Spurs’ Under 18 side met Reading at their Bearwood Park training ground, in a Premier League South fixture on Saturday. Spurs won the match 2-1, against a Reading side who managed to create more chances than them during the game. However, Spurs defended really well throughout the match, and in the end they deserved to win, because of how well they defended. Adam Hayton started in goal for Spurs, while a back four consisting of Maxwell McKnight, Alfie Dorrington, captain Charlie Sayers and Jordan Hackett started in front of him. Tyrese Hall and Billy Heaps started in central-midfield, and Sam Amo-Ameyaw and Thomas Bloxham started out on the flanks, either side of CAM Riley Owen. Jamie Donley led the line for Spurs. Reading got the game underway. Early on in the match and after receiving the ball out on the left flank, Thomas Bloxham managed to find Tyrese Hall, who had made a run towards the back post inside the Reading box. Hall’s resulting headed effort was saved however, by Reading goalkeeper Tom Norcott. At the other end of the pitch Alfie Dorrington cleared away Ajani Giscombe’s effort inside the Spurs box, before Reading came very close to taking the lead. As Jeremiah Okine-Peters put Princewill Ehibhationham’s low cross from the left just wide, from the centre of the Spurs penalty area.

Alfie Dorrington did really well to block Princewill Ehibhationham’s effort inside the Spurs box, as Reading started the game well. Adam Hayton saved Princewill Ehibhationham’s headed effort from a Reading corner-kick. Then a couple of minutes later Caylon Vickers met a pass inside the centre of the Spurs box, but he put the ball over the goal. A good Spurs move followed, as Jamie Donley made a pass through to Riley Owen inside the Reading box, and Owen went past the Reading goalkeeper before passing the ball to Sam Amo-Ameyaw. The Spurs winger saw his resulting low effort cleared on the line by a defender. After meeting Maxwell McKnight’s clearance inside the Spurs box, Princewill Ehibhationham hit the ball wide of the Spurs goal. Dorrington blocked Ajani Giscombe’s effort, before Jamie Donley hit a free-kick effort into the Reading wall, a couple of minutes later. After receiving Tyrese Hall’s pass on the edge of the Reading box, Sam Amo-Ameyaw hit an effort over the goal. Reading took the lead in the 30th minute of the match. 

After Caylon Vickers went on a good and skilful run with the ball towards the Spurs box, he tried to score a goal. His effort hit one of the posts, before going back in his direction, and this time he was able to finish well, past Adam Hayton, 0-1. Spurs did respond well though, and around four minutes later Jamie Donley managed to get Spurs level in the game. After meeting Sam Amo-Ameyaw’s cross inside the centre of the Reading box, Donley got up well to head the ball past Tom Norcott and into the bottom left hand corner of the goal, 1-1. Spurs almost took the lead a couple of minutes later, after Amo-Ameyaw received the ball out on the right flank, came inside onto his left foot and hit a low effort against one of Tom Norcott’s posts. Maxwell McKnight then had an effort blocked, in what turned out to be the final real chance of the half. Spurs got the second half underway. After receiving a through-ball pass inside the Spurs box, Ajani Giscombe seemed likely to score however, Tyrese Hall managed to get in front of him and deflect his effort on goal behind for a corner-kick.

Adam Hayton managed to save Jeremiah Okine-Peters’ low effort on goal, before Spurs took the lead in the match. After receiving the ball the impressive Tyrese Hall went down the right side of the Reading box, before squaring the ball for Jamie Donley in the centre of the penalty area. Donley did well to put the ball into the back of the net, possibly via a deflection off of a Reading defender. Adam Hayton saved a deflected effort from Jeremiah Okine-Peters, before at the other end of the pitch Thomas Bloxham hit an effort wide from inside the Reading box. Leo Black replaced Thomas Bloxham a couple of minutes later, as Spurs made their first change of the game. Jordan Hackett made two important blocks in quick succession, to stop Jeremiah Okine-Peters from scoring, inside the Spurs box. A good pass from Jamie Donley to Leo Black, resulted in him hitting a low effort just wide of the goal, from inside the Reading box, as Riley Owen was close to being able to guide it into the goal. After cutting inside from the left flank, Owen had an effort saved by Tom Norcott. After Alfie Dorrington made a good challenge, Billy Heaps blocked an effort on goal. 

Damola Ajayi and Jahziah Linton replaced Jamie Donley and Riley Owen respectively, with around seven minutes of the game remaining. After Caylon Vickers passed the ball to Ajani Giscombe on the edge of the Spurs box, the Reading midfielder hit a powerful effort, which was well saved by Hayton, before the ball was then cleared. Then after Maxwell McKnight’s headed clearance was met by Princewill Ehibhationham inside the Spurs penalty area, Adam Hayton managed to tip his effort over the goal. Hayton then saved well from Ajani Giscombe’s effort on goal, before Alfie Dorrington importantly blocked Princewill Ehibhationham’s effort very late on in the game. Reading’s last effort of the game was from Harry Furlong, whose effort went over Adam Hayton’s goal, with the referee then sounding his whistle for full-time. Spurs face West Ham United away next Saturday, in their next Premier League South game.

Player reviews:

• Adam Hayton: The Spurs goalkeeper made some very important saves as the game went on. The second year scholar was vocal throughout the match, and the saves that he made made sure that Spurs won the game.
• Maxwell McKnight: Starting the match at right-back once again, Maxwell McKnight showed his quality while going forward with the ball and he put some good crosses into the Reading box. I also thought that McKnight defended solidly down his side of the pitch, in what was a very good defensive performance from the whole Spurs defence.
• Alfie Dorrington: The right sided centre-half had a very good game today. Dorrington stepped out well with the ball from defence on occasions, but it was his many important blocks and also his good challenges, which helped to stop Reading from getting something out of the game. Dorrington and Sayers worked really well together today in central-defence.
• Charlie Sayers: The Spurs captain managed to get in front of the Reading forwards really well on occasions today. Sayers defended well throughout, and also showed his fine ability on the ball.
• Jordan Hackett: The left-back had one of his best games of the season today, in my opinion. The England youth international made some important and brave blocks, and also some good challenges as well.
• Tyrese Hall: My man of the match, see below. 
• Billy Heaps: This was another hardworking midfield performance from first year scholar Billy Heaps. The footballer from Stevenage worked well with Tyrese Hall in central-midfield, and they both complimented each other well.
• Sam Amo-Ameyaw: Carrying on from his impressive performance against Aston Villa last weekend, winger Sam Amo-Ameyaw went on some good and skilful runs with the ball down the right flank. He set-up Jamie Donley’s opening goal of the game, before then going close to scoring a goal himself.
• Riley Owen: The first year scholar started the game as a CAM, where he linked up well with centre-forward Jamie Donley. Owen would later move out to the left flank, before later being substituted.
• Thomas Bloxham: The Republic of Ireland Under 17 international worked hard out on the left flank as a winger, and he also helped out the team defensively on occasions, while also getting forward well with the ball.
• Jamie Donley: The centre-forward impressed with his link-up play, and he dropped deep well with the ball to make some good forward passes. Donley took both of his goals well, and during his time on the pitch he worked really hard.
• Leo Black: Making his debut for Spurs at this level against Reading, Leo Black started in the CAM position, after being introduced to the game in the second half.
• Damola Ajayi: The late substitute went into central midfield.
• Jahziah Linton: The late substitute went out to the left flank where he played as a winger, during his time on the pitch.

My man of the match: Tyrese Hall. Starting the match alongside Billy Heaps in central-midfield as the deepest of the two midfielders, schoolboy footballer Tyrese Hall had a really good game in midfield, as he had a good influence on the game throughout. Hall’s all-round performance in midfield was very good in my opinion. He got forward well on occasions, showed good skill on the ball throughout the match, and covered a lot of ground. On his fifth competitive appearance of the season for Stuart Lewis’ side, Tyrese Hall, who is clearly a versatile player, showed a real desire to want to make a real difference in the game. He set-up Jamie Donley for his second goal of the game and also made a very important block. Hall knew when to get forward well, but also when to stay deep to help out the defence.

Spurs’ Under 18 side welcomed Aston Villa to Hotspur Way on Saturday afternoon, for a Premier League South fixture. Spurs lost the match 2-0, and although they were missing a number of regular starters, they did well, and were in the game all match, creating a lot of chances. Spurs lined up with Aaron Maguire in goal, while a back four of Maxwell McKnight, Alfie Dorrington, Archie Chaplin and Jordan Hackett started in front of him. George Abbott and Billy Heaps started in central-midfield, and Sam Amo-Ameyaw and Riley Owen started out on the flanks, either side of CAM Han Willhoft-King. Captain Jaden Williams led the line for Spurs. Aston Villa got the game underway on a really nice day at Hotspur Way. After receiving the ball out on the right flank Sam Amo-Ameyaw came inside onto his left foot before having an early effort saved by Aston Villa goalkeeper Sam Lewis. A couple of minutes later a loose pass from Alfie Dorrington came to Dewain Sewell, who went down the right side of the Spurs box, before hitting an effort just wide of the goal.

