effort wide from the inside the Spurs box, with defender Brooklyn Lyons-Foster doing well to close down the angles for him. Matthew Craig then made a good and very important defensive recovery, before Josh Keeley saved Charlie Webster’s effort from the edge of the Spurs penalty area. 

Brooklyn Lyons-Foster received a yellow card on 19 minutes, as Chelsea continued their good start to the match. Kallum Cesay did well to deflect behind an effort from Dion Rankine inside the Spurs box, before Spurs created a good chance of their own. Roshaun Mathurin did well to pass the ball to Alfie Devine, who went forward with the ball at pace from midfield. He eventually worked his way into the Chelsea box, skilfully going past both Zak Sturge and Benjamin Elliott, before hitting a low effort just wide of the goal. Roshaun Mathurin had a good low cross from the left side of the Chelsea penalty area cleared away by goalkeeper Eddie Beach, as Spurs started to grow into the game. Kallum Cesay was shown a yellow card after conceding a free-kick on the edge of the Spurs box, in what was a good chance for Chelsea. However, Jude Soonsup-Bell’s effort hit the Spurs wall, before Charlie Webster hit an effort over on the edge of the Spurs box, soon after.

Malachi Fagan-Walcott headed wide a corner-kick from Romaine Mundle, and then a cross from Romaine Mundle to Yago Santiago in the Chelsea box, resulted in Santiago having his first time effort saved by the Chelsea goalkeeper, Eddie Beach. Brooklyn Lyons-Foster then had a headed effort blocked inside the Chelsea box, before at the other end of the pitch Benjamin Elliott’s effort from the edge of the Spurs box, wasn’t fully gathered by Josh Keeley, with Charlie Sayers eventually clearing the ball. After Lyons-Foster had cleared away a cross, Jude Soonsup-Bell had a headed effort saved by Josh Keeley. The Spurs goalkeeper then saved well from Charlie Webster’s effort inside the Spurs box, and then moments later he got a vital foot on the ball to divert Webster’s effort from the left side of the Spurs penalty area. The referee sounded his whistle for half-time shortly after. Spurs got the second half underway. 

Josh Keeley saved well with his feet after Dylan Williams’ cross was met by Dion Rankine at Keeley’s far post, whose good volleyed effort was saved. After Yago Santiago went forward with the ball, he had an effort blocked on the edge of the Chelsea box. After Cesare Casadei headed a Chelsea corner-kick to Alfie Gilchrist inside the Spurs box, the defender volleyed an effort wide of the Spurs goal. Soon after Lyons-Foster made an important defensive intervention, before Romaine Mundle had an effort saved from the edge of the Chelsea box. However, Chelsea took the lead soon after. Dion Rankine passed the ball to Jude Soonsup-Bell on the left side of the Spurs box, and he found the far corner of Josh Keeley’s goal with a powerful effort. Soon after the game got started again, Lyons-Foster did well to make another good defensive intervention, before Cesare Casadei hit an effort just wide from inside the Spurs penalty area.

Spurs made two changes during the second half, as Marqes Muir and Jamie Donley came on to replace Roshaun Mathurin and Charlie Sayers respectively. Around a minute after being introduced to the match, Jamie Donley had a great chance for Spurs. After receiving Nile John’s pass on the right side of the Chelsea box, Donley hit an effort off his left foot into the side-netting of the goal. Chelsea then made it 2-0, shortly after Matthew Craig had blocked Leo Castledine’s effort inside the Spurs box, Charlie Webster hit a powerful effort in off Josh Keeley’s right post, 0-2. Malachi Fagan-Walcott headed over Romaine Mundle’s corner-kick, before Brooklyn Lyons-Foster had an effort from close range, inside the Chelsea box, saved by Eddie Beach. However, Chelsea then went forward with the ball, as Cesare Casadei passed the ball through to Malik Mothersille, who went forward into the Spurs box and finished low past Josh Keeley, 0-3. Romaine Mundle received a late yellow card before the referee sounded his whistle for full-time. Spurs’ final Premier League 2 fixture of 2022, is on Friday evening at the Rush Green Stadium, as they face West Ham United.

