Spurs under 23’s 4-0 Reading: (match report)

Our under 23’s brushed aside Reading with a 4-0 win on Monday evening, to bolster their chances of beating the drop, in group 1 of the PL2. It was a truly dominant display from Ehiogu’s side, they outclassed the royals from start to finish in what was a great performance. Spurs started the game the brightest of the two teams and four minutes in to the game, Marcus Edwards created Spurs’ first chance of the game. When he slipped through Shilow Tracey with a lovely pass, but Tracey’s attempt at goal was well saved by Reading keeper Southwood. Just eight minutes later Spurs took the lead through Stevenage loanee, Ryan Loft. Reading’s Tyler Frost sprayed a pass across the Reading box, which the alert Loft intercepted as he kept his composure in front of goal to slot the ball home. Not long afterwards, Spurs hit the cross bar when Shilow Traceys’ attempted cross from the left, came bouncing off the top of the crossbar. Spurs were dictating play and were in the driving seat when they doubled their advantage shortly after the half hour mark. First teamer Josh Onomah, darted forward from the left wing before curling a low effort, which managed to squirm past southwood and roll narrowly across the line, half of the stadium hadn’t realised the ball had even crossed the line. Things went from strength to strength for Spurs, when second year scholar Jaden Brown got our third of the game just two minutes later. The young left back letting fly from over 20 yards out, his powerful effort nestling into the bottom right corner of the net, 3-0 to Spurs!

Pau Lopez made an excellent save to deny Reading a way back into the match, the Spanish goalkeeper making a fine reaction save to deny Sam Smith’s effort from close range, after he met Richards’ cross. Onomah was again at the heart of the action, the 19 year old going desperately close to extending Spurs’ lead on the stroke of half time, Onomahs’ lashed effort from the right side of the box whistling past Southwoods’ right post. Our energetic performance didn’t wain during the beginning of the second period, forward Shilow Tracey netted his fifth goal of the campaign to put Spurs 4 ahead in the 54th minute. Marcus Edwards whipped in an inviting corner which the valiant forward met at the far post to head a powerful effort into the back of the net, 4-0 to Spurs. Ehiogu’s side were exploiting Reading’s vulnerabilities with fast attacking football, and just six minutes later Will Miller won Spurs a penalty. The Burton loanee embarked on a mazing run inside the penalty area, the nimble footed forward being brought down unlawfully by Osho, as the referee pointed to the spot. After some debate between Miller, Loft and Edwards on who should take the penalty, Miller stood up to take, but his shot was saved well by Southwood who clutched Millers’ effort low down. Reading pushed for a consolation goal in the remaining minutes of the match and the visitors went close on a couple of occasions. Pau Lopez making a string of impressive saves to ensure Spurs were to keep a clean sheet. The final score Spurs 4-0 Reading, a hugely satisfying evening in Stevenage for Ugo Ehiogu’s side, in what was a top performance from an experienced Spurs 11.

Player review:
– Pau Lopez: Another excellent performance from the on loan Espanyol goalkeeper, made a string of fine saves including two very good ones, he was also very good in the air.
– Joe Muscatt: Defensively solid and assured, Muscatt was very comfortable at right back.
– Jaden Brown: A great performance from the young left back, Brown was excellent defensively and he capped of a great night with his first goal at this level.
– Filip Lesniak: As always, very efficient and tidy Lesniak mopped up any danger with in the centre of the park.
– Christian Maghoma: A good performance from the tall centre back, Maghoma was solid and paired up very nicely with Carter-Vickers.
– Cameron Carter-Vickers: On only his second under 23 appearance of the season, the young first teamer put in an exceptional performance at centre half. Commanding and assured, the American won all of his aerial duels and didn’t give the Reading forwards much chance of getting past.
– Marcus Edwards: A good performance from the highly regarded youngster, he put in an impressive display in what was only his second competitive performance in four months. Edward also registered an assist, and showed great vision throughout the match.
– Josh Onomah: The best player on the field, Onomah was tenacious in the centre of the park, winning the ball on many occasions. However, it was his offensive qualities that were so impressive, he drove forward with such ease and was so creative, Onomah registered a goal and an assist.
– Shilow Tracey: A player who has really stood out in the second part of this season, Tracey put in a great shift. His high pressing and runs earned him a well deserved goal.
– Will Miller: A fairly quite performance from the winger, but he done really well to win a penalty midway through the second half, and was unlucky not to convert from the spot.