Another loose pass from a Spurs player (Han Willhoft-King) saw the ball come to Dewain Sewell, who crossed the ball to Kadan Young, whose first time effort was saved by Aaron Maguire. A good run down the right flank from Amo-Ameyaw resulted in the winger cutting inside onto his left foot, but his curling effort was tipped over by Sam Lewis. After Alfie Dorrington headed Billy Heaps’ free-kick across goal inside the Spurs box, Jaden Williams did well to catch the ball on the volley, but his effort went narrowly wide of the Aston Villa goal. After receiving Travis Patterson’s pass inside the Spurs penalty area, Chisom Afoka hit a low effort wide of Maguire’s goal. Amo-Ameyaw hit a low cross right across the face of the Aston Villa goal a couple of minutes later, after again showing good skill with the ball. Amo-Ameyaw then had an effort saved by Sam Lewis inside the Aston Villa box, before a Billy Heaps free-kick almost deflected into the path of Archie Chaplin inside the Aston Villa box, but Sam Lewis was able to gather the ball in time.

Travis Patterson hit an effort low and wide from distance for Aston Villa, before at the other end of the pitch Billy Heaps hit an effort wide. Heaps then blocked Aston Villa captain Aaron O’Reilly’s effort, a minute or so after. Aston Villa took the lead about eight minutes before half-time. Dewain Sewell managed to latch onto Billy Heaps’ loose pass on the edge of the Spurs box, before showing good composure in front of goal and finishing well with a low effort past Aaron Maguire, 0-1. Spurs tried to respond before half-time. Jaden Williams had a deflected saved by Sam Lewis, after receiving a pass from Riley Owen inside the Aston Villa box. Sam Amo-Ameyaw then appeared to be fouled inside the Aston Villa penalty area, but he was still able to pass the ball to McKnight, who came inside onto his left foot well, before curling an effort over the goal. Han Willhoft-King then had an effort blocked, before the referee sounded his whistle for half-time.

Spurs got the second half underway. Chaplin headed an effort wide from a Billy Heaps free-kick, before McKnight had an effort on his left foot saved. George Abbott played a one-two with Riley Owen inside the Aston Villa box, before seeing his effort saved well by Sam Lewis, with a defender then clearing the ball off the line. Maguire saved well with his feet to stop Kadan Young from scoring inside the Spurs box. Spurs then made their first change of the game, as Damola Ajayi came on to make his debut at this level for Spurs, in place of Billy Heaps. A corner-kick from Ajayi was met by Chaplin inside the Aston Villa box. His headed effort was saved by Sam Lewis, and then Williams also had an effort saved on the follow up. Before Owen then had an effort on goal cleared on the line. Tyrese Hall came on to replace Riley Owen, before Archie Chaplin did well to clear Travis Patterson’s effort. Hall then had an effort blocked, as Spurs continued to look for an equaliser. McKnight hit an effort narrowly over Sam Lewis’ goal, from the edge of the Aston Villa box.

Charlie Pavey headed an effort just over from a cross, before Maxwell McKnight’s fine cross to Tyrese Hall inside the Aston Villa box at the back post, resulted in Hall having his effort tipped behind by the impressive Sam Lewis. Another cross from McKnight a couple of minutes later found it’s way to the unmarked Tyrese Hall at the back post of the Aston Villa box. However, Hall was unlucky as he ended up putting the ball over the goal. Spurs continued to create chances. Jaden Williams’ lofted pass through to George Abbott inside the Aston Villa box, resulted in Abbott having an effort saved by Lewis. However, after Aston Villa player Todd Alcock made a good run in behind the Spurs defence to latch onto Travis Patterson’s pass, he continued into the Spurs box, before finding the bottom right hand corner of Maguire’s goal, 0-2. An impressive challenge from Archie Chaplin on Travis Patterson inside the Spurs box, stopped a chance for Aston Villa late on in the game, with the referee sounding the full-time whistle moments later. Spurs’ next Premier League South game is away to Reading, next Saturday (the game starts at 11.30am).

Player reviews:

• Aaron Maguire: The second year scholar and goalkeeper had a solid game in goal, and couldn’t have done anything to stop either of Aston Villa’s goals. Maguire made one really good save with his feet during the second half.
• Maxwell McKnight: Starting this match at right-back rather than as a winger, first year scholar Maxwell McKnight often stayed quite deep to defend during much of the first half (he was still involved quite a bit in the final third). However, as the second half went on McKnight got forward down the right flank a lot more, showed his quality on the ball and delivered some good crosses into the Aston Villa box.
• Alfie Dorrington: Regardless of the score line, Alfie Dorrington formed a good defensive partnership with the slightly less experienced Archie Chaplin. Dorrington made some good defensive interventions during the game.
• Archie Chaplin: My man of the match, see below. 
• Jordan Hackett: The left-back often stayed quite deep on the pitch to help out the two centre-halves.
• George Abbott: The deepest of the two central midfielders got forward with the ball well, and was involved in some clever play in the final third. Abbott was unlucky not to score again today.
• Billy Heaps: The midfielder started the match just ahead of George Abbott in central-midfield, where he worked hard during his 61 minutes on the pitch.
• Sam Amo-Ameyaw: Showing some really good skill on the ball out on the right flank. Particularly during the first half the schoolboy footballer was very direct with the ball and would really test Aston Villa left-back Harvey Rhoades. This was in my opinion Amo-Ameyaw’s best game so far for the Spurs Under 18 side.
• Han Willhoft-King: Starting the game as a CAM but later going to a central-midfield role, the hardworking midfielder once again showed good composure with the ball when he went on forward runs.
• Riley Owen: Again showing good skill on the ball, left-winger Riley Owen was direct with the ball and went on some skilful runs with it.
• Jaden Williams: The Spurs captain was very unlucky not to score today, such was his good movement and hard work off the ball.
• Damola Ajayi: The second half substitute initially went to start in the CAM position, but later went out to the left flank, on his debut for Spurs at this level.
• Tyrese Hall: The schoolboy footballer made his fourth appearance of the season for Spurs’ Under 18 side today, when he came on in the second half. A skilful player with the ball, Hall went to the CAM role following his introduction to the game. On another day he could have scored a brace.

My man of the match: Archie Chaplin. The centre-half had a very good game on the left side of central defence. The schoolboy footballer made some really good clearances, challenges and defensive interventions against Aston Villa, and his overall reading of the game was very good. Chaplin is a very quick defender, and he formed a good central-defensive partnership with Alfie Dorrington.

Spurs’ Under 18 side welcomed Birmingham City to Hotspur Way on Saturday, in their latest Premier League South game. Spurs impressively won the game 7-0 (Jaden Williams got five of Spurs’ goals), and it was a game in which they were much the better team in, throughout. Spurs lined-up with Aaron Maguire in goal, while a back four of Will Andiyapan, Alfie Dorrington, Archie Chaplin and Jordan Hackett-Valton started in defence. Han Willhoft-King and George Abbott started in central midfield, with Maxwell McKnight and Renaldo Torraj starting out on the flanks, either side of CAM and Spurs captain Rio Kyerematen. Jaden Williams led the line for Spurs. Birmingham got the game underway on a nice day at Hotspur Way, and it was the visitors who actually started the game the better of the two sides. Kieran Wakefield managed to latch onto a loose pass, and he went on a surging run with the ball, past Alfie Dorrington, before continuing into the Spurs box. However, Wakefield’s first effort was saved well by Aaron Maguire, and then moments later Maguire saved well again from the same player, before Jordan Hackett-Valton headed an effort clear on the line.

Spurs responded well to Birmingham’s early chances, and after Renaldo Torraj received Rio Kyerematen’s pass down the left side of the Birmingham box, he came inside onto his right foot before having an effort saved by Alfie Brooks. Rio Kyerematen hit a free-kick from the left flank just over, before then hitting an effort over from the edge of the Birmingham box. A couple of minutes later the England Under 17 international was again involved, this time seeing his effort towards goal blocked by a defender. Renaldo Torraj then had an effort blocked inside the Birmingham penalty area, before at the other end of the pitch Archie Chaplin did well to block Ife Oni’s effort inside the Spurs box. A nice lofted pass from defender Alfie Dorrington managed to pick out Jaden Williams, who had made a good run in-behind the Birmingham defence, but his resulting lofted effort towards goal went just over. Spurs took the lead shortly after, as Archie Chaplin took a free-kick quickly to Maxwell McKnight down the right flank, and his early cross into Jaden Williams in the centre of the Birmingham box, was smartly volleyed low past Alfie Brooks, and into the back of the goal, 1-0.

A lofted pass to McKnight from Williams inside the Birmingham penalty area, resulted in McKnight trying to score from a headed effort. However, the Birmingham goalkeeper managed to punch the ball clear. Dorrington made a good defensive intervention at the other end of the pitch, before Spurs doubled their lead. After Jaden Williams received Rio Kyerematen’s nice ball forward, Williams went forward with the ball, past a Birmingham defender before entering the penalty area and finishing low into the bottom left hand corner of the goal, 2-0. Rio Kyerematen hit an effort over from a free-kick, before finding Archie Chaplin inside the Birmingham box, from a corner-kick, but Chaplin’s effort went over the goal. The referee sounded his whistle for half-time a couple of minutes later. Spurs got the second half underway and not long into the half they extended their lead, as Jaden Williams got his hat-trick. After receiving McKnight’s pass inside the Birmingham box, Williams tried to score with an effort on goal, and it ended up taking a significant deflection off of a Birmingham defender, before going into the goal, 3-0.