My Spurs player of the match – Brooklyn Lyons-Foster. The central defender, who started the match against Chelsea on the right side of central defence, was in my opinion Spurs’ best player on the day. Lyons-Foster read the game very well I thought, and he made some good and important defensive interventions during the game. His maturity, calmness and composure on the ball was clear to see throughout the match. It’s great to see him playing regular football again for Spurs after his injury.

Spurs’ Under 21 side faced Manchester United at Stevenage’s Lamex Stadium, on Saturday afternoon in a Premier League 2 fixture. Wayne Burnett’s Spurs side recorded a 1-1 draw with Manchester United. Spurs lined-up with Josh Keeley in goal, while Matthew Craig, Brooklyn Lyons-Foster, Malachi Fagan-Walcott and Kallum Cesay started in defence. Pape Matar Sarr (Premier League 2 debut for Spurs) and Harvey White started in central midfield, as Romaine Mundle and captain Nile John started out on the flanks, either side of CAM Alfie Devine. Yago Santiago led the line for Spurs. Manchester United got the match underway. Early on in the match Spurs conceded a penalty, after Pape Matar Sarr had tripped the skilful Zidane Iqbal inside the Spurs penalty area. However, Noam Emeran’s resulting effort from the penalty spot went over Josh Keeley’s crossbar. Nile John then had an effort blocked off the line by a defender inside the Manchester United box, before Alfie Devine had a good chance to take the lead for Spurs. After receiving Santiago’s pass, Devine went forward with the ball into the Manchester United penalty area, before having his effort well saved by Radek Vitek, with Romaine Mundle then hitting an effort wide from the edge of the penalty area.

After Shola Shoretire went past Lyons-Foster down the left side of the Spurs box, the skilful CAM hit an effort off the inside off Keeley’s left post. Shola Shoretire then hit an effort wide of the Spurs goal from inside their penalty area, with Keeley saving Omari Forson’s effort from distance. Romaine Mundle hit a low effort wide from the edge of the Manchester United box, as the game continued to be a lively one. In the 41st minute of the game Spurs took the lead. It was a well worked move which led to the goal, as Devine’s lofted pass to Yago Santiago in the middle of the Manchester United penalty area, resulted in Santiago finding the bottom right corner of the goal, 1-0. Late on in the first half Romaine Mundle hit an effort wide of the goal from inside the Manchester United box, before Matthew Craig had a low effort cleared off the line, in what was the final chance of the half.

Spurs got the second half underway. Kallum Cesay received an early yellow card, before Spurs came so close to doubling their lead. Harvey White’s short pass to Romaine Mundle from a free-kick on the left flank, resulted in Mundle delivering a good ball into the Manchester United box. Malachi Fagan-Walcott headed Mundle’s cross across the face of the goal, to Brooklyn Lyons-Foster, whose volleyed effort from close range hit the crossbar. Toby Collyer blocked an effort from Romaine Mundle, before Josh Keeley made a good save from Charlie Savage, from a tight angle inside the Spurs box. Will Lankshear came on to replace Pape Matar Sarr, just after former Spurs player Tom Huddlestone was substituted on for Manchester United. Rhys Bennett headed a Manchester United corner-kick wide across Josh Keeley’s goal, and then a couple of minutes later the same player headed Shola Shoretire’s free-kick delivery just wide, inside the Spurs box.

Defender Marqes Muir replaced Romaine Mundle, just before Spurs’ goalkeeper Josh Keeley received a yellow card for time wasting. After Marc Jurado went past Marqes Muir with the ball on the right side of the Spurs penalty area, he squared the ball for Shola Shoretire, whose effort went just wide of the goal. Manchester United captain Teden Mengi headed wide Shola Shoretire’s corner-kick, as the game started to come closer to the final whistle. Max Robson replaced Harvey White for Spurs’ final substitution, and then after Marqes Muir had blocked well Noam Emeran’s effort inside the Spurs box, Manchester United equalised late in second half additional time. After Manchester United went forward with the ball in search of a late equaliser, the ball came to Marc Jurado on the right side of the Spurs box, and with his left foot he found the top left corner of Josh Keeley’s goal well, 1-1. The referee sounded his whistle for full-time shortly after. Wayne Burnett’s side face Chelsea away, in their next Premier League 2 fixture, on Monday the 7th of November. 