My man of the match: Without a doubt Josh Onomah was tenacious in the centre of the park, winning the ball on many occasions. However, it was his offensive qualities that were so impressive, he drove forward with such ease and was so creative, Onomah registered a goal and an assist.
Spurs: Pau Lopez, Muscatt, Brown, Lesniak (c, Stylianides, 81), Maghoma, Carter-Vickers, Edwards, Onomah, Loft (Pritchard 81), Tracey (Goddard 67), Miller. Substitutes (not used): Glover (GK), Owens.

Reading: Southwood, Osho (Holmes 66), Dickie (c), Hyam, Richards, Holsgrove, Frost, Rinomhota, Smith, Quinn (Loader 27), Barrett (Medford-Smith 66). Substitutes (not used): Driscoll (GK), East.

Goals: Spurs – Loft 12, Onomah 31, Brown 33, Tracey 54.

Yellow cards: Spurs – Onomah 47.

Spurs under 18’s 5-3 Newcastle united: (match report)

Spurs started the game brightly their attacking style of play evident from the offing, just under 3 minutes in the Lillywhites stunned the magpies with a superb opener from Keanan Bennett’s. It was a wonderful solo effort from the winger who showed great feet down the left wing before cutting inside and unleashing a powerful effort which flew past Nathan Harker and into the back of the net, 1-0 to Spurs! The attacking intensity didn’t stop from McDermott’s side and the Lillywhites didn’t rest on their laurels, as just five minutes later they double their advantage through forward Reo Griffiths. The alert Griffiths took full advantage of a mix up inside the box, and the centre forward buried the ball into the back of the net, a great poachers goal. Spurs were overwhelming Newcastle, as they sparkled going forward going close on several occasions. McDermott’s side got a scare when Mcnall’s thumping effort skimmed off the post, and the home side were starting to find their feet, going close again just a couple of minutes later. Newcastle started the second half the far better team, when Marsh brought down Gallacher inside the box the referee pointed straight to the spot. With Mcnall converting his penalty to bring the game back into life for the magpies, Spurs regained their composure and minutes later they got their third of the game through substitute Kazaiah Sterling, after Sterling scored a smart finish on the turn from just outside the penalty area, thats his sixth goal of the FA youth cup campaign, his now joint top scorer.

The game was becoming an end to end affair as Newcastle went close shortly afterwards through Owen Bailey. And the home side, roared on by a few thousand fans pulled a goal back through Mcnall whose close effort from the resulting corner kick, smashed into the net. This most eventful of games took yet another dramatic turn moments later, when centre half Japhet Tanganga seemed to put the game beyond doubt, with spurs’ fourth of the game. Tanganga managing to get on the end of Dinzeyi’s rebounded effort, as the defender forced the ball home. Just 10 seconds later the unthinkable occurred, Newcastle had again managed to pull a goal back at the other end after Gallacher got on the end of a first time cross to guide the ball past Austin and into the back of the net, 4-3! Two minutes later the stadium almost erupted when Bailey almost drew the toon level, Bailey getting on the end of Heaney’s free kick as his header was saved in style by Austin as he tipped it behind, a match winning save. The drama didn’t stop as McDermott’s young Spurs side sealed the win, after Sterling played in Duncan in the box, the midfielder sent the ball into the back of the net with a curling effort. The final score Spurs 5-3 Newcastle united, the most exhilarating of games as McDermott’s side dug deep to win a thrilling cup tie, and I as a Spurs supporter am absolutely thrilled that we’re through to the semi finals of the FA Youth cup, a brilliant achievement from this talented crop of players.

