Spurs under 23’s 1-4 Leicester: (match report)

Our under 23’s were defeated 4-1 by Leicester city at White Hart Lane on Thursday evening, in what was their penultimate game of the PL2 season. It was a very tough game for our development squad on an emotional and physical level, against a strong Leicester city outfit. It was their first game since the tragic death of head coach Ugo Ehiogu, players and supporters took part in a poignant minutes applause ahead of kick off. Leicester city needed a win if they were to stand any chance of avoiding the drop, and Steve Beaglehole played a strong team which included players that had been involved in first team action for the foxes, with Poland international Bartosz Kapustka and Ben Hamer both starting. The game started with a flurry of chances for both sides, with Glover and Hamer both being forced into making some key saves. Kapustka had a really good chance for the visitors on 11 minutes when he received the ball inside the area, but his effort from close range was superbly blocked by a line of Spurs defenders. Tom Glover made an exceptional diving save to deny Harvey Barnes close range effort at his near post shortly afterwards. Openings were hard to come by for Spurs and their lack of creativity was punished on 23 minutes when Leicester took the lead through Harvey Barnes. The in swinging corner was missed by Glover with the ball falling to Barnes to flick in to an empty net, 1-0 Leicester. We went close to forcing an equaliser six minutes later, when Tracey who was one on one with Hamer had his effort well smothered by the 29 year old. We were on the back foot for the remainder of the first half, with Beaglehole’s side looking for their second. Leicester continued to create chances and tested Glover with some fine efforts.

The first half an hour of the second half was pretty uneventful with barely any clear cut chances for either side bar a testing effort from Shashoua which had Hamer down at his near post to thwart the effort. However, it was the visitors who doubled their advantage on 76 minutes when Josh Gordon netted for the foxes, Gordon had acres of space and time on the left side of the box before comfortably slotting the ball past Glover to effectively end the game. Things went from bad to worse a couple of minutes later, when Spurs goalkeeper Tom Glover was sent off. Barnes was through on goal with only Glover to beat when the forward attempted to lob Glover from outside the box, but the Australian was instinctive and in a moment of spontaneity he blocked his effort with his hands, the referee had no other choice but to send Glover on his way. Substitute goalkeeper Alfie Whiteman could do nothing about Barnes’ resulting free kick which he curled delightfully over the wall and into the back of the net from the edge of the area. Spurs’ defeat was complete seven minutes later, when Gordon netted his second of the game. Wood’s fine pass was calmly directed into the back of Whiteman’s net by the striker to put the foxes 4-0 ahead. However, just two minutes later we clawed back a consolation goal through Marcus Edwards, after the England youth international danced his way into the box with a lovely piece of skill before being fouled by Choudhury. Edwards stepped up to convert his penalty emphatically into the roof of the net, the final score Spurs under 23’s 1-4 Leicester.

The result from last nights match didn’t matter, it was a highly emotional game and the lads done their best against a strong and well structured Leicester side. Coach Matt Wells said the following: “Obviously we’re very disappointed, not only with the scoreline but also with something we tried to concentrate on before the game in terms of delivering a performance that fitted the occasion. There was a real drive and willingness among the players and staff to make the evening special and a fitting tribute to Ugo.” COYS