Player reviews:

• Josh Keeley: The Spurs goalkeeper made some good and also some comfortable saves during the match, although he wasn’t tested greatly in goal. However, the 19 year old impressed once again with his all-round play.
• Matthew Craig: The right-back for this match, midfielder Matthew Craig had in my opinion a solid game defensively, up against Noam Emeran.
• Malachi Fagan-Walcott: My man of the match, see below.
• Brooklyn Lyons-Foster: The versatile and experienced player started and completed the whole of the match on Saturday on the left side of central defence. Lyons-Foster did well defensively alongside Malachi Fagan-Walcott, and he made some good decisions in defence, during the match. He was also very unlucky not to score a goal, early on in the second half.
• Kallum Cesay: The Sierra Leone international started the game at left-back, before moving out to the right flank where he played for some of the second half as a winger, and where he showed some fine skill on the ball.
• Pape Matar Sarr: The Senegal international played the game at a good tempo and he pressed the Manchester United players well, from his defensive-midfield role during his time on the pitch.
• Harvey White: The central midfielder did well both on and off the ball in midfield, and he played his part in what was a good team performance from Spurs.
• Romaine Mundle: The skilful winger went on some good runs at pace down the right flank, during his time on the pitch.
• Alfie Devine: Involved a lot in Spurs’ play in the forward areas of the pitch, Alfie Devine did well in the CAM position for Spurs, against Manchester United. Cleverly setting up Yago Santiago’s goal during the first half, Devine came close to scoring a goal himself during the first half, and his movement off the ball was as good as always.
• Nile John: The Spurs captain started the game on the left flank as a winger, initially. However, John finished the game in central midfield.
• Yago Santiago: The centre-forward for most of the match had another good game for Spurs. His movement off the ball, link-up play and hold-up play was impressive, and he took his first half goal really well. 
• Will Lankshear: The second half substitute went up front to play in the centre-forward position.
• Marqes Muir: Playing at left-back during the second half after being substituted on, defender Marqes Muir made two important defensive interventions during his time on the pitch.
• Max Robson: The late substitute made one good run at pace off the ball to try and support Yago Santiago’s forward run during a late Spurs chance.

My man of the match – Malachi Fagan-Walcott. The central defender has being playing really well recently for the Spurs Under 21 side. The 20 year old was once again assertive in defence, and I don’t recall him making a single error during the match against Manchester United.

Spurs’ Under 19 side welcomed Portuguese side Sporting Clube de Portugal to Hotspur Way on Wednesday afternoon, for a UEFA Youth League group-stage fixture. It was the second last such group-stage fixture for both sides in the 2022/23 edition of the competition, and unfortunately Spurs lost the game 2-1, meaning that they are now officially out of the competition, with one game still to play. Spurs lined-up with Aaron Maguire in goal, while George Abbott, Alfie Dorrington, Archie Chaplin and Jahziah Linton started in defence. Captain Nile John and Alfie Devine started in central midfield, with Yago Santiago and Romaine Mundle starting out on the flanks, either side of CAM Jamie Donley. Will Lankshear, on his first start for the club, led the line for Spurs, who got the game underway.

The game couldn’t have started any better for Spurs, who took an early lead through Will Lankshear. After Sporting Clube de Portugal captain Renato De Palma Veiga had given the ball away to Lankshear inside the Sporting Clube de Portugal box, Lankshear showed good composure, before calmly finding the bottom left corner of the goal, 1-0. Sporting Clube de Portugal responded well however, and an effort from Diogo Gomes Cabral from the right side of the Spurs box, was saved well by Aaron Maguire. A couple of minutes later Afonso Bastardo Moreira volleyed wide Diogo Gomes Cabral’s cross away from the Spurs goal. At the other end of the pitch George Abbott hit an effort over the goal, before Marco Sousa Cruz headed just wide from Afonso Bastardo Moreira’s corner-kick. Aaron Maguire gathered a ball well inside his penalty area, shortly after. George Abbott blocked an effort well inside the Spurs box, before a good Sporting Clube de Portugal move resulted in an equalising goal.