Spurs will now face Chelsea over two legs in the semi finals with the first leg being played at the Lane, Spurs’ memorable cup run continues and I have every belief in them turning over a very talented Chelsea side in the next round. COYS

My man of the match: Reo Griffiths. A very hard one to call, Keanan Bennett’s, Samuel Shashoua and Nick Tsaroulla all had terrific matches but I’m going to give it to forward Reo Griffiths for his goal and assist.
Newcastle United Under-18s: Nathan Harker; Ben Kitchen, Owen Bailey (c), Lewis Gibson, Kieren Aplin; Matty Longstaff, Mace Goodridge (Mackenzie Heaney 77); Owen Gallacher, Thomas Allan (Callum Smith 67), Adam Wilson; Lewis McNall.

Subs not used: Otto Huuhtanen, Lewis Cass, Kelland Watts.

Tottenham Hotspur Under-18s: Brandon Austin, Timothy Eyoma, Nick Tsaroulla, George Marsh (c), Jonathan Dinzeyi, Japhet Tanganga, Samuel Shashoua, Oliver Skipp, Reo Griffiths (Dylan Duncan 72), Tashan Oakley-Boothe, Keanan Bennetts (Kazaiah Sterling 29).

Subs not used: Tariq Hinds, Alfie Whiteman, Jack Roles.

Referee: David Webb

Bookings: Newcastle United Under-18s – Matty Longstaff (81); Tottenham Hotspur Under-18s – none

Spurs under 18’s 4-0 Swansea: (match report)

On Tuesday afternoon our under 18’s side continued their intense schedule of fixtures, as they recorded a terrific 4-0 victory over Swansea City. John McDermott’s Spurs side were sublime and played some wonderful attacking football, as they dismantled bottom of the table Swansea. Instead of doing an in depth report, the following will just be a concise report of the game, which will include player reviews. Spurs tore Swansea to shreds at Hotspur way, their fast attacking football causing a major headache for the opposition. Young right back Tariq Hinds netted Spurs’ first of the game, after he latched on to the loose ball inside the box, after Shashoua had sent in a low cross, and Hinds showed the alertness of a centre forward as he tucked the ball home, Hinds first goal at under 18 level. We were dominant and Swansea were helpless to stop us. On the half hour mark, Hinds struck again, curling a superb long range effort into the top corner. Early in the second half Jack Roles channeled his inner Frank Lampard, pouncing on a loose ball inside the box, the box to box midfielder needed no asking as he slotted the ball home. The third goal essentially ending the game as the depleted Swansea side done their best to suppress our countless attacks. The good vision of Keanan Bennett’s saw the winger pick out Samuel Shashoua for Spurs’ fourth of the game on 56 minutes. Bennett’s finding Shashoua, whose deft touch saw him find a pocket of space which he converted with aplomb. Spurs could have had many more goals in the remaining minutes but it wasn’t to matter, McDermott’s side had achieved a memorable victory and showcased their superb talent ahead of Mondays massive FA youth cup tie with Newcastle on Monday.

Our under 18’s were also in action this Saturday, due to the FA youth cup match on Monday, the squad consisted mainly of under 16’s. And the young Spurs side put in a good effort against a top Villa side, narrowly losing 2-1 at villa’s Bodymoor Heath training ground.