Player review:
– Tom Glover: Made a couple of really good saves during the first half, his sending off was an instinctive hand ball, you couldn’t really fault Glover for his intervention.
– Japhet Tanganga: Adapted well to the unfamiliar position of right back.
– Christian Maghoma: Excellent as always aerially, was decent at the back in what was a very busy night for the young centre half.
– Filip Lesniak: Made some good challenges in what was a hardworking but tough performance.
– Jaden Brown: I was impressed once again with Brown, he was defensively solid at left back and is adapting really well to under 23 football.
– Luke Amos: Tenacious performance from Amos who has just returned from a loan spell with Southend. Amos made some crunching tackles and was tidy and efficient throughout the game.
– Cy Goddard: Had yet another good game in the centre of the park, showed good feet and made some nice passes.
– Shilow Tracey: Worked his socks off, Tracey constantly looked for pockets of space and was unlucky not to get on the score sheet.
– Marcus Edwards: The source of Spurs’ creativity, a very good performance from a very good young player.
– Keanan Bennetts: Had some good moments down the right, caused problems for Wood with his searing pace.
– Kazaiah Sterling: Sterling worked hard but was never really involved in the game due to the lack of chances Spurs created.
– Samuel Shashoua: Fresh from his stunning performance for the under 18’s last Saturday. Shashoua came off the bench to make a good impact on the game during the second half, every time he got the ball he was looking to create or go forward, he also tested Hamer with a good effort from a tight angle.

My man of the match: Marcus Edwards was without doubt Spurs’ most influential player, Edwards was the bright spark in a team that was lacking creatively. Edwards embarked on a series of skilful runs and he got his rewards late on, after winning a penalty before firing it home from the spot.

Spurs: Glover, Tanganga, Brown, Amos, Maghoma, Lesniak (c), Bennetts (Marsh 82), Goddard (Shashoua 58), Tracey, Edwards, Sterling (Whiteman 79). Substitute (not used): Roles.

Leicester City: Hamer, Johnson, Wood, Hammond (Uche Rubio 80), Moore (c), Knight, Kapustka (Kaba Sherif 54), Choudhury, Gordon, Barnes, Martis (Watts 67). Substitutes (not used): Pascanu, Iversen (GK).

Goals: Spurs – Edwards 89 (pen); Leicester – Barnes 23, 80, Gordon 76, 87.

Yellow card: Spurs – Maghoma 74.

Red card: Spurs – Glover 78.

Referee: Dean Treleaven.

Attendance: 2,226.

Spurs under 18’s 5-2 Fulham: (match report)

“We played some really good football, we were high-energy and I thought we looked like we had some really good players.” (John McDermott)

Our under 18’s were in fine form this morning, as they thrashed fellow London club Fulham 5-2 in a thrilling game at Hotspur way. There was an emotional and respectful minutes silence before today’s game in tribute to Ugo Ehiogu who tragically passed away last week. I was treated to some breathtaking football this morning, McDermott’s highly attacking side brutally exposing Fulham’s defensive vulnerabilities putting in an exceptional offensive display. It was a game in which the Lillywhites produced chance after chance, McDermott’s side were so creative and sharp, on another day they could have ran out 7-0 winners! McDermott’s side were astute, playing down the wings through the highly effective duo of Keanan Bennetts and Samuel Shashoua. Spurs started the game well and it didn’t take them long to find their usual attacking rhythm, on 13 minutes Kazaiah Sterling forced a fine save out of Fulham goalkeeper Ashby-Hammond, with the rebound falling for Jack Roles who drilled an effort against the post. We came close again moments later, when Jaden Brown’s clever cross came to Sterling inside the box, his first time effort producing another fine save from the Fulham goalkeeper, before the ball was thwarted into the path of Bennetts, the goal was gaping at his mercy but he blasted over from just a couple of yards out, no one including himself could quite believe it. We continued to threaten Fulham’s defence, McDermott’s team were creating numerous chances and it was only a matter of time before they eventually took the lead. Roles showed great technique to rifle an effort narrowly over the crossbar before Sterling and Skipp saw their chances go close.