Marco Sousa Cruz found the left corner of the Spurs goal with a curling effort from inside their penalty area, after receiving a pass, 1-1. Archie Chaplin did well to divert Samuel Loureiro Carvalho Justo’s effort inside the Spurs penalty area. Nile John and George Abbott both blocked efforts well in quick succession, before Jahziah Linton was shown a yellow card after making a foul. Jamie Donley hit an effort wide of the Sporting goal from inside their penalty area, after receiving a pass from Alfie Devine. Jahziah Linton then blocked Diogo Gomes Cabral’s late effort, before the referee sounded his whistle for half-time. Sporting Clube de Portugal got the second half underway, after Spurs had made a change, as Maxwell McKnight came on to replace Jahziah Linton. Jaden Williams came on to replace Will Lankshear soon after, before Sporting took the lead for the first time in the game. Alfie Dorrington had initially done really well to block Rodrigo Duarte Ribeiro’s effort inside the Spurs box, but Marco Sousa Cruz managed to get on the ball, and his effort went in off Aaron Maguire’s left post, 1-2.

Spurs made a double change as Yago Santiago and the injured Alfie Dorrington were replaced by Damola Ajayi and Mikey Moore, respectively. Jamie Donley and Romaine Mundle were both shown yellow cards, before Spurs made their final change of the game. As Callum Olusesi came on to replace Romaine Mundle. Aaron Maguire saved Pedro Baldé Sanca’s low effort from the edge of the Spurs penalty area, in what was the next chance in the match. Renato De Palma Veiga hit a powerful effort wide of the Spurs goal, before Pedro Baldé Sanca hit an effort wide of Aaron Maguire’s goal, from the left side of the Spurs box. The alert Aaron Maguire, who was having a good game, saved Diogo Travassos’ free-kick, and then at the other end of the pitch Mikey Moore had a good effort from the right side of the Sporting penalty area saved by Diego Calai Silva. Jamie Donley, who was now playing in central defence, blocked a late Sporting effort well, before the referee sounded his whistle for full-time. Spurs’ final game of the competition takes place next Tuesday, when they face Olympique de Marseille, in Marseille.

Player reviews:

• Aaron Maguire: The Spurs goalkeeper and first year professional had a good, solid game in goal for Spurs. Maguire made a good save early on in the game, and he would later make some good decisions during the game.
• George Abbott: My man of the match, see below.
• Alfie Dorrington: The 17 year old central defender had in my opinion an impressive game. The England Under 18 international was good on the ball, but his reading of the game and impression on the game inside Spurs’ half of the pitch, was good and he read the game really well. He had to leave the pitch in the second half because of injury, but hopefully he will return soon.
• Archie Chaplin: The first year scholar worked well alongside the slightly more experienced Alfie Dorrington in central defence, and like Dorrington, he had quite a lot of defending to do during the match.
• Jahziah Linton: The left-back had quite a bit of defending to do during the first half, but after receiving a yellow card during the first half he was replaced by Maxwell McKnight at half-time.
• Nile John: The Spurs captain played as the deepest of the two central midfielders, and he tried to keep the ball moving in the central areas of the pitch, while also doing quite a bit of defending.
• Alfie Devine: Always trying to be inventive on the ball and be creative with it, Devine went on some good surging forward runs with the ball from midfield.
• Yago Santiago: The forward started the game out on the right flank, and during the first half in particular he was particularly creative with the ball, at times.
• Jamie Donley: Starting the match in the CAM position, Jamie Donley looked to link the play with Will Lankshear. Following Alfie Dorrington’s injury during the second half, Donley finished the match in central defence. He did well in central defence.
• Romaine Mundle: The winger started the game on the left flank, and he took most of Spurs’ set-pieces during the match.
• Will Lankshear: The centre-forward took his early goal well, and he worked very hard off the ball during his time on the pitch.
• Maxwell McKnight: The substitute came on for the start of the second half, and while he had quite a bit of defending to do, he did well defensively, in my opinion.
• Jaden Williams: The second half substitute came on to play out on the right flank initially, before the finishing the game in the centre-forward position.
• Damola Ajayi: The second half substitute went into midfield during his time on the pitch.
• Mikey Moore: The second half substitute impressed at times during his time on the pitch as a winger.
• Callum Olusesi: Callum Olusesi came on in the match as a late substitute.

My man of the match – George Abbott. The central midfielder once again started at right-back, and in my opinion I thought that he did really well. The 17 year old was tenacious, kept good defensive positioning, and he made some excellent blocks. Abbott’s reading of the game was as always very good, and he looked really confident against Sporting Clube de Portugal.