 
Player reviews:
– Brandon Austin: A spectator for almost the entirety of the match.
– Tariq Hinds: An exceptional performance from Hinds as he netted a brace, he showed just how good he is getting forward as he is defending, a tremendous performance.
– Matt Lock: Lock had an excellent game against the swans, he impressed down the right flank with his excellent ball control and agility. Lock was also solid defensively, his really beginning to remind me of Walker-Peters in his style of play.
– George Marsh: Impressive as ever, Marsh was commanding and composed at centre half.
– TJ Eyoma: Has been a key performer for the under 18’s this season, and Tuesdays game was no exception.
– Jonathan Dinzeyi: Had a terrific game, dealt with the Swansea forwards with ease.
– Samuel Shashoua: The creative driving force behind Spurs’ attacking performance, a leader on the pitch Shashoua was unlucky not to get more than one goal and it was probably his best game of the season.
– Jack Roles: A hard worker throughout, the intelligent Roles netted his twelfth goal of the season and the box to box midfielder was brimming with confidence.
– Reo Griffiths: Brilliant hold up play, Griffiths was powerful going forward and done everything but find the net, deserved a goal.
– Tashan Oakley-Boothe: Absolutely top class, the midfielder had an excellent game as he burst forward through the middle creating chance after chance.
– Keanan Bennett’s: A constant danger down the left Bennett’s had a fine game, getting the assist for Spurs’ fourth.
– Moroyin Omolabi: Did well when coming on, provided steel to the midfield.
– Jamie Reynolds: Decent display from Reynolds, very tidy when coming on.
– Juan Pablo Gonzalez-Velasco: Provided a spark when coming on and was very unlucky not to get on the score sheet.

My man of the match: Samuel Shashoua- The creative driving force behind Spurs’ attacking performance, a leader on the pitch Shashoua was unlucky not to get more than one goal and it was probably his best game of the season, and his had many a good game! There was a moment in the game when Shashoua beat two or three men before finding the space to shoot, his effort crashing against the crossbar, it was breathtaking play, Messiesque.

 
Spurs U18s: Austin, Lock, Hinds, Marsh (c, Omolabi 64), Eyoma, Dinzeyi, Shashoua, Roles (Reynolds 59), Griffiths, Oakley-Boothe, Bennetts (Gonzalez-Velasco 68). Substitutes (not used): Brown, Whiteman (GK).

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

“It’s very disappointing that we didn’t seize the initiative in the first half when we should have done. We had ample opportunities to score goals and then just shot ourselves in the foot with the goals conceded. Fulham were excellent, they made themselves very compact and hard to break down, we tried to force the game and left ourselves vulnerable to the counter-attack, which they exploited.” (John McDermott)

Our under 18’s fell to a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Fulham on Friday afternoon, to virtually diminish any chance of getting into tier one of the under 18 league. Having beaten Fulham 1-0 in the reverse fixture earlier on in the season, I really fancied the lads chances against Fulham and although the 3-0 scoreline suggests otherwise, I thought they could have recorded a comfortable victory based on their dominant first half display. We had command of the game from early on as we attacked the Fulham defence with great purpose, a wonderful one two played by Shashoua to Griffith’s ended with the former putting the ball in to the back of the net, only to be judged offside. 18 minutes in Spurs should have been one up, when Bennett’s played a nice one two with Griffith’s inside the area, only to see his close range effort go waywardly wide ofthe post. The cottagers were dangerous on the counter attack creating a few chances which Spurs’ defence dealt with appropriately. Just after the half hour mark Alfie Whiteman was forced into making a fine reaction save when he denied Michael Elstone’s effort from inside the box. Shortly afterwards Spurs went desperately close to breaking the deadlock,after Jack Roles showed brilliant technique to curl his free kick onto the inside of the post. With the rebound falling for Bennett’s but Fulham’s Ashby-Hammond got in front of the winger, and just moments later Griffiths hit the ball across the area and into the path of Bennett’s, but with just the goal gaping the Spurs man had unfortunately only managed to put the ball high over the crossbar.