Spurs’ dominance was finally rewarded on 35 minutes when Jack Roles broke the deadlock for the Lillywhites. Sterling played a big part in the goal, the forward cutting inside his man before laying the ball off to Roles who made no mistake from close range burying the ball into the back of the net, 1-0. Our attacking superiority over the cottagers was growing, and just nine minutes later the youngster doubled their advantage with a well worked goal. Winger Keanan Bennetts who had been potent throughout the game, surged forward before finding Shashoua inside the box. The nimble footed winger turning on to his left foot before slotting the ball home, 2-0 to Spurs! Shortly after the interval Spurs resumed their attacking ways, Shashoua forcing Ashby-Hammond into making a brilliant reflex save as he clawed away Shashoua’s effort with a strong hand. However, we allowed Fulham a route back into the game on 52 minutes when Skipp brought York to the floor, Nwietniewski’s resulting effort converted to make the scores 2-1. However, McDermott’s side made an instant response from the kick off, Shashoua playing a one two with Roles before sending a delightful chip into the back of the net, simply sublime stuff! The lads were playing some scintillating football and were constantly striving for that next goal. And it didn’t take long before goal number 4 came along, anchor man Oliver Skipp picking out Keanan Bennetts with a delightful lofted pass, racing through on goal the winger was clinical as he calmly slotted home, 4-1 to Spurs!

Our lead became even greater 10 minutes from time, when Kazaiah Sterling deservedly got his first goal of the game to put us 5-1 ahead. Bennetts played Sterling in with a lovely cross from the right, and Sterling made no mistake as he poached the ball home, 5-1. Our defence temporarily went to sleep late on, at which point Harris had gotten through on goal to hammer home a consolation goal for the cottagers. The final score Spurs 5-2 Fulham, McDermott’s side treated the spectators to a wonderful attacking display, they outplayed Fulham in every way, their intensity overwhelmed Steve Wrigley’s side. Our under 18’s can hold their heads high after this superb performance which comes at a very difficult time for our academy.
Player review: – Alfie Whiteman: Done well when called into action, good in the air and made some fine saves,
– Tariq Hinds: Another impressive performance from the right back, very creative going forward and solid defensively.
– Jaden Brown: Defensively solid, read the game well.
– Oliver Skipp: Anchor man in the midfield set up Bennetts goal with a lovely assist.
– George Marsh: Fine performance from the captain done well to constantly snuff out danger.
– Japhet Tanganga: Dominant game from Tanganga, the centre half won everything in the air and linked up well with Marsh at the back. Also impressed me with his passing.
– Samuel Shashoua: Another vintage performance from my man of the match, see below.
– Dylan Duncan: One of our best players, was very creative with a lovely range of passing.
– Kazaiah Sterling: Worked incredibly hard throughout and got a much deserved goal.
– Jack Roles: Constantly managed to find openings, his goal today his 18th of the domestic season.
– Keanan Bennetts: Made a significant contribution to the game with his goal and two assists, pacy and powerful Bennetts terrorised the Fulham fullbacks, a top performance from the 18 year old.
My man of the match: Not for the first time this season it goes to Samuel Shashoua, the England youth international bagged a stunning brace and proved to be the most effective player in a game where many players shone. Shashoua’s trademark flare and dizzying skills gave the Fulham defence a nightmare of a time. I can’t sing this talented players praises high enough!

Spurs U18s: Whiteman, Hinds (Lock 76), Brown, Skipp (Omolabi 70), Marsh (c), Tanganga, Shashoua, Duncan, Sterling, Roles (Patterson 58), Bennetts. Substitute (not used): Freeman (GK).

Spurs under 23’s 1-4 Everton: (match report)

“There were five shots on target and they scored four, but for 65 minutes I thought we controlled the game if I’m being honest. We lacked a killer instinct, a bit of power and directness at times, plus a bit of cuteness – they were a bit cuter than us and played with a bit more football nous and league experience than we did. We were a little bit too honest in that respect.” (Ugo Ehiogu)