Spurs’ Under 18 side faced Fulham in a Premier League South fixture at their Motspur Park training ground, on Saturday. Spurs lost the game 6-0, and it was a game in which Fulham were the much better team. Spurs lined-up with captain Luca Gunter in goal, while Brandon Bryan-Waugh, Archie Chaplin, Jahziah Linton and Maeson King started in defence. Callum Olusesi and Mikey Moore started in central midfield, as Maxwell McKnight and Riley Owen started out on the flanks, either side of CAM Damola Ajayi. Jaden Williams led the line for Spurs, who got the game underway. Fulham started the game well, and after Oliver Gofford had hit an effort over Luca Gunter’s goal from the centre of the Spurs box, Aaron Loupalo met a cross from the right flank, inside the Spurs box. However, his effort was saved by Luca Gunter. Jaden Williams had an effort blocked by Caelan Avenall inside the Fulham box, before Archie Chaplin blocked Oliver Gofford’s effort at the other end of the pitch. 

Mikey Moore blocked an effort from Terrell Works, as Fulham continued their good start to the game. Archie Chaplin made a good recovery challenge on Aaron Loupalo, before the Fulham centre-forward received a through-ball pass, before continuing into the Spurs box. However, Luca Gunter read the situation well, and he was able to get an important hand on the ball. After winning a free-kick near the edge of the Fulham box, Mikey Moore hit an effort towards goal, which was deflected behind by the Fulham wall. Archie Chaplin did well to block an effort from Oliver Gofford, off the line inside the Spurs box, before Fulham won a penalty. Lemar Gordon was brought down by Jahziah Linton inside the Spurs box, as the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Terrell Works stepped up to find the bottom left corner of the Spurs goal, 0-1.

Not long after Fulham had taken the lead, the home side got another goal. Brandon Bryan-Waugh’s clearance inside the Spurs box following a Fulham chance, came to Oliver Gofford, who finished low past Luca Gunter, 0-2. After Aaron Loupalo turned his way past Archie Chaplin, the Fulham forward went forward with the ball and into the Spurs box. Luca Gunter was initially able to gather the ball, before Aaron Loupalo managed to get on the ball again, and this time he found the back of the net, 0-3. After dribbling his way into the Fulham box well, Callum Olusesi hit an effort over their goal. Archie Chaplin made a good challenge on Aaron Loupalo, inside the Spurs box, before Fulham extended their lead. Terrell Works passed the ball to Aaron Loupalo on the right side of the Spurs box, and the first year scholar found the bottom left corner of the goal, in what was the final chance of the first half, 0-4.

Fulham got the second half underway. After receiving Terell Works’ pass inside the Spurs box, Aaron Loupalo hit an effort just wide of the Spurs goal. Han Willhoft-King came on to replace Callum Olusesi, before Thomas Bloxham came on to replace Damola Ajayi. The impressive Aaron Loupalo hit an effort over the Spurs goal from inside the penalty area, and then Archie Chaplin managed to block Lemar Gordon’s effort on the edge of the Spurs box. Riley Owen was shown a yellow card by the referee after making a strong challenge, and then Maxwell McKnight had an effort blocked by Harvey Araujo on the right side of the Fulham box. Brad De Jesus hit an effort wide from distance, before Han Willhoft-King blocked an effort from the same player shortly after. Thomas Bloxham hit an effort wide from the edge of the Fulham box, as Spurs tried to get back in to the game.

Yusuf Akhamrich came on to replace Riley Owen, and then Oliver Gofford hit an effort wide of the Spurs goal, from inside their penalty area. Substitute Callum Osmand further extended Fulham’s lead after receiving a pass inside the Spurs box, Callum Osmand found the bottom left corner of Luca Gunter’s goal, 0-5. Thomas Bloxham had an ambitious effort from distance saved, before Fulham got another goal. It was a good move by the home side, as Terrell Works passed the ball to Callum Osmand inside the Spurs box, and he then finished past Luca Gunter, 0-6. The referee sounded his whistle for full-time soon after. Spurs’ Under 18 side face Norwich City at home next Saturday, in their next Premier League South fixture.