For all our domination in the first half Spurs were not to be rewarded for their hard labour, as shortly before the interval the visitors caught us on the counter attack and took the lead through a fortuitous goal. Fulham’s Harris whipped the ball into the area and the ball was scrambled past the line by Spurs defender Jaden Brown, after a spill from Whiteman. After Tashan Oakley-Boothe went off at half time, going into the second half we lacked that bit of creative spark from the midfield and despite creating a couple of decent chances early on, McDermott’s side soon fell further behind. When O’Riley curled a delicious effort from out wide, high into the top corner deceiving Whiteman and the whole Spurs defence. Fulham’s second was the killer blow, Spurs looked depleted, unable to deal with a Fulham side growing into the game by every passing minute. It was deeply frustrating, because Spurs were much the better side but they were simply unable to regain their composure. Spurs were struggling at the back, as Fulham bombarded us in our own penalty area, and just minutes after their second O’Riley almost scored a carbon copy of his first. The midfielder saw his free kick from out wide smash against the upright leaving Whiteman rooted to the spot.

Fulham’s attacking intensity didn’t cool in the following minutes, they produced numerous chances where they went close to extending their lead, Spurs had fell apart and looked a shadow of the side they have been for the most part of the season. With just two minutes remaining of normal time, the cottagers got their third of the game yet again catching us on the counter attack. Keeper Ashby Hammond threw the ball high over the Spurs defence and into the path of Thompson who rounded the rushing Whiteman to slot the ball into the back of the net, the final score Spurs 0-3 Fulham. A really disappointing result for the under 18’s, they haven’t enjoyed this month at all and yesterday’s match was no exception, they’ll feel as if they should have got something out of the game. The young Lillywhites will have to up their game for their visit of Newcastle United in the all important FA Youth cup quarter final at the end of the month. John McDermott’s side are in action again on Tuesday, when they face Swansea city at Hotspur way, I thought I’d add that the absent trio of Japhet Tanganga, Nick Tsaroulla and Kazaiah Sterling were all training with the under 23’s and could all be involved in Mondays PL2 match against Sunderland.

Player review:
– Alfie Whiteman: A rare off day for Whiteman, his first half mistake lead to the opener for the visitors. However, Whiteman did produce some fine saves and wasn’t at fault for the other two goals.
– Matt Lock: An impressive display from the right back, Lock has really good agility and ball control, and looked good going forward.
– Jaden Brown: Although he doesn’t attack down the wing like Tsaroulla, Brown had a good game at left back and was decent defensively.
– Oliver Skipp: My man of the match Skipp had a fantastic game, see below.
– Jonathan Dinzeyi: Wasn’t up to his usual standards on Friday, although he was dominate in the air he struggled at the back, and he wasn’t as composed as he is when paired up with Tanganga.
– George Marsh: Filling in at centre half Marsh was superb, as tenacious as ever he got stuck in on multiple occasions and his defensive wit also impressed McDermott who said: “George Marsh really stood out. He reads the game really well and whatever job you give him, he does it diligently, aggressively and I also think he did it with a lot of football intelligence today.”
– Samuel Shashoua: Had a good game and was unlucky not to get on the score sheet, made some lovely runs and worked an opening on a couple of occasions. However, he was at times quite isolated on the left.
– Tashan Oakley-Boothe: He only played the first half but I thought the midfielder had a good game he provided a creative spark from the midfield and I was surprised when he was taken off at halftime, although it may well have been due to an injury.
– Dylan Duncan: Coming on at half time in place of Oakley-Boothe, Duncan made a decent impact on the game, he brought an attacking flair to the midfield.
– Reo Griffiths: Wasn’t to be his day against Fulham, despite working his socks off, his hard work and good movement was not rewarded.
– Jack Roles: Had a decent game, his excellent first half free kick came so close to putting Spurs ahead.
– Jamie Bowden: The under 16 made his first appearance for the under 18’s and the highly rated midfielder looked quite good when coming on, definitely one to watch over the coming seasons.
– Keanan Bennett’s: A frustrating day for Bennett’s as he’ll feel that he should have gotten on the score sheet. The winger brought plenty of energy to the match and put some nice crosses into the box. However, he wasn’t clinical enough in front of goal.

My man of the match: Oliver Skipp, who had an excellent game against Fulham Skipp was very efficient in the centre of the park breaking up play and mopping up with great effect. Skipp who is still and under 16, is such an astute player and he looked years ahead of his game.