Our under 23’s fell to a 4-1 defeat against Everton, at Goodison park on Monday evening in a match where the score couldn’t give justice to a battling Spurs performance. I was at a bitterly cold Goodison park reporting on Monday evenings game where Ugo Ehiogu’s side gave a good account of themselves against top of the table Everton, the blues side including a selection of first team players including Muhamed Bešić and Ademola Lookman. There was a surprise inclusion on the team sheet, trialist Ryan Johnson who plays for Stevenage started for the Lillywhites at left centre back. The 20 year old centre half who has played 12 times for Stevenage’s first team, had a trial at Man United two years ago. After a fairly uneventful opening 25 minutes where a solid and defensively structured Spurs side controlled the tempo of the game, Spurs came close to breaking the deadlock when bright spark Marcus Edwards went close on 26 minutes. Edwards’s embarked on a mazy run into the Everton box skipping past an Everton defender before unleashing a shot from close range, which was well blocked by defender Brendan Galloway. Spurs were taking control of the game, and were beginning to look the much better side. Cy Goddard set up forward Shilow Tracey, when he slipped the ball through to the striker from a free kick, Tracey’s effort from a tight angle was well saved by Hewelt.

Everton went close at the other end when Calvert-Lewin powered a header narrowly wide of Glovers right post. Spurs went into the interval the better side, structured and in control they were dealing with an experienced Everton side with relative ease. Spurs continued to impress in the opening stages of the second half, the back three of Tanganga, Maghoma and Johnson well marshalled Everton’s attacking line. However, the potent Ademola Lookman opened the scoring for the blues on 64 minutes. The former Charlton player latched onto Galloway’s deflected cross at the far post, bundling the ball past Glover and into the net. Everton were starting to stamp their authority on the game and soon added their second eight minutes
later, Miller saw his long range effort well saved at the other end, before the blues doubled their advantage through Bassala Sambou. The newly introduced striker curled the ball wonderfully into the top corner as he turned past his man, a classy goal that left Glover rooted to his spot. However, Spurs fought back three minutes later when substitute Kazaiah Sterling nodded home Marcus Edwards cross, after some really good work from Edwards he created an opening, 2-1! The drama continued at a quick pace, Everton effectively ending the game just minutes after Spurs pulled a goal back. In a goal that was similar to their second, Kieran Dowell curled a delicious effort into the top corner of the net leaving Glover with no chance, 3-1 to Everton.

Everton rounded of the game with a fourth three minutes from time when a deflected pass from the defence was played straight into the feet of Calvert-Lewin, who stroked the ball home from close range. The final score Spurs 1-4 Everton, a game where the scoreline couldn’t have been further from the truth, we were the better side for the majority of the game, Ehiogu’s young side putting in a commendable display against a much older Everton side, they deserved a draw.

Player review: – Tom Glover: Everton’s goals were of no fault of his own, wasn’t called into action for the most part of the game.
– TJ Eyoma: Decent display at wing back from the under 18, stayed deep and looked comfortable up against the talented Lookman.
– Japhet Tanganga: Played well in an impressive defensive trio, strong on the ball and good in the air.
– Filip Lesniak: Lesniak had a brilliant game in the centre of park, flawless and as efficient as ever, he covered a lot of ground and won the praises of Ehiogu.
– Christian Maghoma: My man of the match, Maghoma made some crucial interventions, was good in the air and was a commanding presence with in the side.
– Ryan Johnson: I was really impressed with the 20 year old trialist, Johnson was composed and read the game well. He also showed a great passing ability.
– Will Miller: Not his usual effective self had a quiet game out wide, failing to make much of an impact.
– Cy Goddard: On a rare start Goddard proved to be one of our best players, very creative in the centre of the park.
– Shilow Tracey: Done well up front, pressed continuously and got into some good positions. Tracey has such a high work rate.
– Marcus Edwards: The Tottenham starlet was one of Spurs’ most creative players, his skilful runs causing the blues problems throughout the game.
– Jaden Brown: Adapted well to playing higher up the pitch, looked good both defensively and offensively.
– Kazaiah Sterling: Made a real impact when coming on as he scored Spurs’ goal, seems to be adapting really well to under 23 football.

My man of the match: Christian Maghoma. Maghoma made some crucial interventions, was good in the air and was a commanding presence with in the side. Maghoma has been in great form over recent matches and is a player who I rate highly.