Midfielder Han Willhoft-King went on a good forward run after receiving the ball in midfield, and it ended with him bringing the ball towards the Birmingham penalty area, and hitting a low effort wide of the goal. After Luke Carsley had brought down Jaden Williams inside the Birmingham box, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Williams stepped up confidently to find the bottom left hand corner of the goal, 4-0. Renaldo Torraj hit a free-kick effort wide, before Billy Heaps came on to replace Han Willhoft-King in midfield. After Williams had an effort blocked inside the Birmingham box, the ball came to George Abbott, who hit the ball into the top left hand corner of the goal, 5-0. Spurs made their two final changes shortly after as Maxwell McKnight and Renaldo Torraj were replaced by Riley Owen and Sam Amo-Ameyaw. Amo-Ameyaw and Riley Owen came close to making the perfect start to their time on the pitch, with Amo-Ameyaw’s low cross from the left, almost being tapped home by Owen, but for a Birmingham defender getting to the ball just in time.

After turning well with the ball, Riley Owen passed the ball to Jaden Williams down the left side of the Birmingham penalty area, and Williams calmly put the ball past Alfie Brooks, and into the back of the goal, 6-0. Spurs made it 7-0 less than ten minutes later, after Williams had held the ball up well, before making a good pass to Rio Kyerematen inside the Birmingham box. The Spurs midfielder and captain for the game finished well past Alfie Brooks, with a low effort, 7-0. Aaron Maguire saved an effort on goal from Felix Miles, before Ben Beresford volleyed over from a corner-kick. A couple of minutes later a good Birmingham move ended with Felix Miles having an effort deflected wide of the goal, and then a couple of moments later he had an effort which went over the Spurs goal. The referee sounded the full-time whistle a couple of minutes later. Spurs’ next Premier League South game is at home to Aston Villa, next Saturday at Hotspur Way.

Player reviews:

• Aaron Maguire: Making two impressive and important saves during the opening minutes of the game, goalkeeper Aaron Maguire didn’t have a lot to do after that. However, the Republic of Ireland youth international was vocal throughout the match, and was always giving out instructions to his teammates.
• Will Andiyapan: The right-back had a solid game down his side of the pitch. Although Birmingham didn’t test Spurs a lot going forward.
• Alfie Dorrington: The centre-half started the match to the right of Archie Chaplin, and he made a couple of important defensive interventions during the game.
• Archie Chaplin: The left sided centre-half once again did not look at all out of place at this level, as he defended well alongside the more experienced Alfie Dorrington.
• Jordan Hackett-Valton: The left-back made a good headed clearance on the Spurs goal line during the first half. The second year scholar had a solid game defensively. 
• Han Willhoft-King: Starting the game in a more defensive role to George Abbott, midfielder Han Willhoft-King again showed his quality on the ball on occasions during the game. He worked well with Abbott, and also brought the ball forward well, during his time on the pitch.
• George Abbott: This was a good all round performance from the first year scholar, who took his second half goal well, helped Spurs to win the midfield contest and also did some good defensive work. 
• Maxwell McKnight: The winger provided two assists from out on the right flank against Birmingham City, taking his total amount of assists this season at this level to nine. McKnight went on some good runs with the ball during his time on the pitch, as he impressed once again at this level.
• Rio Kyerematen: Starting the game as a CAM, England youth international and Spurs captain Rio Kyerematen provided a fine assist and scored a goal on Saturday afternoon. Kyerematen tried to score on a number of occasions throughout the match.
• Renaldo Torraj: The winger who started the game out on the left flank was involved quite a lot in the game during the first half. The second year scholar completed 65 minutes of the match. 
• Jaden Williams: My man of the match, see below.
• Billy Heaps: The second half substitute went into central midfield after entering the pitch.
• Riley Owen: The winger came on during the second half and made a good impression on the game. Owen turned well with the ball before setting-up Jaden Williams for one of his second half goals.
• Sam Amo-Ameyaw: The winger and second half substitute almost got an assist during his time on the pitch, and he also had a goal ruled out for offside.

My man of the match: Jaden Williams. The centre-forward was outstanding against Birmingham City, leading the line so well as he scored five goals and provided two assists. The first year scholar was involved in all of Spurs’ goals today, and the quality of his performance was so good. Williams made some good runs in-behind the Birmingham defence, held the ball up well on occasions, moved really well off the ball and took all of his goals well. Jaden has now scored 12 goals and provided six assists at Under 18 level for Spurs this season.

Spurs’ Under 23 side faced Leicester City in a Premier League 2 fixture on Friday evening, at the Lamex Stadium. Spurs won the game 3-1, after starting the match really well, and going into the half-time break 3-0 up. Spurs lined-up with Thimothée Lo-Tutala in goal, while a back four consisting of Maksim Paskotši, Malachi Fagan-Walcott, Tobi Omole and Marcel Lavinier lined-up in front of him. Captain Jamie Bowden and Matthew Craig started in central midfield, and Kallum Cesay and Yago Santiago started out on the flanks, either side of CAM Alfie Devine, while first year scholar Jamie Donley led the line for Spurs. Spurs got the game underway, and early on in the game Leicester City player Tawanda Maswanhise had an effort blocked inside the Spurs penalty area by Maksim Paskotši. A couple of minutes later at the other end of the pitch, Jamie Bowden had an effort from distance saved by Leicester goalkeeper Brad Young. Jamie Donley then had an effort on goal saved by Brad Young, before Yago Santiago headed an effort wide, after meeting Marcel Lavinier’s cross from the left flank.

Spurs were playing very well, and in the 23rd minute of the match they deservedly took the lead. After controlling Marcel Lavinier’s header well and showing good skill on the ball, Yago Santiago brought the ball forward at pace down the left side of the Leicester box, before finishing low, inside the bottom right hand corner of the goal, 1-0. Less than ten minutes later Spurs doubled their lead, through Alfie Devine. Devine gave the ball to Jamie Donley, who then played the ball through to him inside the Leicester penalty area. Through on goal the England Under 19 international never looked likely to miss, and he confidently finished past Brad Young, 2-0. Spurs wanted to extend their lead before half-time, and after the impressive Jamie Bowden passed the ball out to Alfie Devine on the right flank, Devine brought the ball forward before sending a low cross into the Leicester box. He was almost able to pick out Jamie Donley, but he couldn’t reach the ball, and it deflected past Brad Young off of Leicester player Lewis Brunt, 3-0. This was the final chance of the first half, for either side. 

Leicester got the second half underway and early on in the half Thanawat Suengchitthawon hit a free-kick from distance towards the Spurs goal, but Thimothée Lo-Tutala was able to gather his effort. Lestyn Hughes then had a low effort saved by Lo-Tutala, before the Spurs goalkeeper made another save to stop the same Leicester player a couple of moments later. Lestyn Hughes curled an effort over from the left side of the pitch, before Will Russ hit an effort wide on the turn. Spurs then went on a good forward run, as Alfie Devine showed great pace to go past a Leicester defender and enter the Leicester box, before attempting to square the ball for Jamie Donley in the centre of the penalty area, but his pass was put behind by a Leicester player. A couple of minutes later Jamie Bowden took a free-kick early and managed to pick out Jamie Donley inside the Leicester box, but Donley’s resulting effort was blocked by a defender.

After going on a surging forward run with the ball past Malachi Fagan-Walcott and into the Spurs box, Will Russ tried to score past Lo-Tutala with a lofted effort, but it went wide of the Spurs goal. Dermi Lusala came on to replace Maksim Paskotši at right-back, before Tobi Omole received a yellow card. Ethan Fitzhugh hit a free-kick wide for Leicester, from the right side of the pitch, and then captain Jamie Bowden handed the captains armband to Tobi Omole, as he left the field to be replaced by Romaine Mundle. After latching onto Khanya Leshabela’s through-ball pass, Ethan Fitzhugh was through on goal inside the Spurs penalty area, and the midfielder finished past Lo-Tutala, 3-1. The referee sounded his whistle for full-time moments later, as Spurs won their first game of the year at this level. Their next Premier League 2 game is not until the fourth of April, when they travel to East London to face West Ham United.