Spurs U18s: Whiteman, Lock, Brown, Skipp, Dinzeyi, Marsh (c), Shashoua, Oakley-Boothe (Duncan 46), Griffiths, Roles (Bowden 57), Bennetts. Substitutes (not used): Hinds, Reynolds, Freeman (GK).

Spurs under 23’s 2-3 Liverpool: (match report)

Our under 23’s were defeated 3-2 by Liverpool on Sunday afternoon in a PL2 encounter at Anfield. Ugo Ehiogu’s experienced side saw Joshua Onomah, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Marcus Edwards all start. I was in the Kop watching Sunday afternoons match and although I was disappointed that the lads didn’t get something out of the match, I did think it was a really good game of football, and I felt that there were plenty of positives for Ehiogu’s side to take out of the game. We started the match at a chilly Anfield in positive fashion and it wasn’t long before Spurs’ attacking football had Liverpool on the back foot. The Lillywhites bright start was rewarded on 18 minutes, when Marcus Edwards opened the scoring for Spurs. A nice piece of play which started on the right wing when Walker-Peters deflected cross came into the path of Marcus Edwards and the England youth international cut inside before unleashing a powerful low shot which gave the Reds goalkeeper Grabara no chance, 1-0 to Spurs. Spurs were able to build on their lead and they were making an experienced Liverpool side look uncomfortable on the ball. Seven minutes later Spurs doubled their advantage over the Reds, after Nathan Oduwa won the ball off of Alexander-Arnold, Oduwa passed the ball to Tracey in the box. However, Tracey’s shot was blocked, coming to the alert Will Miller whose deflected effort eventually found the back of the net, 2-0 to the Lillywhites! It was a brilliant start at Anfield by Spurs but I just knew that Liverpool would turn on the pressure, and that happened just minutes after Miller’s goal. Right back Alexander-Arnold burst into the box wrong footing left back Joe Muscatt who panicked, his mistimed challenge resulting in a penalty for Liverpool, which was expertly despatched by Welsh winger Harry Wilson.

Goalkeeper Tom Glover made a fine save five minutes before the interval, denying Ben Woodburn from the resulting free kick. Liverpool started the second half in even better fashion than they had finished the first, and just minutes after it had begun they had drawn level. Sheyi Ojo had the ball on the right side of the penalty area and the young winger seemed he had no option to go for goal, but Ojo deceived Glover with a superb curling effort which nestled into the far corner of the net, 2-2. We were on the back foot in the resulting minutes as Liverpool sparkled, playing some fine attacking football which cut Spurs right open. Corey Whelan’s headed effort on goal hit the cross bar after Muscatt managed to get a vital head on the ball. And former Spurs academy graduate Kevin Stewart rifled a ferocious long range effort at goal which whistled past the right post. However, the former Spurs man did put the ball into the net in the 82nd minute after Alexander-Arnold whipped the ball to the area, Stewart beat Carter-Vickers in the air to head home the winner, Glover was furious in the Tottenham goal. Our confidence had been shattered after that late goal and Ehiogu’s depleted side could only muster up one good chance when Oduwa met a corner deep in stoppage time, but his header was well saved by Grabara, the final score Spurs under 23’s 2-3 Liverpool.

I also thought i’d add that young forward Reo Griffith’s traveled with the team on Sunday, he was sat in the stands along with fellow Spur Zenon Stylanides and another player who I was unable to identify.

 
My man of the match: He may have only been on the field for 59 minutes but I thought Edwards was terrific. After a four month injury lay off, it was obvious that Spurs had missed his mesmerising skill and brilliant ball control. Edwards had the Liverpool fullbacks sweating every time he went forward, the ball stuck to his boots as he attacked down the right wing, his early goal was brilliantly taken, his fourth of the season. Despite having not played a competitive game in four months, I didn’t think he was missing his sharpness, but it’s inevitable that he will be at his best again in no time.