Everton: Hewelt, Kenny (c), Robinson, Besic (Charsley 46), Feeney, Galloway, Dowell (Henen 84), Walsh, Calvert-Lewin, Williams, Lookman (Sambou 64). Substitutes (not used): Gray (GK), Foulds.

Spurs: Glover, Eyoma, Tanganga, Lesniak (c), Maghoma, Johnson (trialist, Bennetts 77), Miller (Sterling 68), Goddard (Marsh 81), Tracey, Edwards, Brown. Substitute (not used): Whiteman (GK).

Goals: Everton – Lookman 61, Sambou 69, Dowell 75, Calvert-Lewin 87; Spurs – Sterling 72.

Yellow cards: Spurs – Johnson 76.

Attendance: 885.

Spurs under 18’s 2-2 Stoke city: (match report)

“We had an awful lot of very, very good opportunities, especially in the first half when we played really well into a breeze. In the second half we had some pretty amazing misses and some pretty bizarre goals conceded so it’s a bit frustrating, although I’d rather it be frustrating in that we created chances and missed them than not creating anything in the first place.” (John McDermott)

Our under 18’s were back in league action today as they drew 2-2 with stoke city in their first game of the merit group stage, at Hotspur way. John McDermott’s side which was missing a couple of important players through internationals, battled well against a very physical opposition, despite their first half dominance Spurs couldn’t finish off the potters, and their tenacity in the second half ensured that the points were shared. Spurs started the game brightly as they went in search of the opener, and they took the lead just 12 minutes in to the game through winger Keanan Bennetts. The pacy Bennetts embarked on a surging run down the left, beating his man with ease before whipping a wonderful cross into the box which Stoke city’s James Butler turned intp his own net, 1-0 to Spurs. Moments later Spurs doubled their advantage, McDermott’s side were relentless and were hungry for their second. Striker, Kazaiah Sterling burst down the right wing, before playing the ball back into the path of Jamie Reynolds, who fired the ball home with a deftly accurate finish. Spurs were totally outplaying Stoke and seemed destined to go on a goal scoring rampage. Watched on by Mauricio Pochettino, the Lillywhites came desperately close to getting their third on 19 minutes, when Reo Griffith’s powerful low effort hit the post, with the ball coming back to Sterling whose effort was blocked emphatically by Butler. Spurs continued to press Stoke, Bennett’s forcing a fine save out of Allen before Griffiths went close with a header.

Despite all of Spurs’ quality attacking play, they allowed the visitors a way back into the game on 36 minutes, after Tyrese Campbell capitalised on Duncan’s poor back pass, the forward clinically slotting the ball past Austin from close range. Stoke’s newfound confidence saw them push for an equaliser before half time, and they weren’t to far from achieving that goal through Campbell, but for the excellent defending of Skipp and Brown. The early parts of the second half saw Stoke implement their physical superiority, as they had us on the back foot, the introduction of the tall Jordan Greenidge had our centre backs embroiled in a fierce battle, as they tried desperately to stop Greenidge and Campbell from getting through on goal.
Spurs still created a whole host of chances, an off balance Sterling seeing his effort blocked at the other end, whilst Bennett’s showed great technique as he whipped a free kick over the wall, forcing a good reaction save out of Allen. Bennett’s should have put the game out of sight late on when he received the ball inside the box, but his first time effort flew high over the crossbar. Spurs would regret their missed opportunities, as Stoke grabbed a dramatic late equaliser through Greenidge, the striker burst past our defence before tucking the ball low past Austin and into the net, 2-2! Both sides threatened late on but the spoils were shared, in what was a very competitive and highly entertaining game of football. The lads played well, they dealt with a physical Stoke side well for the most part, it’s worth remembering that Spurs were without key players such as Shashoua and Tanganga, but the team were really unlucky today and probably deserved all 3 points.

