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

It was a disappointing day for Scott Parker’s under 18’s on Saturday morning, eager to continue their winning start to the premier league under 18 cup campaign. Parker’s side were to be defeated 2-1 by a familiar foe in London rivals Fulham. Personally I don’t think that Spurs can complain about losing today’s game, it was very similar to the league meeting between these sides just two weeks ago (also finishing in a 2-1 defeat). In the fact that Fulham were the better side who played that same counter attacking football against us, with similar consequences. Parker’s side had an off day they didn’t pose much of a threat to the cottagers, they looked at times leggy and unable to create. It’s worth noting that Parker was without key players Armando Shashoua, Dilan Markanday and Jonathan Dinzeyi. The much rotated Spurs side got proceedings under way at a bitterly cold Hotspur Way, but the game couldn’t have got off to a much worse start for Spurs who conceded inside just four minutes. When a searching long ball from a Fulham defender forced De Bie into rushing to meet Timmy Abraham inside the area. The Belgian managing to palm the ball clear, only for Fulham’s Sonny Hilton to delightfully dink the ball into the empty net. Spurs looked to respond, when Griffiths’ (who was playing on the left flank) effort flew just wide of Ashby-Hammond’s goal. Spurs were trying to find some rhythm in the game, as Fulham continued to try and catch us on the break. Some brilliant early defending from Lyons-Foster including a decisive block managed to stop Fulham doubling their advantage. A teasing cross from Chris Kelly was cleared by under 18 debutant Jubril Okedina, whilst Fulham continued to bother our defence, with Garrido nodding the ball just wide.

Then a piece of individual skill from Abraham saw him swivel around Lyons-Foster inside the box, before dragging a shot across the face of De Bie’s goal. Spurs were struggling to get a hold of the game, with it becoming pretty flat. The versatile Reynolds was Spurs’ main source of creativity with his good runs and promising crosses. But it was Fulham who continued to look the more likely to score, Hilton’s weaving run down the right saw the number 10 feed the ball into Abraham inside the area. His effort from no more than 8 yards out, went high above De Bie’s crossbar much to Spurs’ relief. A wasteful free kick from Patterson at the other end summed up Spurs’ frustrations in front of goal. Left back Tariq Hinds was on hand to make a brilliant last ditch challenge to deny Sonny Hilton a golden opportunity in front of goal. The potent Fulham forward would then force De Bie into making a decent save moments later, as Spurs went into the interval grateful that they were only trailing by one goal. It was a positive start to the second half from Spurs, Jamie Reynolds long range effort being deflected inches wide of the Fulham goal. Then came a great run from Griffiths down the left, the forward testing Ashby-Hammond with a thumping effort. Spurs continued their fine start to the second half with a nice passage of play which saw Maghoma enter the Fulham box only to be denied by a last ditch tackle. The ball then fell for Patterson whose curling low effort was blocked on the line by Spence.

Spurs finally managed to draw level on 57 minutes, and it was a special moment for the newly introduced Rayan Clarke. The pacy winger who had been injured since the summer, was to provide the equaliser. When Reynolds delightful floated cross picked out Clarke at the far post, the winger was there to power home the header, 1-1. The game was wide open, with the away side looking to regain their lead. De Bie had to be alert to deny Kelly’s powerful effort, whilst Richards nodded Tainio’s cross agonisingly wide of Ashby-Hammond’s left post at the other end. But any chance of a Spurs winner was to be ended when the referee pointed to the spot on 63 minutes following Lyons-Foster’s sliding tackle on Tahir (I personally found it harsh). Nicholas Santos Clase stepping up to clinically convert from the spot, with De Bie diving the wrong way. Fulham should have made it 3 moments later, when Hilton met a low cross inside the area. His deflected effort somehow squirming just wide of the Spurs goal, with Spence heading over from the resulting corner kick. Fulham had taken full control of the game as they went in search of another goal. Tahir’s powerful low effort forced De Bie into making a world class reaction save with his feet, the Fulham winger would come close to scoring again, minutes later. Hilton’s long range strike almost caught De Bie by surprise as Fulham comfortably saw out the final moments of the game to dent Spurs’ chances of making the knockout stages of the competition.