Player reviews:
– Tom Glover: The Australian goalkeeper was at no fault for any of the three goals Spurs conceded, he made a string of fine saves notably the one from Woodburn’s free kick. A few observations: I thought Glover was very good with the ball at his feet especially in his kicking. In addition his vocalness in front of the back four also impressed me
– Kyle Walker-Peters: The right back played well, his mazing forward runs causing the Liverpool defence some bother. It was also a very courageous performance from the brave right back.
– Cameron Carter-Vickers: The centre back made his first under 23 appearance of the season and it was a game of two halves for the American centre half. After an impressive first half where he was comfortable on the ball, the defender struggled in the second period he looked far less composed and didn’t impose his authority over the Liverpool attackers.
– Joe Muscatt: A decent performance from the left back I thought he had a good game, minus him giving a penalty away in the first half, Muscatt also made a key interception to deny Stewart’s effort in the second half.
– Luke Amos: A really good performance from the midfielder on loan at Southend, Amos was tenacious and unrelenting in the centre of the park.
– Will Miller: I thought Miller had a brilliant game, his movement was again top draw and his dizzying runs were a threat. He also netted Spurs’ second goal.
– Marcus Edwards: My man of the match. I thought Edwards demonstrated exactly why he’s training with the first team, he was very good on the ball despite severely lacking in game time.
– George Marsh: The second year scholar is an old school midfielder his second half introduction brought steel to the midfield, he was not afraid to get stuck in.
– Joe Pritchard: Since coming on in the second half, Pritchard failed to make much of an impact but this was down mainly to the fact that Liverpool had most of the ball in our end.
– Josh Onomah: He may be low on confidence of late, but I thought Onomah had a good game in his natural number 8 position. Onomah was very good on the ball and showed good feet, a Dembelesque performance from the youngster.
– Nathan Oduwa: Oduwa made some good driving runs down the right and was highly influential in the creation of our second goal.
– Cy Goddard: Came on very late.
– Shilow Tracey: Whilst his not a natural striker I thought Tracey done a good job up front, he worked very hard and was constantly pressing the Liverpool defence.

Liverpool: Grabara, Alexander-Arnold, Randall, Gomez, Whelan, Stewart, Wilson (c), Virtue (Williams 83), Brewster, Woodburn, Ojo. Substitutes (not used): Alves, Hart, Gomes, Kelleher (GK).

Spurs: Glover, Walker-Peters, Lesniak (c), Carter-Vickers, Muscatt, Amos, Miller (Marsh 56), Edwards (Pritchard 59), Onomah (Goddard 89), Oduwa, Tracey. Substitutes (not used): Maghoma, McDermott (GK)

Goals: Liverpool – Wilson 28 (pen), Ojo 47, Stewart 82; Spurs – Edwards 18, Miller 25.

Yellow cards: Spurs – Marsh 74.

Referee: Andrew Miller.

Spurs under 18’s 2-0 Norwich: (match report)

Our under 18’s put in yet another impressive display when they defeated Norwich 2-0 in the FA Youth cup 5th round on Thursday night, to book their place in the quarter finals. The opening minutes of the match saw the visitors on top, with the canaries playing fast attacking football. Norwich winger Glen Middleton saw his effort fly narrowly over the crossbar early on. However, after a tough opening the Lillywhites quality began to shine and on 17 minutes a nice piece of play resulted in us taking the lead. Samuel Shashoua used his skill to cut inside his man, passing the ball to George Marsh who surging forward put a perfectly measured through ball in to the path of Kazaiah Sterling. Sterling’s composure in front of goal saw the striker fire the ball low into the bottom corner of the net, 1-0 to Spurs! We began to flourish after taking the lead playing some breathtaking attacking football, akin to that of Pochettino’s senior team. And on the half hour mark Spurs doubled their advantage, after midfielder Dylan Duncan showed good feet to pick out Sterling who burst past the Norwich defenders, before jabbing the ball into the back of the net, 2-0 to the Spurs! Sterling almost got his hat-trick minutes later when Shashoua put in a delightful through ball, but Sterling took a moment too long as Norwich defender Toby Syme managed to block the strikers effort.