Additional notes: The media attention might have all been on the England national team who were training at Hotspur Way, but Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino made time to watch the first half of today’s game. Top scorer Jack Roles was sidelined for today’s match through injury, whilst I also noticed that centre half Jonathan Dinzeyi was on crutches, in an injury that he must have picked up whilst on international duty with England under 17’s. On a positive note, it was good to see goalkeeper Jonathan De Bie sitting amongst the substitutes. The promising Belgian keeper suffered a ruptured spleen whilst playing for Belgium under 17’s a few months ago. The under 18’s are in action again, next Saturday as they take on Middlesbrough at the Teesside clubs rockliffe park training ground.

Player review:
– Brandon Austin: Had a good game, was very good in the air and made a couple of fine saves throughout the game.
– Matt Lock: Solid defensive performance from the right back, also good going forward.
– Jaden Brown: Impressive display, made some vital blocks and interceptions.
– Tariq Hinds: The right back adapted very well to midfield and put in a fine performance as a holding midfielder.
– George Marsh: The captain filled in well at centre back, Marsh was commanding and incredibly focused as he made a selection of fantastic challenges.
– Oliver Skipp: The 16 year old put in a man of the match performance at centre half, composed throughout. Skipp made numerous key interceptions, his tackle late on in the second half was exceptional.
– Reo Griffiths: Powerful performance from Griffiths on the right wing, tested the goalkeeper on a couple of occasions.
– Dylan Duncan: Despite being at fault for Stokes’s first, Duncan had a good game in midfield. Showed good movement.
– Kazaiah Sterling: Incredibly high work rate throughout the game, Sterling was constantly on the move and made some nice runs, deserved a goal.
– Jamie Reynolds: Had a great first half, which saw him net his first goal of the season.
– Keanan Bennetts: One of the games standout performers, Bennetts was exceptional throughout the first half, his fantastic crossing resulting in the opener.
– Juan Pablo Gonzalez Velasco: Decent 20 minute cameo, constantly looking to get forward.
– Nick Tsaroulla: Attacked well at his less natural position of right back.
– Phoenix Patterson: A good performance from the under 16, his silky skills and good vision showing exactly why his such an exciting prospect.
My man of the match: Young midfielder Oliver Skipp. Skipp filled in incredibly well alongside George Marsh at centre half, the immensely talented midfielder read the game so well, making some fantastic challenges. Tidy throughout, Skipp looks like an experienced player but the fact that his still a schoolboy makes his performance all the more impressive.
Spurs U18s: Austin, Lock (Tsaroulla 60), Brown, Hinds, Marsh (c), Skipp, Griffiths (Gonzalez-Velasco 70), Duncan, Sterling, Reynolds (Patterson 60), Bennetts.

Substituted (not used): Omolabi, Freeman (GK).

Spurs under 18’s 1-7 Chelsea: (match report)

Our under 18’s went crashing out of the FA youth cup in spectacular fashion, as John McDermott’s Spurs side fell to a disappointing 7-1 defeat at the hands of Chelsea in the second leg of the FA Youth cup semifinal. Spurs were outclassed, outplayed and outmanoeuvred by the blues, it felt like it was Chelsea’s senior side playing against us, such was the excellence of Chelsea. The brilliance of Mason Mount, Juan Castillo and Ike Ugbo proved far too much for our youngsters, and after a good cup run it’s a real shame to see Spurs eliminated in such circumstances. The game got of to the worst possible start for Spurs when Chelsea took the lead inside four minutes, Reece James’ whipped cross being bundled home by forward Ike Ugbo from close range. Despite falling behind so early on, Spurs done well for a period as they looked to force an equaliser, but the structure and discipline of the Chelsea players was quite phenomenal. Chelsea took control of the game and on 18 minutes Jody Morris’ side doubled their advantage through centre half, Trevoh Chalobah. A Chelsea cross eventually fell to the defender, who from inside the penalty area fired home to make Spurs’ task even tougher to overcome. However, just eight minutes later and through a positive attack from Kazaiah Sterling, the centre forward won a penalty after being brought down by Mount inside the box. However, Sterling’s well struck effort from the penalty spot, was well saved by Thompson in the Chelsea nets, as the keeper got a strong hand to the ball.