Player reviews: – Jonathan De Bie: Another top performance from the skipper made some important saves including an exceptional one with his feet late on.
– Maximus Tainio: Although a defensive midfielder by trade, the young Finnish youth international done a fine job at right back against Fulham.
– Tariq Hinds: Had a good game at left back, made a brilliant tackle in the first half.
– Jamie Bowden: Nice and composed in his play, got stuck in.
– Jubril Okedina: Looked a little nervous on his first under 18 game of the season, but done a fine job along side Lyons-Foster at centre half.
– Phoenix Patterson: Had a quite game, didn’t see much of the ball down the left.
– Paris Maghoma: Was good going forward and looked solid defensively, he carried the ball well in the centre of the park.
– Rodel Richards: Worked incredibly hard but didn’t get many opportunities to convert in front of goal.
– Jamie Reynolds: Switched positions numerous times through out the game but remained Spurs’ most creative player, provided a lovely assist for Clarke’s goal.
– Reo Griffiths: Positive performance, tested Ashby-Hammond on numerous occasions.
– Rayan Clarke: Made an instant impact on the game with a goal soon after coming on, was positive going forward. Really looking forward to seeing more of him over the course of the season.
– Jeremie Mukendi: Put in a good shift at right back.
– Maurizio Pochettino: N/A

My man of the match: Fresh from his brilliant display against Real Madrid under 19’s in midweek, young centre half Brooklyn Lyons-Foster was Spurs’ best player during our 2-1 defeat to Fulham. A calming presence who was brilliant under pressure, Lyons-Foster looked like a player who was an experienced second year scholar. The 16 year old showed maturity beyond his years making a string of brilliant interceptions and blocks, the penalty he conceded was quite harsh by the referee in my opinion. He has a bit of a Toby Alderweireld style to his game, he is so calm and decisive in his play.

Spurs U18s: De Bie (c), Tainio (Mukendi 72), Hinds, Bowden (Clarke 56), Okedina, Lyons-Foster, Patterson (Pochettino 77), P Maghoma, Richards, Reynolds, Griffiths. Substitutes (not used): Freeman, Statham.

Under 18’s Goals scored this season: Reo Griffiths-7
Phoenix Patterson -2
Dilan Markanday- 3
Jamie Bowden- 1
Moroyin Omolabi-1
Rayan Clarke-1

Assists: Phoenix Patterson- 4
Jamie Bowden-1
Matt Lock- 2
Jeremie Mukendi-1
Jamie Reynolds-1

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

Our under 18’s were to fall to another late defeat when they met london rivals Fulham at a cold and blustery Hotspur way this morning. It was a really entertaining game which consisted of free flowing attacking football from both sides in what were difficult conditions, it was a disappointing result for Parker’s lads. They managed to dominate possession, but in the end they were to be defeated by a counter attacking Fulham side, who with the pace of the powerful Sonny Hilton, caught us out at crucial times during the match, there were some really positive displays from our lads though, and it was definitely a performance that warranted a point. Spurs got the game started at a very windy Hotspur way, with the game getting off to the worst possible start for Parker’s side when the cottagers took the lead inside six minutes. Spurs’ defence were caught by surprise when centre half Moroyin Omolabi was robbed of possession by Cameron Thompson on the edge of the Spurs penalty area, as Thompson ran through on goal before slotting the ball under De Bie to make it 1-0 to the visitors, Omolabi couldn’t believe it. Fulham had come at us with a real attacking intent from the very start, in a game which was really being affected by the wind. A first good attacking move from Spurs followed when Patterson slipped through Maghoma inside the Fulham box, his resulting effort being well blocked by Spence. A much more attacking Jamie Reynolds then tested Ashby-Hammond with a decent curling effort as Parker’s side started to grow in to the game.

But it was from Reynolds effort where the cottagers were to catch us on the break, as Sonny Hilton powered down the left flank before eventually forcing De Bie into making a good stop, as Lyons-Foster cleared the loose ball away from danger. Paris Maghoma done brilliantly when he tricked his way into the Fulham penalty area before being brought down by a Fulham player, his protests went in vain. Parker’s side had really started to get a grip on the game forcing Fulham into playing much deeper, and they were desperately unlucky not to equalise just before the half hour mark. When Patterson played the ball down the line to Hinds, his excellent first time effort came cannoning off of the crossbar. Spurs were now dominating possession and were looking a real threat down the flanks. A penalty shout for when Matt Lock’s cross hit a a Fulham hand was dismissed, as the young lilywhites continued to push Steve Wigley’s side. Fulham were looking to catch us out on the break, the cottagers almost doubling their lead through the potent Hilton, when he latched on to a through ball before hitting his low effort against De Bie’s post, as it ricocheted clear. Parker’s side were desperate to draw level before the break, Reynolds and Mukendi combining well shortly before the interval as the formers deflected effort came crashing off the crossbar. Chris Kelly then came close for the visitors at the other end, to cap off an entertaining first half of football.