Spurs’ Under 21 side faced League Two side Stevenage at the Lamex Stadium, on Tuesday evening, in their final group-stage fixture of the 2022/23 Papa Johns Trophy. Wayne Burnett’s Spurs side lost the game 1-0, meaning that they finished in fourth place in the group. Josh Keeley started in goal for Spurs, while Max Robson, Malachi Fagan-Walcott, Alfie Dorrington and Marqes Muir started in defence. Captain Matthew Craig, Kallum Cesay and Nile John started in central midfield. Romaine Mundle, Yago Santiago and Jamie Donley started in the forward areas for Spurs, who got the game underway. Jordan Roberts hit a volleyed effort over the Spurs goal, from the edge of the Spurs box, early on in the game. After skilfully turning his way past a Stevenage player, Yago Santiago worked his way into the Stevenage penalty area, before having an effort saved by Aaron Chapman, and Santiago’s resulting pass was read well by a Stevenage defender. 

Stevenage’s Danny Rose headed behind a cross inside the Spurs box, before a looping cross into the Spurs penalty area by Max Clark, was met by Jordan Roberts, whose volleyed effort went past Josh Keeley in the Spurs goal (he managed to get a hand on the ball), as it went into the goal, 0-1. Malachi Fagan-Walcott did well to clear away a low cross into the Spurs box by Kane Smith, shortly after the game got started again. Romaine Mundle had a curling effort from the edge of the Stevenage penalty area saved by Aaron Chapman, before Danny Rose volleyed over an effort inside the Spurs box, from a resulting free-kick. Danny Rose then had a free-kick effort from the right flank tipped over by Josh Keeley, in what was the final chance of the first half. 

Stevenage got the second half underway, and shortly after Jordan Roberts volleyed Max Clark’s cross (Nile John had received a yellow card, shortly before the chance) into the side-netting of Josh Keeley’s goal. Roberts was however, put off by Alfie Dorrington, who did well. Jamie Donley curled an effort wide from the right side of the Stevenage box, before Spurs made two substitutions, as Brooklyn Lyons-Foster and Will Lankshear came on for Romaine Mundle and Matthew Craig respectively. A good long pass from Malachi Fagan-Walcott over the top of the Stevenage defence, was able to find the run of Nile John who entered the penalty area, before having his low effort saved by the feet of Aaron Chapman. It was to be Spurs’ best chance of the game. Malachi Fagan-Walcott managed to block Jake Taylor’s effort well, before then doing really well to make a sliding block to stop Josh Keeley from having to make a save from Arthur Read’s effort. 

Stevenage were doing well in the game, and after Brooklyn Lyons-Foster had blocked Arthur Read’s effort, Dean Campbell’s deflected effort on the edge of the Spurs penalty area was saved by Josh Keeley. First year scholar Damola Ajayi replaced Jamie Donley late on in the game, before Nile John was shown a second yellow card after making a challenge. Roshaun Mathurin replaced Yago Santiago for the final minutes of the game, before the referee sounded his whistle for full-time. Spurs’ Under 21 side face Fulham on Saturday in the Premier League 2, in their next match. 

My Spurs player of the match – Malachi Fagan-Walcott. The 20 year old central defender had in my opinion a good game on the right side of central defence, alongside Alfie Dorrington, who also did well. Malachi Fagan-Walcott read the game well, made some good sliding challenges and blocks, and he was good on the ball. Also, Max Robson did well at right-back (this was the first time that I’d ever seen him start a game in that position), and Marqes Muir did well at left-back. In the forward areas of the pitch, I was impressed with Yago Santiago, and his movement off the ball. Also, Brooklyn Lyons-Foster made a good impression on the game, after being substituted on during the second half.

Spurs’ Under 21 side faced League One side Peterborough United at the Weston Homes Stadium, on Tuesday night, in what was Spurs’ second group game of the 2022/23 edition of the Papa John’s Trophy. Wayne Burnett’s Spurs side lost the game 3-0. Spurs lined-up with Adam Hayton in goal, while Maxwell McKnight, Marqes Muir, Malachi Fagan-Walcott and Will Andiyapan started in defence. Harvey White and Spurs’ captain Nile John started in central midfield, with Yago Santiago and Romaine Mundle starting out on the flanks, either side of CAM Max Robson. Jaden Williams led the line for Spurs, who got the game underway. After getting past Marqes Muir on the left flank, Ricky-Jade Jones managed to find Jonson Clarke-Harris inside the Spurs penalty area. However, Clarke-Harris’ effort went over the Spurs goal. Jonson Clarke-Harris headed over Joe Ward’s cross, before Romaine Mundle then had an effort blocked at the other end of the pitch.