Just over ten minutes after we were awarded a penalty, the hosts were also awarded one when Nick Tsaroulla brought down Dujon Sterling, after the Chelsea player embarked on a mazing run inside the box. Striker Ike Ugbo stepped up to put Chelsea 3-0 up, effectively ending the tie. After initially making a positive start to the second half where we attacked with intent, going close through Kazaiah Sterling, Spurs fell further behind on 56 minutes when Dujon Sterling got his second of the game. Sterling getting on the end of a Chelsea cross, as he despatched his chance with aplomb, 4-0 to Chelsea. Chelsea were tearing Spurs apart, and just six minutes later they made it 5-0 when they carved through our defence courtesy of a composed finish from Hudson Odoi, after he surged past the Spurs defenders to slot the ball past Austin. The goalscoring rout continued for Chelsea, six minutes later Ike Ugbo netted his hat-trick, Spurs were deflated. However, shortly afterwards Spurs pulled a goal back through midfielder Jack Roles, Chelsea goalkeeper Thompson thwarted Reo Griffiths effort into the path of Roles who was in the right place at the right time, as he poached the ball into the back of the net. Chelsea completed a disastrous day for Spurs, five minutes from time when the superb Juan Castillo capped of a nice move with Hudson Odoi, before slotting the ball home, the final score Spurs 1-7 Chelsea. A really devastating match for our youngsters, their such a talented bunch of players but they came up against a Chelsea team that are nothing short of exceptional. It’s been a great cup run for McDermott’s side and it’s a real shame the lads had to suffer such a painful defeat on the big stage, I’m hoping this defeat does not dent their confidence ahead of their final remaining league games, it’s a real learning curve for this group of players.

Chelsea’s Mason Mount is one of the best players of his generation, the midfielder carved us open on Saturday his creativity and intelligence were astounding. Mount was everywhere, him and players like Castillo and Ugbo simply overwhelmed us. John McDermott’s side return to league action next week, when they host stoke city at Hotspur way. COYS

Chelsea: Thompson, James (Guehi 65), T Chalobah, Grant, Castillo, Uwakwe (Hudson-Odoi 59), Sterling, Maddox, Ugbo (St Clair 69), Mount (c), McEachran. Substitutes (not used): McCormick, Cumming (GK).

Spurs: Austin, Eyoma, Tsaroulla (Brown 53), Marsh (c), Dinzeyi, Tanganga, Griffiths (Bennetts 74), Oakley-Boothe, Sterling, Duncan (Skipp 63), Roles. Substitutes (not used): Shashoua, Whiteman (GK).

Goals: Chelsea – Ugbo 4, 37 (pen), 68, T Chalobah 18, Sterling 56, Hudson-Odoi 62, Castillo 85; Spurs – Roles 70.

Yellow cards: Chelsea – Mount 26; Spurs – Tsaroulla 20, Marsh 41, Roles 65.

Referee: John Busby.

Attendance: 3,314.

Spurs under 18’s 1-2 Chelsea: (match report)

“I don’t think we showed our best – our players are better than that performance, certainly in possession, but the fact that we’re still in the tie is credit to the strong mentality that this group has. I feel pretty confident that we will play better than that at Stamford Bridge.” (John McDermott)