The cottagers got the second half underway, testing our lads early on when Tyrese Francois’ low effort forced De Bie into making a low diving save. The driving force behind our creativity was the relentless Shashoua, the number 8 was constantly forcing the visitors in to making errors as he instigated good passages of play for Spurs. Parker’s team eventually drew level on 52 minutes after Reo Griffiths netted his seventh goal of the season to make the game wide open. After he powered home Matt Lock’s teasing cross at the far post after some good work from Lock to win the ball in the first place. Spurs were looking the far more likely side to find a winner following their leveller, Maghoma curling a free kick wide, as Spurs continued to control the game. However, it was the 16 year old midfielder who gave away possession in a dangerous area moments later though Maghoma managed to recover and make a crucial challenge before Fulham had a go at goal. The cottagers continued to be dangerous on the counter attack, as showed once again through Hilton as he went on a powerful long run before passing the ball to Francois’ whose effort was blocked first through Omolabi and then through Maghoma, as Spurs got let off the hook. Griffiths and Patterson combined well at the other end though the skilful Patterson couldn’t trouble Ashby-Hammond. The prominent Jamie Reynolds then tested the Fulham keeper with a thumping effort after receiving an incisive pass from Hinds, as the game began to frantically gather pace.

Although Parker’s side were dominating possession they still allowed the visitors to have a couple of good chances of their own. One of these came after De Havilland’s free kick dipped narrowly wide of the Spurs goal. Then a decisive header from Matt Lock denied a dangerous opening for the visitors. However, the game was to be lost in disappointing circumstances after Paris Maghoma gave away a late penalty after a foul on Kelly. Thompson stepped up to convert from the spot, despite a good hand from De Bie. Spurs regained their domination on the game in the final minutes, a late promising chance saw substitute Rodel Richards play through Griffiths on goal, but a last ditch challenge brought the move to a grinding halt. The final score from what was another thrilling game involving these two sides, Fulham 2-1 Spurs. Next up for Parker’s lads is a home under 18 premier league cup tie against none other then Fulham. COYS

 

Player reviews:
– Jonathan De Bie: Wasn’t too busy today despite the two goals we conceded, made some good saves and looked solid in his overall play particularly his distribution.
– Matt Lock: Another very good attacking performance from the attack minded fullback. Was really good going forward, did well to create our goal.
– Moroyin Omolabi: Made an unfortunate error which lead to the opener but he recovered well and had a solid game at centre half.
– Brooklyn Lyons-Foster: Also very solid and decisive in his defending, Lyons-Foster is a defender who seems to favour the standing tackle. He had a fine game against Fulham, he played the ball out really well from the back.
– Tariq Hinds: Prominent both going forward and in defending, Hinds stood out during today’s game. Particularly when he went forward, he was desperately unlucky not to get on the score sheet.
– Paris Maghoma: Some flashes of brilliance from Maghoma during the match, though a tad sloppy at times. His close ball control and forward runs caused the Fulham defence problems.
– Jamie Reynolds: Operating in his natural central midfield position rather than at left back, Reynolds produced a really good performance, very neat and composed.
– Phoenix Patterson: Patterson’s low centre of gravity and quick turn of pace were on show against Fulham, on occasions. He was creative down the right flank and switched with Mukendi on occasions, he provided a spark to the game.
– Jeremie Mukendi: Really positive performance from the fast winger, impressed me today.
– Reo Griffiths: Showcased some exquisite pieces of skill and showed some great technique throughout the game, took his goal really well to continue his fine form.
– Rodel Richards: Really good attacking cameo, gave us a different edge when he came on. Also made a magnificent crunching challenge which was much to the spectators liking.

My man of the match: Armando Shashoua. There was no player more influential than Armando Shashoua in today’s game. He’s presence was immense in a Spurs side that lacked a bit of a cutting edge going forward. He was the hardest worker on the field by a mile, he pressed ridiculously well the whole game and showed extraordinary stamina for that of a 16 year old. Operating as a number 8 (not too dissimilar to Winks in fact) he made interception after interception and instigated many of our attacking moves. He was constantly finding pockets of space and creating good passages of play through his guile and footballing brain. Such an intelligent player and a leader on the pitch, he is a player for Spurs fans to keep an eye on over the coming seasons.