After going into the Spurs box Ricky-Jade Jones had an effort on goal deflected behind, off of Marqes Muir. Peterborough had started the game well, and on 19 minutes they took the lead. Adam Hayton was unable to gather Kwame Poku’s corner-kick, as Joe Ward was then able to head the ball into the Spurs goal, 0-1. After going on a good run with the ball Romaine Mundle had an effort blocked by Frankie Kent. After turning with the ball Jonson Clarke-Harris had an effort from distance saved by Adam Hayton. Peterborough made it 2-0 shortly after, as Kwame Poku’s low cross from the right flank found Jack Taylor, whose effort from inside the Spurs box was saved by Adam Hayton, before Ricky-Jade Jones was able to finish from close range, 0-2. Adam Hayton was able to save a low effort from distance, before at the other end of the pitch, Romaine Mundle hit a low effort wide of the Peterborough goal, also from distance.

Kwame Poku volleyed an effort just wide of the Spurs goal, from Joe Ward’s cross, as Peterborough continued to be the better team. After receiving the ball inside the Spurs box, Jack Taylor turned with the ball, before hitting an effort on goal, which Adam Hayton saved, with Jonson Clarke-Harris then hitting an effort over the Spurs goal. Late on in the first half Adam Hayton did well to gather the ball from the feet of Jonson Clarke-Harris, before the referee sounded his whistle for half-time. Peterborough got the second half underway, and they soon extended their lead. After Yago Santiago had lost the ball, Jack Marriott went forward with the ball into the Spurs box, before curling a fine effort into the top right corner of Adam Hayton’s goal, 0-3. George Abbott came on to replace the injured Will Andiyapan, before Romaine Mundle had an effort from distance blocked.

Adam Hayton did well to save an effort from Jack Marriott inside the Spurs penalty area, after Spurs had given the ball away. Brooklyn Lyons-Foster came on to replace Max Robson, and then the alert Adam Hayton saved Kwame Poku’s effort from distance. The 18 year old Spurs goalkeeper then managed to save Jack Marriott’s clever volleyed effort on goal. Nile John had an effort blocked inside the Peterborough box, with Spurs then making further changes. As Damola Ajayi and Roshaun Mathurin came on to replace Jaden Williams and Nile John, respectively. Kwame Poku had an effort saved from the edge of the Spurs penalty area by Adam Hayton. The Spurs goalkeeper then saved well from Joe Taylor’s effort on the right side of the Spurs box. Joel Randall hit an effort just wide, after meeting a low cross inside the Spurs box, as the game started to come to an end.

George Abbott and Romaine Mundle both hit efforts over the Peterborough goal in quick succession, before the referee brought the game to an end. Spurs’ Under 21 side now don’t have a game until the 30th of September, when they face Brighton & Hove Albion (away) in the Premier League 2.

My Spurs player of the match – Maxwell McKnight. On his debut for the Spurs Under 21 side, the player who has so often played as a winger for the Spurs Under 18 side over the past year had in my opinion an impressive game, firstly at right-back, and then later at left-back, after Will Andiyapan had picked up an injury. Considering that this was his first ever appearance for the Spurs Under 21 side, the talented 17 year old showed fine defensive reading of the game. Maxwell has already made five competitive appearances for the Spurs Under 18 side, so far this season. Also, Romaine Mundle was in my opinion Spurs’ best forward during the game, as he showed some really good skill and pace on occasions, impressing whenever he got on the ball.

On Saturday Spurs’ Under 18 side faced Brighton & Hove Albion in an Under 18 Premier League South fixture, at Hotspur Way. Spurs won the game 3-0, and it was a good second half performance from Spurs, after quite an uneventful first half. Spurs lined-up with captain Luca Gunter in goal, as Maxwell McKnight, Archie Chaplin, Will Andiyapan and Jahziah Linton started in defence. George Abbott and Han Willhoft-King started in central midfield, with Mikey Moore and Riley Owen starting out wide on the flanks, either side of CAM Callum Olusesi. Oliver Irow led the line for Spurs, who got the game underway. George Abbott and Han Willhoft-King were both shown early yellow cards, before the first real chance of the game. That chance came Brighton’s way, as Remeiro Moulton hit a low effort wide of the Spurs goal, from the edge of their penalty area. 