Player reviews:

• Thimothée Lo-Tutala: The Spurs goalkeeper and France Under 19 international made some fairly comfortable saves during the match, but he was very vocal throughout. And he was constantly organising the Spurs defence.
• Maksim Paskotši: Starting the match at right-back and completing 77 minutes of the game, Estonia international Maksim Paskotši had a solid game in defence. The 19 year old made an excellent long run at pace to get back to make a really good and important challenge on a Leicester player to win the ball, not long before he was substituted.
• Malachi Fagan-Walcott: Starting the match on the right hand side of central-defence, Malachi Fagan-Walcott defended well alongside Tobi Omole, although they weren’t really tested too much by the Leicester forwards. 
• Tobi Omole: Like Malachi, Tobi Omole hardly made a mistake during the match and he defended well.
• Marcel Lavinier: This was an impressive performance from the 21 year old at left-back, as he went on some very good forward runs at pace with the ball, got an assist for the opening goal of the game and defended well down his side of the pitch.
• Jamie Bowden: The Spurs captain had a really good game in my opinion, on his first competitive start for the Spurs Under 23 side of the season. Bowden showed some really good skill and composure on the ball in midfield, as he helped Spurs to be the better team in midfield, also making some good forward passes. The 20 year old completed 83 minutes of the game.
• Matthew Craig: Starting the match alongside Jamie Bowden in central midfield, Matthew Craig covered a lot of ground and did well alongside Bowden. He completed the whole of the match.
• Kallum Cesay: The full-back actually completed Fridays game as a winger on the right flank. Cesay did however, do some good defensive work. 
• Alfie Devine: My man of the match, see below. 
• Yago Santiago: Taking his and Spurs’ opening goal of the game really well, and also going on some nice runs forward with the ball down the left flank and also linking up well with left-back Marcel Lavinier, Santiago had a fine game for Spurs.
• Jamie Donley: On only his second ever competitive appearance for the Spurs Under 23 side, the forward and first year scholar didn’t look out of place at this level, and he led the line well and got an assist for Alfie Devine’s goal. 
• Dermi Lusala: The full-back replaced Makism Paskotši at right-back for the final part of the game.
• Romaine Mundle: The winger replaced midfielder Jamie Bowden in the 83rd minute of the game.

My man of the match: Alfie Devine. The Spurs CAM for the match scored a goal and got an assist, to take his total goal involvements at Under 23 level for Spurs this season to 13 (nine goals and four assists). Devine would often drop deep to try and get on the ball and influence the game, and the second year scholar showed some really good pace and energy both with and without the ball. He took his goal well during the first half, and it was his cross that resulted in the third goal of the game. The England Under 19 international worked really well both on and off the ball, and he is definitely one of the most clinical finishers in the Premier League 2.

Spurs’ Under 23 side traveled up north to face Liverpool on Saturday in the Premier League 2, at their Academy. Wayne Burnett’s Spurs side lost the match 7-1, in what was a very disappointing afternoon in Liverpool, for Spurs. Spurs lined-up with Joshua Oluwayemi in goal, while Dermi Lusala, captain Maksim Paskotši, Charlie Sayers and Kallum Cesay started in defence. Alfie Devine and Max Robson started the match in central-midfield, and J’Neil Bennett and Romaine Mundle would start the game out on the flanks, either side of CAM Yago Santiago. First year scholar Jamie Donley led the line for Spurs. Liverpool got the game underway. Starting really well from very early on in the game, defender Rhys Williams headed wide Liverpool’s first chance of the match, from Leighton Clarkson’s corner-kick. Then a couple of minutes later Liverpool captain Tom Clayton received Tyler Morton’s pass inside the Spurs box, but his low effort was saved by Oluwayemi. Leighton Clarkson managed to latch onto Joshua Oluwayemi’s pass out from the Spurs box, but then Oluwayemi managed to save Clarkson’s effort on goal.

Liverpool continued to play well, and after a good run down the right side of the Liverpool box Conor Bradley had an effort saved by Oluwayemi, before Leighton Clarkson managed to get to the ball, but ended up putting it wide of the goal. Alfie Devine managed to partially block Jack Bearne’s effort, which was saved by Oluwayemi. Liverpool then took the lead shortly after, as Max Woltman received the ball inside the Spurs box, before then laying it off to Northern Ireland international Conor Bradley, who managed to find the bottom right hand corner of the Spurs goal, with a low finish, 0-1. Spurs responded in defence, as centre-half Charlie Sayers switched sides with Maksim Paskotši. A good run into the Spurs box (down the left side) from Woltman, ended in him managing to get past Sayers, before finding the bottom right hand corner of the goal, with a good finish, 0-2. Liverpool extended their lead not long after, after Max Woltman passed the ball to James Norris down the left of the Spurs box, and the full-back powerfully found the far corner of Oluwayemi’s goal, 0-3.

After receiving Leighton Clarkson’s pass, Max Woltman tried to score from a lofted effort, but it was saved by Oluwayemi. Spurs tried to respond. Romaine Mundle came very close to meeting J’Neil Bennett’s low cross towards the back post of the Liverpool goal. However, Liverpool then went forward with the ball. Tyler Morton’s cross to Max Woltman inside the Spurs box, resulted in Woltman having an effort saved by Oluwayemi, before Sayers fouled the Liverpool forward inside the Spurs box, resulting in a penalty for the home team. Leighton Clarkson passed the ball into the bottom right corner of the Spurs goal from the resulting penalty kick, 0-4. J’Neil Bennett then fouled a Liverpool player and was shown a yellow card by the referee. After meeting a cross from James Norris down the right side of the pitch, Mateusz Musialowski had an effort deflected behind by Kallum Cesay. Just before half-time Rhys Williams headed a Leighton Clarkson cross towards goal, but his effort hit the arm of Jamie Donley, with the referee again pointing to the penalty spot. This time Leighton Clarkson hit the ball into the top left corner of the goal, 0-5. The referee sounded his whistle for half-time soon after.

Spurs, who got the second half underway, had made a change at half-time as Jamie Bowden replaced Max Robson in midfield. An early Jamie Bowden corner-kick was met by Jamie Donley inside the Liverpool box, and his headed effort on goal was saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga. A cross from the right from Leighton Clarkson wasn’t gathered by Joshua Oluwayemi, but Jack Bearne could then only hit the ball over the goal. Bowden then managed to pick out Bennett on the right flank with a great lofted pass, and Bennett then cut inside onto his right foot before finding the far corner of the goal, with a good effort from the edge of the Liverpool penalty area, 1-5. Both Charlie Sayers and Kallum Cesay received yellow cards in quick succession, before a good lofted pass from Bowden put Donley through on goal, inside the Liverpool box. However, Donley’s effort was saved by Marcelo Pitaluga. Liverpool managed to get their sixth goal of the game a couple of minutes later, after Jack Bearne latched onto a long pass and then went down the right side of the Spurs box, before finishing across Oluwayemi, and into the far corner of the goal, 1-6. 

Liverpool wanted to score more goals, and after Tom Clayton went past Devine on the left flank, Clayton crossed the ball into the Spurs box. Oluwayemi was unable to gather it, and Mateusz Musialowski ended up putting the ball wide of the goal. After receiving Bowden’s lofted pass out on the right flank, J’Neil Bennett had a deflected effort on goal saved by the Liverpool goalkeeper. Marqes Muir replaced Maksim Paskotši in defence, and then Jaden Williams replaced Yago Santiago. Liverpool went forward with the ball again, as Leighton Clarkson received Tyler Morton’s pass down the right side of the Spurs box, but his effort was saved by Oluwayemi. After Charlie Sayers stopped a pass inside the Spurs box, the ball came to Fidel O’Rourke, who finished well into the bottom right hand corner of the Spurs goal, 1-7. The referee sounded the final whistle soon after, to bring the game to an end. Spurs’ next Premier League 2 game is at home to Leicester City on Friday evening, at the Lamex Stadium.

Player reviews:

• Joshua Oluwayemi: The Spurs goalkeeper made some good saves, and I certainly didn’t think that he was at fault for any of Liverpool’s goals.
• Dermi Lusala: Starting the match at right-back, Dermi Lusala later switched sides with Kallum Cesay, during the second half. This was a difficult game for all of the Spurs defenders, and Lusala had a lot of defending to do, with Liverpool focusing a lot down the flanks. 
• Maksim Paskotši: The Estonia international made his first competitive start for the Spurs Under 23 side this year, on Saturday afternoon. The centre-half completed 79 minutes of the match, and he had to defend against talented Liverpool centre-forward Max Woltman. For both Paskotši and Sayers, there were some difficult moments in the game, but then Liverpool did field a very strong side for the match. 
• Charlie Sayers: The second year scholar and centre-half completed the whole of the match and although he did start the game to the left side of Maksim Paskotši, Sayers did switch sides on occasions during the game. On only his second ever competitive start at this level, the former Southend United player did have some difficult times during the match against a much more experienced Liverpool side, but I thought that he defended well during the second half.
• Kallum Cesay: Starting at left-back and later switching flanks with Dermi Lusala during the second half, Cesay had a lot of defending to do throughout the game.
• Alfie Devine: Often dropping deep in midfield to try and get on the ball during the Liverpool match. Alfie Devine started the game as the deepest midfielder, but later moved higher up the pitch after Jamie Bowden came on during the second half. Devine couldn’t influence the game in the same way that he has done for Spurs’ Under 23 side during recent games, because of the fact that he didn’t receive the ball a lot in the middle of the pitch. 
• Max Robson: Working hard as always from midfield and trying to make a good impression on the game, midfielder Max Robson only completed the first half of todays game, and he wasn’t playing in his usual role as a CAM, but was instead in central-midfield.
• J’Neil Bennett: The winger who started the game out on the right flank, improved a lot in the second half following the introduction of midfielder Jamie Bowden. Bennett took his goal really well. 
• Yago Santiago: Starting the game as a CAM and later switching positions with other players during the match, Yago Santiago completed 83 minutes of the game.
• Romaine Mundle: Starting out on the left flank as a winger, Romaine Mundle didn’t receive the ball much out on the left side, at times during the game.
• Jamie Donley: Making his competitive debut for the Spurs Under 23 side, England Under 17 international Jamie Donley led the line for Spurs against Liverpool. Donley didn’t get great service during the match, but came close to scoring during the second half, after being put through on goal by Jamie Bowden. However, the Liverpool goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga managed to save his effort.
• Jamie Bowden: My man of the match, see below.
• Marqes Muir: The centre-half came on to replace Maksim Paskotši during the second half.
• Jaden Williams: The late substitute came on to play as a centre-forward, with Jamie Donley moving to the CAM role.