Spurs U18s: De Bie (c), Lock, Hinds, P Maghoma, Lyons-Foster, Omolabi, Mukendi, A Shashoua, Griffiths, Reynolds, Patterson (Richards 82). Substitutes (not used): Freeman, Pochettino, Statham, Tainio.
Goal: Reo Griffiths (52)

Under 18’s Goals scored this season: Reo Griffiths-7
Phoenix Patterson -2
Dilan Markanday- 3
Jamie Bowden- 1
Moroyin Omolabi-1

Assists: Phoenix Patterson- 4
Jamie Bowden-1
Matt Lock- 2
Jeremie Mukendi-1

Spurs under 19’s 1-1 Real Madrid: (match report)

On a night where are senior squad put in one of their finest performances since Pochettino took charge, it would be easy to forget about how good a job Scott Parker’s side done just a couple of hours before hands on Tuesday evening. Following the sheer elation of that game I thought I’d take a day or so to saviour that result, before writing this report. Played at the sparsely attended Alfredo Di Stefano stadium, and if I’m going to be honest it did feel a bit odd watching this group of players on the big screen. Parker and Mcdermott will undoubtedly view the 1-1 draw achieved in Madrid as a big success, not only was it a vital away point that we picked up. It was also a top team performance which showed off how great are players really are. It was a steady start to the game, Spurs containing possession in the opening minutes. But it was the young lilywhites who were to make the first meaningful attacking foray, when Keanan Bennetts dangerous curling cross was cleared by a Madrid defender on 8 minutes. Then, mere seconds later Jack Roles cut a lovely pass back to Edwards, whose following attempt forced Fernandez into action. A long range effort from Oscar flew over Austin’s crossbar as the home side looked to respond. Then followed another brilliant chance for Spurs, when Roles’ sublime through ball sent the onrushing Sterling through on goal. However, Sterling’s tame low effort was saved comfortably by Fernandez, as Real Madrid were let off the hook again.

Spurs were really taking the game to Real Madrid as they created some good chances going forward. The prominent Jack Roles whipping a dangerous ball across the face of the goal, then young Tariq Hinds embarked on a promising run down the right flank, before curling an effort wide. Parker’s lads looked incredibly organised and were snuffing out any danger that Real produced, limited mainly to long range efforts. One of which was easily gathered by Austin on 25 minutes. As the rain came gushing down so did the opening goal, when Spurs took a much deserved lead just before the half hour mark. The move all started after Samuel Shashoua went on a brilliant attacking run down the left before sending a delightful cross into the box. Which was met by an off balance Sterling, whose effort was parried away by Fernandez into the path of Edwards who quickly laid the ball off to none other than Jack Roles who had managed to find an empty pocket of space, the Cypriot youth internationals emphatic finish putting us into a deserved lead. Baeza’s dipping effort was well saved by Austin as the home team looked to find a quick equaliser, but the scores should have been level after Oscar received a lovely lofted pass in the area, but he couldn’t convert. Then came a dangerous free kick, conceded by Lyons-Foster on the edge of the area, but Oscar’s resulting effort sailed high and wide.

Our lads almost doubled their lead on the stroke of half time when the creative Shashoua curled in another peach of a cross to Sterling, whose header forced Fernandez into making a spectacular reflex save, it had been all Spurs in the first 45. The second half suited the home side better, they came out and showed more quality in the final third. Lyons-Foster getting a vital head on the ball to deny a Real Madrid player a clear goalscoring opportunity, then the potent Oscar came close to levelling, when his side footed effort on the edge of the area flew just over Austin’s bar. Kazaiah Sterling felt hard done by when the referee didn’t award a penalty at the other end when he was brought down from behind by a defender, as Spurs continued to pressurise the home side. Despite Madrid’s resurgence in the second half our lads continued to create good chances of their own. The lively Marcus Edwards playing a nice ball in to Sterling which was only intercepted by a Real defender.

An attacking onslaught by Real Madrid followed, Gomez’s deflected effort dipping just over Austin’s goal, only due to a vital block from Skipp. A good save from Austin followed, but he could do nothing to prevent Real’s equaliser on 71 minutes. When Gomez managed to poke home a dangerous cross from the left, leaving Austin helpless in the goal as it flashed past him. Real were passing the ball about well and were growing in confidence following their leveller. 17 year old Reo Griffiths came on to replace Roles as Parker looked to inject some pace into the game. A brilliant curling free kick from Oscar on 81 minutes was tipped over the bar by Austin as Real Madrid pushed for a winner. Massively important blocks by Tanganga followed as Real Madrid edged dangerously close to a late winner. A teasing ball across the face of the Spurs goal was only missed by the tiniest of margins by Gomez, as Spurs continued to defend really well. A brilliant diving save from a magnificent Austin thwarted Vacas Ruiz’s powerful effort. Then the colossal defending of Tanganga saved us yet again, when he made a heroic late interception.