Mikey Moore had an effort blocked inside the Brighton box, in what turned out to be the final chance of the first half. Brighton got the second half underway. Spurs had made a change at half-time as Tyrese Hall came on to replace Han Willhoft-King in central midfield. Charlie Penman hit an effort over the Spurs goal from the edge of their penalty area, before Brandon Bryan-Waugh came on to replace Callum Olusesi. Remeiro Moulton volleyed an effort from the edge of the Spurs box, before Luca Gunter tipped behind Yussif Owusu’s headed effort on goal, from a Brighton corner-kick. Thomas Bloxham replaced Riley Owen on 74 minutes, and then shortly after Maeson King replaced Jahziah Linton. Spurs did take the lead shortly after however, after Tyrese Hall had latched onto a loose pass. The midfielder then went forward with the ball before passing it to Oliver Irow, on the edge of the Brighton box. Oliver Irow continued into the penalty area before powerfully finishing past Brighton goalkeeper Tommy Reid, into the centre of the goal, 1-0. 

Archie Chaplin did well to block an effort from Remeiro Moulton inside the Spurs box, before Spurs doubled their lead. A cross from the right flank from the impressive Mikey Moore, managed to find Thomas Bloxham on the left side of the Brighton box. Bloxham’s resulting effort deflected off of a Brighton defender and went past the goalkeeper and into the goal, 2-0. Spurs made it 3-0 soon after, as Mikey Moore skilfully went past about four Brighton players, after going inside with the ball from the right flank, before entering the penalty area and finishing low past Tommy Reid, 3-0. James Roswell replaced Mikey Moore for the final minutes of the game, before the referee sounded his whistle for full-time. Spurs’ next competitive match at this level is away to Aston Villa in the Premier League South on Saturday the 1st of October.

Player reviews:

• Luca Gunter: The Spurs captain and goalkeeper made one important save during the second half. He was once again vocal throughout the match.
• Maxwell McKnight: Starting the match at right-back (he would also play further up the pitch at times in the game), Maxwell McKnight had a solid game defensively, and he got forward well on occasions as well.
• Archie Chaplin: The central defender defended well alongside Will Andiyapan, and he made some good and important decisions during the match.
• Will Andiyapan: Will Andiyapan did very well on the left side of central defence, alongside Archie Chaplin, and in the first half he made an important challenge inside the Spurs penalty area.
• Jahziah Linton: The left-back did well on the left flank defensively, and he also liked to get forward up the pitch, when he could.
• George Abbott: Tenacious and hardworking in central midfield, while also showing his quality on the ball on occasions, George Abbott got the assist for Mikey Moore’s late goal.
• Han Willhoft-King: The first year scholar completed the first half of the match with Brighton, in central midfield alongside George Abbott.
• Riley Owen: The winger started the game on the right flank. He linked up well with right-back Maxwell McKnight, and he also showed some good skill on the ball.
• Callum Olusesi: Callum Olusesi played in the CAM role for Spurs against Brighton, on Saturday. Olusesi would link-up with centre-forward Oliver Irow, during the game.
• Mikey Moore: My man of the match, see below.
• Oliver Irow: The centre-forward for the match, Oliver Irow worked well of the ball, and his movement was good. He also took his goal really well during the second half.
• Tyrese Hall: This was an impressive performance from second half substitute Tyrese Hall. Always looking to make that forward pass from his midfield role, the first year scholar was direct with the ball, and he showed some good skill, but he also worked very hard off the ball. Tyrese set-up Oliver Irow’s goal.
• Brandon Bryan-Waugh: The second half substitute made a really good impression on the game from the right-back position. Bryan-Waugh got forward really well, to support the forward players.
• Thomas Bloxham: The Republic of Ireland youth international took his goal well after being introduced to the game in the 74th minute. Thomas Bloxham looked lively during his time on the pitch.
• Maeson King: The defender came on in the 77th minute of the game to replace Jahziah Linton.
• James Roswell: The late substitute went into midfield late on in the match.

My man of the match – Mikey Moore. The schoolboy footballer and England youth international got a goal and an assist against Brighton, and during the second half the skilful and creative winger made a really good impression on the game. Mikey Moore went on a really good and skilful run for his goal, in the second half.