My man of the match: Jamie Bowden. After being introduced for the start of the second half, classy midfielder Jamie Bowden got on the ball a lot and really tried to get Spurs back into the game. Providing an assist for J’Neil Bennett’s goal from a nice lofted pass, Bowden also created a really good chance for Jamie Donley. The 20 year old was always looking to pass the ball forward and he showed great vision and skill on the ball. He made a real difference to the Spurs team after being introduced for the second half of Saturdays game.

Spurs’ Under 18 side welcomed Fulham to Hotspur Way on Saturday morning, for the third competitive fixture between these two sides this season. Spurs lost the Premier League South game 1-0, and it was a game of not very many chances, for either side. Aaron Maguire started in goal for Spurs, while a defence consisting of Will Andiyapan, Archie Chaplin, Charlie Sayers and Jahziah Linton lined-up in front of him. Rio Kyerematen and George Abbott started in central midfield, and Sam Amo-Ameyaw and Billy Heaps started out on the flanks, either side of CAM Jamie Donley, with Jaden Williams leading the line. Spurs got the match underway. Rio Kyerematen hit an early effort over the Fulham goal, before a good chance came the way of Jaden Williams, but he headed wide from Kyerematen’s free-kick into the Fulham box. A couple of minutes later Oliver Sanderson curled an effort wide of Aaron Maguire’s goal, and then at the the other end of the pitch Jaden Williams managed to get onto the ball inside the Fulham box, from a Fulham back pass. However, Williams was met by the Fulham goalkeeper Michael Allen, who saved his effort, before the ball was cleared.

A loose pass from Charlie Sayers was latched onto by Oliver Sanderson, who went into the Spurs box, before having his effort saved by Maguire. A cross into the Spurs penalty area from the right flank from Terrell Works, was met by Oliver Sanderson, whose headed effort was well saved by Maguire. Archie Chaplin blocked Xavier Benjamin’s effort on the turn, and then Spurs came close to taking the lead through Jamie Donley, a couple of moments later. After receiving Rio Kyerematen’s pass down the left side of the Fulham box, Donley tried his luck on goal with a low effort, but it was tipped behind by Allen. Aaron Maguire gathered the ball well from Delano McCoy-Splatt’s free-kick, before Jahziah Linton had an effort on goal blocked, at the other end of the pitch. Jaden Williams received the first yellow card of the game a couple of minutes later. Fulham took the lead not long before half-time. Terrell Works crossed the ball into the Spurs penalty area from the right flank, and Oliver Sanderson met the ball and finished past Maguire, with a first time effort.

Shortly after the game got started again after the opening goal of the match, Oliver Sanderson hit an effort over inside the Spurs box. Then moments later Jamie Donley hit a free-kick into the Fulham wall, before Imani Lanquedoc hit an effort wide from distance, and Xavier Benjamin hit an effort wide from a Fulham corner-kick, just before the referee sounded his whistle for half-time. Fulham got the second half underway. Sayers headed over a Rio Kyerematen free-kick, before Chaplin blocked an effort from Georgios Okkas. Billy Heaps received a yellow card, and then Spurs made their first change of the game, as Maxwell McKnight came on to replace Billy Heaps. Donley hit another free-kick effort into the Fulham wall, but this time the ball came out to Linton, whose powerful effort was saved by Michael Allen. Thomas Bloxham came on to replace Sam Amo-Ameyaw out on the left flank,  shortly after. A cross from the right flank from Michael Olakigbe towards Imani Lanquedoc, ended up coming off the foot of Charlie Sayers, resulting in Aaron Maguire having to make a good reaction save to tip the ball around his post.

After Jahziah Linton conceded a free-kick on the edge of the Spurs box, Delano McCoy-Splatt hit an effort into the Spurs wall, before Xavier Benjamin then hit the ball over the goal. Spurs’ third and final substitution saw Riley Owen replace Jaden Williams. Sayers blocked Delano McCoy-Splatt’s effort, before a pass from the same Fulham player, to Michael Olakigbe down the right side of the Spurs box, resulted in Maguire saving a low effort from Olakigbe, with his feet. After winning the ball off of George Abbott inside the Spurs box, McCoy-Splatt hit an effort on goal, but it was saved by the impressive Aaron Maguire. Charlie Sayers then headed over after meeting a headed clearance from Georgios Okkas inside the Fulham box. The referee sounded his whistle for full-time shortly after.

Player reviews:

• Aaron Maguire: My man of the match, see below.
• Will Andiyapan: Starting the match at right-back, the Wales youth international   often stayed deep to defend against Imani Lanquedoc.
• Archie Chaplin: This was a solid defensive performance from the schoolboy footballer, at centre-half. Chaplin made some good blocks and also kept good positioning throughout the game.
• Charlie Sayers: Returning to the Under 18 side after making his competitive debut for the Spurs Under 23’s in midweek, Charlie Sayers had a good game in central defence alongside Archie Chaplin.
• Jahziah Linton: The left-back got up and down the left flank well, as he defended against Terrell Works.
• Rio Kyerematen: The skilful midfielder was inventive with the ball and brought it forward well throughout the match, as he went on some good surging forward runs. The England Under 17 international created a good chance for Jamie Donley, during the first half, and he was probably Spurs’ best outfield player on the day.
• George Abbott: Starting the match slightly more forward than Rio Kyerematen, George Abbott was tenacious in midfield.
• Sam Amo-Ameyaw: Starting out on the right flank as a winger, schoolboy footballer Sam Amo-Ameyaw later went out to the left flank following the introduction of Maxwell McKnight, before being substituted later on.
• Jamie Donley: The England Under 17 international had one good chance to score from during the first half, but his effort was saved by Fulham goalkeeper Michael Allen. Donley later moved from the CAM position to centre-forward, after Jaden Williams left the pitch.
• Billy Heaps: Starting out on the left flank as a winger, the talented midfielder  unfortunately didn’t receive the ball a lot in forward areas, during some of his time on the pitch. But he did work well off the ball.
• Jaden Williams: The centre-forward worked well off the ball and also came quite close to scoring from a headed chance early on in the game.
• Maxwell McKnight: The second half substitute came on to start out on the right flank, to make his 20th competitive appearance of the season for the Spurs Under 18 side.
• Thomas Bloxham: The second half substitute started out on the left flank.
• Riley Owen: The late substitute came on and started in the CAM role, behind centre-forward Jamie Donley.

My man of the match: Aaron Maguire. The Republic of Ireland youth international and second year scholar made a number of impressive saves, on what was only his second competitive appearance of the season for the Spurs Under 18 side. Maguire made some impressive reflex saves and kept good positioning in his goal during the match.

Spurs’ Under 23 side faced Arsenal at Meadow Park, on Friday evening, in a Premier League 2 fixture. Wayne Burnett’s Spurs side lost the match 2-1, but it was a game in which they deserved to get something from, such was the quality of their response to going 2-0 down. However, the sending off of Matthew Craig during the second half, made it that bit too difficult for Spurs to get something out of the game. Joshua Oluwayemi started in goal for Spurs, while Dermi Lusala, Marqes Muir, Tobi Omole and Marcel Lavinier started in defence. Matthew Craig and Harvey White teamed up in central-midfield, while J’Neil Bennett and Romaine Mundle started out on the flanks, and Alfie Devine started in the CAM role. Dane Scarlett led the line for Spurs. It was Spurs who got the match underway. Joshua Oluwayemi saved Omari Giraud-Hutchinson’s early effort. A couple of minutes later and after some good skill from Romaine Mundle, Harvey White had an effort blocked inside the Arsenal box. Marcel Lavinier then had an effort blocked inside the Arsenal penalty area, before Arsenal took the lead.

After Marqes Muir dribbled the ball out from defence, he was met by an Arsenal player who managed to win the ball from him. Mika Bierith had the ball played into his feet, and was through on goal inside the Spurs box, with only the goalkeeper to beat. However, after being met by the outrushing Oluwayemi (the Spurs goalkeeper seemed to catch the Denmark youth international), Bierith passed the ball to Marcelo Flores, who tapped the ball into the empty net, 0-1. Arsenal doubled their lead less than seven minutes later. J’Neil Bennett’s pass back to Oluwayemi was latched onto by Giraud-Hutchinson, who passed the ball to Flores, down the left side of the Spurs box. Flores crossed the ball into the centre of the box, but unfortunately Tobi Omole, who was attempting to slide in to clear the ball, ended up putting the ball past Oluwayemi and into the back of the goal, 0-2. Spurs responded well though, and after Alfie Devine picked the ball up just inside his own half, the midfielder went on a surging forward run, all the way into the Arsenal box, before showing good composure and finishing low and into the bottom right hand corner of the goal, 1-2.