We went into the second half on a high, and our impressive play continued just three minutes into the second half Japhet Tanganga came close to netting Spurs’ third, when Shashoua whipped a cross in to the box which was met by the tall centre half, his effort going narrowly over the crossbar. Winger Keanan Bennett’s effort was blocked minutes later when the off balance Bennett’s saw his effort superbly blocked on the line by a Norwich defender. A terrific late save by goalkeeper Alfie Whiteman ensured that Spurs kept a deserved clean sheet. After last nights terrific performance, Spurs have now progressed into the quarter finals of this prestigious competition, they will now face Newcastle United who they will play at the 52,000 seater stadium, St James’ Park on a date yet to be confirmed. Instead of doing my usual round up focusing on a couple of our key performers, I will instead go through each player individually on the list below. As last nights performance was an excellent team performance.

– Alfie Whiteman: He may not have had an awful lot to do, but when called into action Whiteman was assured. His diving save late on in the second half was superb.
– TJ Eyoma: The athletic right back had a very good game, powerful down the flanks his anticipation was top draw, I’m a big fan of Eyoma!
– Nick Tsaroulla: The left back was exceptional against Norwich, Tsaroulla was excellent going forward, his incredibly fast over 10 metres. He’s really beginning to remind me of Danny Rose, Tsaroulla was also very good defensively, making two brilliant challenges late on.
– Jonathan Dinzeyi: The tall centre back had a good match, composed and good on the ball, Dinzeyi is very hard to shrug off the ball.
– Japhet Tanganga: Yet another excellent performance from the highly rated centre half. He was powerful, assured and decisive and was superb in the air.
– Samuel Shashoua: The most creative player on the field, Shashoua’s dribbling wowed the crowd. He is a special player and the Norwich players we’re constantly marking him. His quick thinking was really impressive.
– George Marsh: An outstanding performance from captain George Marsh. Tenacious as ever Marsh never stopped, the midfielder broke up play very well.
– Dylan Duncan: The box to box midfielder had a good game, setting up the second goal Duncan made some clever runs from midfield.
– Kazaiah Sterling: My man of the match, Kazaiah Sterling was on fire last night. The powerful centre forward caused the Norwich defence a headache through out, another hot prospect!
– Tashan Oakley-Boothe: Playing as the number 10 against Norwich Oakley-Boothe was impressive, he showed good creativity last night. There’s a lot more to come from the England youth international.
– Keanan Bennett’s: The winger was very sharp on the left wing and was a potent threat through out, whipping in some delightful crosses.

 
My man of the match: Clinical striker Kazaiah Sterling who grabbed a brace in Thursday nights 2-0 victory.

 
Confirmation that the quarter final tie will be played at St James’ park- https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/latest-news/united-learn-fa-youth-cup-quarter-final-opponents

Spurs: Whiteman (GK), Eyoma, Tsaroulla, Marsh (c), Dinzeyi, Tanganga, Shashoua, Duncan (Skipp 77), Sterling, Oakley-Boothe, Bennetts (Griffiths 68). Substitutes (not used): Hinds, Brown, Austin (GK).

Norwich City: Hale-Brown, Aarons, Syme, Sambu (Fleming 75), Wallis, Odusina, Spyrou, McIntosh, Ashley-Seal, Hlynsson (Kamal 62), Middleton. Substitutes (not used): Payne, Ellesley, Dickenson (GK).

Goals: Spurs – Sterling 17, 30.

Yellow cards: Spurs – Tanganga 64, Eyoma 65, Tsaroulla 73, Oakley-Boothe 90+4; Norwich – McIntosh 39, Sambu 71.

Referee: J Smith.

Attendance: 698.