Madrid continued to trouble us, carving through our defence on another occasion late on, Baeza forcing Austin into a low save from close range. Then followed a great late chance for Spurs when substitute Paris Maghoma slipped through the onrushing Griffiths but his pass couldn’t quite find Sterling in time. A hugely entertaining game ending in a brilliant 1-1 draw for Parker’s young side a brilliant, brilliant performance from our lads. COYS

 

Player reviews:
– Brandon Austin: Made no fewer than eight saves, his presence in goal was immense, made some crucial and really difficult saves to secure the point, looked very confident.
– Tariq Hinds: Really good going forward, also looked very assured defensively.
– Keanan Bennetts: Not as attacking as usual from left wing back, but Bennetts was very solid defensively.
– George Marsh: Was immense in the holding midfield position probably his finest performance this season, Marsh was flawless and effective.
– Japhet Tanganga: I was very close to awarding Tanganga man of the match for his performance against Leicester on Friday, but he done more then enough to secure it for his performance in Spain. Heroic was an understatement, I lost count of how many vital last ditch challenges Tanganga made in the box, he was rock solid in every aspect of his game. His long range passing was also superb, as always. I’m still to think of who he reminds me of, but he really is a brilliant prospect!
– Brooklyn Lyons-Foster: Really assured performance from the 17 year old, so decisive and calm in his defending and overall play.
– Jack Roles: It was only his first start of the season unbelievably, and Roles made a great impression on Tuesday evenings game. He was tidy and creative from the centre of midfield, but it was his special ability to find pockets of space which was so effective. Roles is so clinical in front of goal and his brilliantly taken one against Real Madrid certainly won’t be his last of this season.
– Oliver Skipp: Typically influential performance from the 17 year old starlet, his pressing, defending and dominance of the midfield rightfully winning him many plaudits from fans.
– Kazaiah Sterling: Could have had a brace on another day, really positive display, got into great positions.
– Marcus Edwards: Lively and creative down the right wing.
– Samuel Shashoua: Yet again Shashoua had a profound impact on the game, he was one of the main sources of creativity in the game, his runs, crossing and balance were all top draw. He created the first goal.
– Reo Griffiths: Decent cameo.
– Paris Maghoma: Bright cameo, looked good on the ball. Still only 16 years of age.

 

My man of the match: Japhet Tanganga. I was very close to awarding Tanganga man of the match for his performance against Leicester on Friday, but he done more then enough to secure for his performance in Spain. Heroic was an understatement, I lost count of how many vital last ditch challenges Tanganga made in the box, he was rock solid in every aspect of his game. His long range passing was superb as always. I’m still to think of who he reminds me of, but he really is a brilliant prospect!

 

Real Madrid: Fernandez, Zabarte (c), Garcia, Baeza Pérez, Adri, Álex Martín, López (Vacas Ruiz 46), Martin, Dani Gómez, Óscar, Alberto. Substitutes (not used): Ramos, Fidalgo, Moreno Román, Rodríguez Martínez, Garay, Rodríguez, Delgado.

Spurs: Austin, Hinds, Bennetts, Marsh, Tanganga, Lyons-Foster, Roles (Griffiths 71), Skipp, Sterling, Edwards (c, P Maghoma 83), S Shashoua. Substitutes (not used): De Bie, Reynolds, Omolabi, A Shashoua, Patterson.

Goals: Real Madrid – Dani Gómez 71; Spurs – Roles 29.

Yellow cards: Spurs – Marsh 34, Skipp 80, Sterling 90+1.

Referee: Joao Pinheiro.