Soon after the game got started again, a well taken corner-kick by Harvey White came to J’Neil Bennett inside the Spurs box, but his back-heeled effort came to Dane Scarlett, who then also had an effort blocked. After receiving the ball on the edge of the Arsenal box, Devine ran into the Arsenal box before striking the base of the right hand post, as he came very close to getting Spurs level. Marqes Muir defended well to stop Bierith getting forward down the right flank, and then a matter of minutes later Muir headed an effort just wide from a Harvey White free-kick. After holding on well to the ball inside the Arsenal box, Dane Scarlett was able to get the ball to Bennett, but his effort was saved by Arsenal goalkeeper Hubert Graczyk. Matthew Craig was shown a yellow card shortly after, before Oluwayemi did well to gather a cross into the Spurs box from the left from Miguel Azeez, at the second opportunity. Another great forward run from Devine, this time down the right side of the Arsenal penalty area, didn’t come to much on this occasion, because of some good defending from the home side. 

Dane Scarlett received a pass from Devine inside the Arsenal box, just before half-time. However, Scarlett’s deflected effort was tipped behind by Graczyk, before Devine glanced a headed effort just wide from the resulting Harvey White corner-kick, just before the referee sounded his whistle for half-time. Spurs made two changes for the second half, as Yago Santiago replaced Marqes Muir, and Kallum Cesay replaced Dermi Lusala, as Matthew Craig went to central-defence. Arsenal got the game back underway, and early on in the half Marcelo Flores came close to latching onto a cross from the right, at the back post of the Spurs box. After receiving Devine’s pass out on the right flank, J’Neil Bennett hit an effort across the Arsenal goal. Then a couple of moments later Romaine Mundle did really well to work his way into the Arsenal box, before hitting the crossbar with a powerful effort. Dane Scarlett headed wide Harvey White’s free-kick from the right flank. Mundle hit an effort over inside the Arsenal box, and then moments later Harvey White had a good effort from the edge of the penalty area saved by Graczyk.

Oluwayemi did well to save with his feet from James Olayinka’s low effort inside the Spurs box, as the game continued to be played at a great pace. Oluwayemi then saved Giraud-Hutchinson’s effort from inside his penalty area. After receiving Devine’s pass on the edge of the Arsenal box, Harvey White saw his powerful effort on goal tipped behind by Hubert Graczyk. From the resulting Harvey White corner- kick, Tobi Omole’s headed effort on goal was tipped over well by Graczyk. Olayinka’s through-ball pass to Marcelo Flores saw the Arsenal player through on goal, and inside the Spurs box. However, the outrushing Oluwayemi managed to put Flores off, and his effort went over the goal. Bennett then had an effort blocked, before Mundle cut inside onto his right foot inside the Arsenal box, before curling an effort wide of the goal. A great forward run from Giraud-Hutchinson, resulted in the Arsenal winger passing the ball to Marcelo Flores inside the Spurs box, but his effort was saved by Oluwayemi.

Dane Scarlett headed Marcel Lavinier’s cross wide. Then a couple of minutes later a back pass from Arsenal defender Mazeed Ogungbo was latched onto inside the Arsenal box by Scarlett, but his powerful effort on goal was excellently cleared off the line by Alex Kirk. After Matthew Craig fouled Mika Bierith, who was through on goal, the Spurs midfielder was sent off, after being shown his second yellow card of the game. Flores had a low effort from the edge of the Spurs box saved by Oluwayemi. Miguel Azeez had an effort saved by Joshua Oluwayemi, who then almost gave the ball straight to Bierith, but was able to recover the ball well and just in time. Max Robson then replaced J’Neil Bennett late on in the game. Oluwayemi saved yet another effort on goal, before Mika Bierith hit an effort wide on the turn, inside the Spurs box. The referee sounded his whistle for full-time a couple of minutes later. Spurs’ next Premier League 2 game is away to Liverpool, next weekend.

Player reviews:

• Joshua Oluwayemi: I thought that the Spurs goalkeeper had a really strong game, making a really good number of good saves, to keep Spurs in the match.
• Dermi Lusala: The right-back completed the first half of the game, before being substituted at half-time.
• Marqes Muir: Starting the match on the right side of central-defence, the first year professional was clearly disappointed at having the ball taken off of him by an Arsenal player, which led to the home side taking the lead. However, Muir did have some good moments in defence, before being substituted at half-time.
• Tobi Omole: The former Arsenal Academy player distributed the ball out well from the back, and also made some important defensive interventions. He recovered well after scoring an unfortunate first half own goal.
• Marcel Lavinier: I thought that at left-back, Marcel Lavinier had a strong game and did well for the team. The 21 year old went on some good forward runs with the ball. 
• Matthew Craig: The midfielder started the game just behind Harvey White, in central-midfield. Very busy in midfield during the first half, Craig started the second half on the right side of central-defence, but was dismissed on 73 minutes, after being shown a second yellow card.
• Harvey White: The Spurs captain put in an assertive performance in midfield, was creative with the ball and won a number of challenges in midfield. The 20 year old had a good game on his return to the Under 23 side, and the quality of his set-pieces were as always very good.
• J’Neil Bennett: Starting out on the right flank, J’Neil Bennett only swapped flanks with Romaine Mundle once during his time on the pitch. Bennett tried his luck on goal a number of times, and tracked back well to help the defence.
• Alfie Devine: My man of the match, see below.
• Romaine Mundle: This was a very good performance from Romaine Mundle out on the left flank. The 18 year old winger went on some excellent skilful and unpredictable runs with the ball during the game, and came very close to scoring a goal on one occasion during the second half.
• Dane Scarlett: The centre-forward moved well off the ball, and held the ball up well. Scarlett came very close to getting Spurs level during the second half, when he had an effort cleared off the line.
• Yago Santiago: The midfielder came on at half-time, and he started the second half just behind centre-forward Dane Scarlett. Santiago sometimes went out to the left flank to receive the ball.
• Kallum Cesay: The right-back replaced Dermi Lusala at half-time, at right-back. Cesay had to defend against the talented Marcelo Flores down his side of the pitch.
• Max Robson: The midfielder came on to replace J’Neil Bennett late on in the game, and he worked well off the ball during his short time on the pitch.

My man of the match: Alfie Devine. This was a tireless performance from the midfielder and second year scholar, as he played a big part in helping Spurs get back into the game, after going 2-0 down inside the opening 24 minutes. Starting the game behind centre-forward Dane Scarlett, Devine was constantly being inventive with the ball, making some really clever runs off it and scoring a really good goal during the first half, after going on a long run with the ball. Devine went on a number of impressive surging runs with the ball during the first half. He knew when to make those runs, but also when to drop deep off the ball to make space for himself to receive the ball. He could have scored a hat-trick against Arsenal on another day, but this was a very good performance from Alfie, who worked really well for the team throughout the match, even when Spurs were reduced to ten men and he had to do a slightly different role on the pitch.

Spurs’ Under 23 side faced Leeds United, in a Premier League 2 fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday evening. Wayne Burnett’s side recorded a 1-1 draw with Leeds, and in the end it was probably a fair result. Spurs, who were missing a number of regular starters, lined-up with Joshua Oluwayemi in goal, while a back four consisting of trialist Kwaku Oduroh, Marqes Muir, Charlie Sayers and Dermi Lusala started in-front of the Spurs goalkeeper. Matthew Craig and Spurs captain Marcel Lavinier started in central-midfield, with Yago Santiago and Romaine Mundle starting out on the flanks, either side of CAM J’Neil Bennett. Max Robson started at centre-forward for Spurs. Leeds got the game underway in North London, but it was Spurs who managed to create the first real chance of the game. After Matthew Craig passed the ball to Yago Santiago, the former Celta Vigo player delivered a low cross into the centre of the Leeds box, as Max Robson came so close to making contact with the ball.

Santiago showed some good skill to enter the Leeds United penalty area before passing the ball to J’Neil Bennett, whose effort on the turn, went just wide of the Leeds goal. A couple of minutes later a long ball over the top of the Spurs defence resulted in defender Marqes Muir slipping, as Max Dean received the ball through on goal, inside the Spurs box. However, Oluwayemi made a good save with his legs, to stop Dean from giving Leeds the lead. Nohan Kenneh headed an effort wide from Sam Greenwood’s resulting corner-kick, before a low cross into the Spurs box from Amari Miller to Max Dean, resulted in Dean seeing his effort pushed behind by Oluwayemi. Romaine Mundle had an effort blocked, after Max Robson had initially done really well to win the ball to allow Spurs to go forward. Marqes Muir then blocked Charlie Allen’s effort, before a one-two between J’Neil Bennett and Yago Santiago, resulted in the former having a curling effort saved by Leeds goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson.

J’Neil Bennett received a yellow card, before Nohan Kenneh headed an effort just wide from Stuart McKinstry’s corner-kick, in what turned out to be the final chance of the first half. Spurs got the second half underway. J’Neil Bennett just missed making contact with Marcel Lavinier’s cross inside the Leeds box, before Yago Santiago had an effort blocked inside the penalty area. However, shortly after Spurs conceded a penalty, after Marqes Muir barged Leeds forward Max Dean to the floor inside the Spurs penalty area. Up stepped Sam Greenwood, who placed the ball to the right of Joshua Oluwayemi, who went the wrong way, 0-1. Robson once again came close to guiding the ball home from close range. This time just missing Santiago’s low cross into the Leeds box. Dermi Lusala had an effort from distance saved by Kristoffer Klaesson, before Marcel Lavinier had an effort blocked inside the Leeds box, after going on a good forward run with the ball. Dermi Lusala received a yellow card for making a foul on a Leeds player, and then Spurs made their first change of ten game, as Jaden Williams replaced Yago Santiago.