Our under 18’s hopes of making the FA youth cup final were dented on Tuesday evening, in the first leg of the FA youth cup semifinal. John McDermott’s side were defeated 2-1 by Chelsea, in a match where they were outplayed for the most part. And despite it ending in defeat, most Spurs fans will be happy with the final result, such was the dominance of Chelsea. The brilliance of goalkeeper Brandon Austin, and the late goal of Kazaiah Sterling giving us a fighting chance ahead of Saturday’s second leg at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea controlled the tempo of the game from the offing, Jody Morris’ highly structured side were pressing the Lillywhites into making mistakes. 17 minutes in to the game Chelsea came close through midfielder Mason Mount. The England youth international whipped a delightful free kick over the wall, his effort dipping, before striking Brandon Austin’s left post. Chelsea’s dominance paid off on 34 minutes, when Reece James’ looping header from the resulting corner kick, made a slight deflection off Dinzeyi before going under the crossbar, 1-0 to Chelsea. Just 6 minutes later the visitors doubled their lead through striker Ike Ugbo, Dujon Sterling launching the ball into the box from the right, with the striker their to head home from eight yards out, 2-0 to Chelsea.

Despite improving during the beginning of the second half we soon began to find ourselves again on the back foot. Goalkeeper Brandon Austin was proving to be Spurs’ saviour, Austin produced a marvellous reflex save to deny Mount on 50 minutes. Shortly afterwards he denied Ugbo’s point blank effort with his face, we were starting to show positive signs as the game neared the end, but Chelsea would again force Austin into making numerous wonder saves. The lads really went for it as the game neared the end, and Spurs’ attacking intent was rewarded on 88 minutes when Kazaiah Sterling pulled a goal back for the Lillywhites. The newly introduced Jack Roles done well as he drove forward before picking out Sterling with a nice pass, the young striker took his chance first time, tucking the ball low past Cumming, 1-2! We looked a totally different team in the final minutes as we pressed Chelsea for an equaliser, but their was to be one last bit of action, when Chelsea were awarded a penalty deep in stoppage time, after Oakley-Boothe brought down St Clair in the penalty area. Following a scuffle between the Spurs and Chelsea players, the penalty was eventually taken by Luke McCormick. McCormick’s powerful low effort rebounding of the outside of the left post, much to the delight of the Spurs fans. All to play for on Saturday, the game will again be televised live on ITV 4 kick off: 5:15pm. COYS

 

Additional notes: Chelsea are a very good youth team and overcoming the blues in the second leg will be no small feat. However, if we can play like we did during the last 20 minutes and replicate some of the fast attacking football that has been so present throughout the season, then I wouldn’t be too surprised if we defeated Chelsea at the bridge. Saturday evenings tie in west London is certainly going to be an intriguing affair, and one that holds such great rewards if Spurs can win. Goalkeeper Brandon Austin produced one of the finest goalkeeping displays you’re likely to see all season, the young goalkeeper’s reflexes were astounding, his focus and anticipation both top class. Goalscorer Kazaiah Sterling is such a clinical player and took his goal really well, he pressed the Chelsea defence very well, working incredibly hard. Following his late introduction midfielder Jack Roles, had a profound impact on the game, he done well to assist Sterling for his goal, and the midfielder almost nicked an equaliser late on, I’d be surprised if he didn’t start on Saturday.

My man of the match: The sensational Brandon Austin. The young goalkeeper had an incredible game against the blues, making countless top class saves to keep Spurs in the tie. His shot stopping was nothing less than incredible!
You can rewatch Tuesday nights match on the ITV player: http://www.itv.com/hub/fa-youth-cup/2a1758a0021

Spurs: Austin, Eyoma, Tsaroulla, Marsh (c, Roles 74), Dinzeyi, Tanganga, Shashoua (Duncan 46), Skipp (Griffiths 68), Sterling, Oakley-Boothe, Bennetts. Substitutes (not used): Hinds, Whiteman (GK)

Chelsea: Cumming, James, T Chalobah, Grant, Castillo, Uwakwe (McCormick 72), Sterling, Maddox, Ugbo (St Clair 83), Mount (c), Hudson-Odoi (McEachran 62). Substitutes (not used): Guehi, Bulka (GK).

Goals: Spurs – Sterling 88; Chelsea – James 34, Ugbo 40.

Yellow cards: Spurs – Marsh 46, Tanganga 90+3; Chelsea – Mount 90+3.

Referee: Lee Swabey.

Attendance: 2,533.