Spurs under 18’s 0-1 Reading: (match report)

“I thought we were second best to everything, I didn’t think we had that real work ethic and they were more hungry than us, which hurts me to say because it’s not one of my traits so it’s obviously very disappointing. It’s the highs and the lows of Under-18s football. We need to help the boys understand that there are certain values you cannot lose and I’m just worried that we’re a little bit up and down at the moment.”(Scott Parker)

Our under 18’s fell to a 1-0 away defeat to Reading at their Hogwood Park training ground on Saturday morning. In what was Scott Parker’s sides last game before a two week international break, he’d have been hopeful that our lads could prolong Reading’s six game losing streak. However, this wasn’t to be the case as a game much reflecting the dull weather above, was to end in a late defeat for the lilywhites, as their hard work and graft failed to produce any positive results on this occasion. It was a game with very few clear cut chances and Reading’s scrappy late goal was to underline the nature of the game. It took less than 20 seconds for Spurs to create their first chance of the game, after kicking off proceedings. Young Spurs forward Rodel Richards testing Liam Driscoll with a low effort, as Parker’s side started their attacking foray. Spurs pushed forward again soon afterwards when Richards slipped through Mukendi down the right, his effort being well parried by the Reading goalkeeper. It was then Reading’s turn to attack, Jack Nolan testing De Bie with a decent effort from long range, in what was continuing to be a very level sided game. Spurs were enjoying the better of possession but we struggled to break through the Reading defence. Mukendi crossed to Maghoma from the right, his effort on the edge of the area was blocked by his own man, in Richards. An important interception by Maxwell Statham followed at the other end, as the game lacked creativity.

Spurs’ centre half Jonathan Dinzeyi won a dangerous free kick on the edge of the penalty area as the interval grew nearer. Free kick specialist Paris Maghoma’s following effort was well blocked by the Reading wall, as Spurs’ frustration grew. Reading’s best chance of the half came late on, Jamal Balogun’s cross being met by Olli Pendlebury, De Bie doing well to gather his effort at the first attempt. Overall, it was a first half with few openings or chances, though Spurs were probably the brighter of the two teams. The second 45, was started off well by the home team. Jordan Holsgrove forcing a great save out of De Bie shortly after the restart. Before Nolan dragged a shot just wide of the goal. The rain was pouring down as Reading continued to attack Spurs, Holsgrove again testing De Bie. The Belgian producing an important low save to stop the royals player. Parker’s side were going for the game at the other end, Maghoma going on a surging run from midfield as he played through Mukendi who prodded an effort inches wide of the goal. However, Reading counter attacked us down the left flank, as Nolan pulled a shot across the face of the goal.

Shashoua who had been prominent throughout the game, went close at the other end as Spurs’ long search for an opener continued. The deadlock was to be broken but in disappointing circumstances. A vital late block from Hinds forced a corner for Reading, which was whipped in only to be met by Reading’s Ethan Coleman who nodded the ball into the back of the net, despite the best efforts of De Bie who managed to get a touch, it was almost a carbon copy of the goal which cost us the Brighton game back in August. Late chances went begging, first through Shashoua who was unable to finish off a promising Spurs move inside the penalty area. Then through the newly introduced Dilan Markanday who got on the end of Statham’s cross, only to see his deft flick go agonisingly wide of Driscoll’s goal. Not a game to remember in county Berkshire for Parker’s lads despite their best efforts. Their not in action again until the 14th October when they host West Ham. Our development squad however, have a Checkatrade trophy game with Wimbledon on Tuesday evening, I shall be reporting on that game. COYS

Notable performances: There were a couple of impressive performances that caught my eye during yesterday’s game, I was particularly impressed with the following trio of players (my normal player reviews will resume on Tuesday). Goalkeeper Jonathan De Bie put in a typically excellent performance in between the sticks, made some great saves and his overall play was also very good. Attack minded midfielder Paris Maghoma had a great game, he was very creative going forward with the numerous forward runs he made. He looked dangerous every time he had the ball at his feet, dominant in the midfield and composed in his play, I really like his style of play, it’s quite Onomahesque and forward thinking. I thought our best player against Reading was Armando Shashoua, the midfielder had such a profound influence on the game. As I’ve said before he reminds me a bit of Renato Sanches with his versatility across the midfield, he dictated the tempo of the game at times with his fine reading of the game, his awareness and accurate passing ability. He injected much needed energy into what was a flat game, pressed non stopped and gave a great account of himself both offensively and defensively.

My man of the match: Armando Shashoua. I thought our best player against Reading was Armando Shashoua, the midfielder had such a profound influence on the game. As I’ve said before he reminds me a bit of Renato Sanches with his versatility across the midfield, he dictated the tempo of the game at times with his fine reading of the game, his awareness and accurate passing ability. He injected much needed energy into what was a flat game, pressed non stopped and gave a great account of himself both offensively and defensively.

Spurs U18s: De Bie (c), Hinds, Lyons-Foster, Omolabi, Statham, Dinzeyi, Mukendi, P Maghoma, Richards, A Shashoua, Patterson. Substitutes (not used): Pochettino, Freeman (GK).

Referee: Edward Turner.