Leeds United substitute Sean McGurk had an effort blocked on the edge of the Spurs box, before Spurs made their second change of the game. As Jez Davies came on to replace the hardworking Max Robson. After Sam Greenwood passed the ball to Amari Miller on the left side of the Spurs box, the former Birmingham City player hit a good effort on goal, which Spurs goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi managed to tip behind. Marqes Muir blocked yet another Leeds effort well, and then Spurs made their final change of the game, as Dante Cassanova came on to replace Dermi Lusala. After Spurs won a free-kick out on the left flank, a really good number of the Spurs players made their way into the Leeds penalty area. A fine ball into the Leeds box from Romaine Mundle saw second year scholar Jez Davies get on the ball in the air, to head home a powerful effort past Kristoffer Klaesson, 1-1. Spurs almost won the game late on, after Bennett received Mundle’s pass down the right side of the Leeds box. However, Bennett’s powerful effort hit the side-netting of Klaesson’s goal.

This was a good and hardworking team performance from a group of Spurs players who haven’t played together that much this season. Our next Premier League 2 game is away to Arsenal, this Friday evening at Meadow Park.

Player reviews:

• Joshua Oluwayemi: The Spurs goalkeeper made three impressive and important saves against Leeds United, as he had a strong game for Spurs in goal. 
• Kwaku Oduroh: The trialist from Manchester City, had a steady game at right-back, I thought. Oduroh (19) was defending against the talented Amari Miller, during the game.
• Marqes Muir: I thought that apart from conceding a second half penalty for a foul on Max Dean, which he would have obviously been very disappointed about, that centre-half Marqes Muir had a good game in defence, alongside Charlie Sayers. It was the first time in a competitive game that both Muir and Sayers had teamed up together in central-defence. Marqes made some good blocks, and he once again showed his quality on the ball. 
• Charlie Sayers: My man of the match, see below.
• Dermi Lusala: The left-back for the match got forward down Spurs’ left flank as he showed good skill with the ball, in what was only his third competitive appearance for the Spurs Under 23 side this season.
• Matthew Craig: Very involved in the game in midfield, Matthew Craig was involved a lot on the ball and he liked to pass it forward, while also working hard off the ball.
• Marcel Lavinier: The Spurs captain interestingly played in central-midfield, and I thought that he had a fine game in that new role. Lavinier used the ball well and went on some good forward runs with the ball.
• Yago Santiago: Playing out on the right flank, Yago Santiago showed good skill and determination with the ball, and he delivered some good crosses into the Leeds penalty area.
• J’Neil Bennett: One of Spurs’ best players against Leeds, winger J’Neil Bennett played in a more central role on Monday. He was involved a lot in the play, and his surging forward runs with the ball caused problems for the Leeds defence, and Bennett was unlucky not to get a goal against them.
• Romaine Mundle: I thought that the left winger for the game grew into the match, and got better and better as it went on. Mundle delivered a great ball into the box from a late free-kick to assist the equaliser from Jez Davies.
• Max Robson: Without a recognised centre-forward for the game on Monday evening, first year professional Max Robson had for the most part the job of leading the line. Determined and always willing to make runs into the Leeds box, but also dropping deep to collect the ball on occasions as well. Robson won the ball off Leeds a good number of times, and his work-rate was once again very good.
• Jaden Williams: The first year scholar came on as a substitute during the second half.
• Jez Davies: The late second half substitute came on to make his Premier League 2 debut, and he scored the equaliser for Spurs with a fine headed goal.
• Dante Cassanova: The midfielder came on for the final minutes of the game, to make his competitive debut for the Spurs Under 23 side.

My man of the match: Charlie Sayers. On his competitive debut for the Spurs Under 23 side, I thought that former Southend United player Charlie Sayers had a really good game in central-defence for Spurs. The 17 year old second year scholar who has been a regular for the Spurs Under 18 side since joining the club, had a very solid game defensively against Leeds, and I certainly don’t remember him making a single error during the game. Sayers impressed with his distribution from defence, and Spurs’ head-coach Wayne Burnett was encouraging him to make passes down the left side of the pitch.

Spurs’ Under 18 side faced Wolverhampton Wanderers, at Molineux on Saturday afternoon, in a fifth round FA Youth Cup tie. Spurs lost the match 3-0 to Wolves, who were much the better team, and they wouldn’t let Spurs settle, right from the start of the game. Luca Gunter started in goal for Spurs, while a back four of Maxwell McKnight, Alfie Dorrington, Charlie Sayers and Brandon Bryan-Waugh lined-up in front of him. Han Willhoft-King and Rio Kyerematen started in central-midfield, and Jamie Donley and Thomas Bloxham started out on the flanks, either side of CAM and captain Alfie Devine. Jaden Williams led the line for Spurs. Early on in the game, Alfie Dorrington cleared away a good free-kick from Aaron Keto-Diyawa. After receiving Kam Kandola’s pass down the right side of the Spurs penalty area, Nathan Fraser hit a low effort across Luca Gunter’s goal. Maxwell McKnight cleared Dexter Lembikisa’s promising cross into the Spurs box, as Wolves started the game really well. A couple of minutes later Nathan Fraser hit another low effort across Luca Gunter’s goal, from almost the same place inside the Spurs box, as before.

Alfie Devine hit a free-kick effort from distance into the Wolves wall, before Wolves took the lead a couple of moments later. Dexter Lembikisa’s good cross towards the back post, inside the Spurs box, was headed across Luca Gunter’s goal and into the left side of his goal, by Aaron Keto-Diyawa, 0-1. Oliver Tipton curled a Wolves free-kick over the Spurs goal, before Alfie Dorrington made an important headed clearance to deal with another really good cross from Dexter Lembikisa. Spurs’ first real chance that they managed to create, came about a couple of minutes later. Devine passed the ball to Jamie Donley, out on the right flank. The England Under 17 international then brought the ball into the Wolves box, before passing the ball out to Rio Kyerematen, who had made a forward run. However, Kyerematen’s first time effort was saved by Wolves goalkeeper Palmi Arinbjornsson, although the effort was straight at the Wolves goalkeeper. Harry Birtwistle saw his effort inside the Spurs box deflect just wide of the Spurs goal, off of Charlie Sayers. At the other end of the pitch Alfie Dorrington volleyed an effort over the Wolves goal, although he was off balance.

After Luca Gunter came rushing out of his box to try and clear the ball, Nathan Fraser tried to score with a lofted effort towards the open Spurs goal, but Alfie Dorrington managed to get back to head clear his effort. Tyler Roberts curled an effort wide inside the Spurs box, and then Nathan Fraser volleyed over a cross from Tyler Roberts, inside the Spurs penalty area. Alfie Devine was shown a yellow card, following a challenge on Dexter Lembikisa, before the former Wigan Athletic player hit over an effort a couple of moments later, inside the Wolves half. The referee sounded his whistle for half-time shortly after. Spurs got the second half underway. It started very much like the first half, with Wolves in full control of the game, for the most part. Centre-forward Nathan Fraser managed to meet Aaron Keto-Diyawa’s cross at the back post of Luca Gunter’s goal. And Fraser’s resulting headed effort was well saved by Gunter, even though it was straight at him, he managed to show really good reflexes. After Nathan Fraser played a one-two pass with Tyler Roberts, he saw his low effort towards the middle of the Spurs goal, from inside the Spurs penalty area, saved by Gunter.

After receiving a pass and turning inside the Spurs box, Tyler Roberts had an effort saved well by Luca Gunter. After going on a good run down the right side of the Spurs box, Dexter Lembikisa hit an effort against Luca Gunter’s left hand post, before Maxwell McKnight blocked Nathan Fraser’s following effort well. Charlie Sayers managed to block Harry Birtwistle’s effort inside the Spurs box, before Alfie Dorrington made a good defensive intervention shortly after. Spurs’ first change of the game saw Renaldo Torraj replace Thomas Bloxham out on the left flank. Gunter managed to save Nathan Fraser’s effort inside the Spurs penalty area, and then moments later Harry Birtwistle went past Brandon Bryan-Waugh inside the Spurs box. Birtwistle’s low cross was met by Tyler Roberts, whose low effort managed to go past Gunter in the goal, 0-2. Spurs tried to respond, as Rio Kyerematen hit a free-kick effort from the left flank wide, and then Spurs had some more defending to do inside their box. Dorrington managed to block Nathan Fraser’s effort, before Luca Gunter saved another effort a couple of seconds later. 

Jahziah Linton replaced Brandon Bryan-Waugh at left-back, and then Wolves managed to get their third goal of the game, a couple of moments later. Tyler Roberts managed to go on a good run into the Spurs box, before finishing into the bottom left corner of the goal, 0-3. Luca Gunter managed to tip over an effort from Mason Rees, before Harry Birtwistle managed to latch onto a through-ball pass, before then having an effort saved by Gunter, who then also saved Nathan Fraser’s effort well. Spurs exit the FA Youth Cup for the second season running at the fifth round stage. Spurs’ next game at this level, is away to Leicester City next Saturday, in the Premier League South. 

Player reviews: 

• Luca Gunter: My man of the match, see below.
• Maxwell McKnight: Starting at right-back for the first time in a good while, rather than as a winger, first year scholar Maxwell McKnight had a lot more defending to do today, than he has in recent weeks. McKnight did see more of the ball in the second half, then he did during the first half.
• Alfie Dorrington: The right sided centre-half, like teammate Charlie Sayers had a lot of defending to do, against Wolves.
• Charlie Sayers: The former Southend United player, like Alfie Dorrington, really did have a lot to do in central-defence. Wolves were just very good going forward, and they liked to put the ball into the Spurs box.
• Brandon Bryan-Waugh: Playing out of position at left-back, defender Brandon Bryan-Waugh had a lot to do defensively, today. Wolves focused a lot of their attention to the flanks, during todays FA Youth Cup tie.
• Han Willhoft-King: The defensive-midfielder had to deal with Wolves centre-forward Nathan Fraser dropping deep, to try and stop Willhoft-King from having time and space on the ball. 
• Rio Kyerematen: The first year scholar and England Under 17 international played in central-midfield, alongside Han Willhoft-King. He completed the whole of the game, and managed Spurs’ only effort on target of the match.
• Jamie Donley: Starting the game out on the right flank, as a winger, Jamie Donley later switched with Jaden Williams, to play at centre-forward.
• Alfie Devine: You couldn’t say that the Spurs captain didn’t work really hard for the team, against Wolves. However, he was obviously frustrated at times during the game, because of the way that the match went.
• Thomas Bloxham: Always trying to be inventive out on the left flank, winger Thomas Bloxham unfortunately didn’t see a lot of the ball. However, he worked hard off the ball. 
• Jade Williams: Jaden Williams started the game as a centre-forward, before later switching with Jamie Donley, and going out onto the right flank.
• Renaldo Torraj: The second half substitute took up a position on the left flank, as a winger.
• Jahziah Linton: The defender went to left-back after replacing Brandon Bryan-Waugh, quite late on in the game.

My man of the match: Luca Gunter. The Spurs goalkeeper and first year scholar, was without doubt Spurs’ best player today, in my opinion. The England youth international made a number of good saves, to stop Wolves from winning the FA Youth Cup match by more than they did.

Spurs’ Under 23 side welcomed south London club Crystal Palace to Hotspur Way, on Monday afternoon, for their latest Premier League 2 game. Wayne Burnett’s Spurs side lost the match 4-1, and the away side Crystal Palace deserved to win today. Spurs lined-up with Joshua Oluwayemi in goal, while a defence of Dermi Lusala, Marqes Muir, captain Malachi Fagan-Walcott and Marcel Lavinier, started in front of the Spurs goalkeeper. Matthew Craig and Max Robson started in central-midfield, while J’Neil Bennett and Yago Santiago started out on the flanks, either side of CAM Alfie Devine. Dane Scarlett led the line for Spurs. Crystal Palace got the game underway, and it was the away side who took an early lead. After latching onto a loose ball on the edge of the Spurs penalty area, Scott Banks hit an unstoppable effort into the top left hand corner of the Spurs goal, 0-1. Malachi Fagan-Walcott blocked Jesurun Rak-Sakyi’s effort inside the Spurs box, not long after. Max Robson narrowly missed making contact with Dane Scarlett’s cross inside the Crystal Palace box, before Spurs midfielder Matthew Craig received a yellow card after conceding a free-kick on the edge of the Spurs box.

Scott Banks stepped up to take the resulting free-kick, and his curling effort went into the Spurs goal, after hitting the post, 0-2. Spurs responded well though, and after Dane Scarlett found the run of Alfie Devine with a nice pass. Devine continued with the ball down the right side of the Crystal Palace penalty area, before hitting a low effort towards the goal, which went in off the left hand post, 1-2. Scott Banks headed wide from Jesurun Rak-Sakyi’s cross, before Matthew Craig had an effort saved from distance. Jack Wells Morrison saw his volleyed effort on goal, take a deflection off of John-Kymani Gordon and go wide, and then a promising ball over the top of the Crystal Palace defence from Dermi Lusala, resulted in Dane Scarlett trying to get to the ball. Scarlett managed to get onto the ball but his looping effort was headed away by Crystal Palace goalkeeper Joe Whitworth. After receiving the ball out on the right flank from Dermi Lusala, J’Neil Bennett cut inside onto his left foot and hit Joe Whitworth’s left hand post. From a cross on the right flank, John-Kymani Gordon tested Oluwayemi, with a good headed effort on goal. However, the Spurs goalkeeper tipped the ball over his crossbar.

A cross from Marcel Lavinier was volleyed back into the Crystal Palace box by Dermi Lusala, but Max Robson, who met the ball, had his headed effort on goal saved by Whitworth. Nya Kirby then headed wide Omotayo Adaramola’s cross wide of the Spurs goal, in what turned out to be the final chance of the first half. Spurs got the second half underway. J’Neil Bennett hit an effort over from the edge of the Crystal Palace box, before Scott Banks hit an effort narrowly wide at the other end of the pitch. Crystal Palace regained their two goal lead not long after, as former Spurs Academy player Nya Kirby received the ball inside the Spurs box. Kirby hit a powerful effort towards Oluwayemi’s goal, and although the Spurs goalkeeper managed to get a hand on the ball, he was unable to keep it out of the goal, 1-3. Spurs tried to respond again, as Dermi Lusala’s cross was brought down inside the Crystal Palace box by Dane Scarlett. However, Max Robson managed to find the ball, but his effort went over the Crystal Palace goal. Malachi Fagan-Walcott blocked behind an effort from Nya Kirby, before Marqes Muir headed clear an effort from Daniel Quick. 

Dermi Lusala received a yellow card after conceding a free-kick on the edge of the Spurs box. Scott Banks stepped up to curl his resulting effort onto Joshua Oluwayemi’s crossbar. However, the ball then came to Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who finished from close range. Spurs made a double substitution, as Jaden Williams and Rio Kyerematen came on to replace Max Robson and Dane Scarlett, respectively. There wasn’t much more to report on during the remainder of the game, but a red card was shown to Spurs defender Malachi Fagan-Walcott, late on in the match, for an off the ball incident. Spurs’ next Premier League 2 game is away to Chelsea, on the 18th of February.

Player reviews:

• Joshua Oluwayemi: The Spurs goalkeeper made a good save to stop John-Kymani Gordon from scoring a first half goal. However, Oluwayemi was clearly frustrated that he was unable to stop Crystal Palace’s third goal of the game, after managing to get a hand on the ball, from Nya Kirby’s effort.
• Dermi Lusala: The right-back had a lot of work to do to defend down the right side of the pitch, today. Lusala did get forward well though, to help out J’Neil Bennett.
• Marqes Muir: The right sided centre-half teamed up with Malachi Fagan-Walcott in central-defence. Muir had a lot of defending to do, and although this was only his second consecutive start for the first time in a while, I thought that overall he did a good job defensively speaking. He also showed good quality on the ball.
• Malachi Fagan-Walcott: The Spurs captain and left sided centre-half for the game, like Marqes Muir, had a lot of defending to do today against the talented Crystal Palace forwards. Fagan-Walcott will however, miss the next three Spurs Under 23 matches, after being shown a late red card.
• Marcel Lavinier: The left-back was particularly good going forward today, and he was often making good forward runs off the ball.
• Matthew Craig: One of Spurs’ most impressive performers on Monday, midfielder Matthew Craig had a strong game alongside Max Robson, in my opinion. He used the ball well, and worked hard for the team.
• Max Robson: This was midfielder Max Robson’s first start in a competitive game of football for a very long time. And the player who was playing in central-midfield today, did well in my opinion. Robson made some good runs off the ball, and wasn’t that far away from managing to score a goal. He pressed the Crystal Palace players really well, and his off the ball work didn’t go unnoticed.
• J’Neil Bennett: Playing out on the right flank as a winger, J’Neil Bennett didn’t see lots of the ball. However, he did manage to hit the post during the first half, with a good effort.
• Alfie Devine: My man of the match, see below.
• Yago Santiago: Playing as a left-winger, again today, Yago Santiago did go on some good forward runs with the ball as the game went on.
• Dane Scarlett: The Spurs centre-forward had a good first half. He made some good runs off the Crystal Palace defenders, set-up Alfie Devine’s goal with a good pass, and he worked hard throughout the game.
• Rio Kyerematen: Making his competitive debut for the Spurs Under 23 side as a second half substitute, midfielder Rio Kyerematen played in central-midfield.
• Jaden Williams: Replacing Dane Scarlett at centre-forward, first year scholar Jaden Williams worked hard after being introduced during the second half. He has been playing well for the Spurs Under 18 side so far this season.

My man of the match: Alfie Devine. The second year scholar impressed with his vision with the ball, off the ball running and all round play. Devine played as a CAM, and he scored a really well taken goal during the first half. The former Wigan Athletic player did show his quality throughout the game, and he was always available to receive the ball, as he tried to be inventive with it.