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

Our under 18’s debut appearance in the new premier league under 18 cup, ended in a hard fought 2-1 victory yesterday. As Scott Parker’s battling side managed to grind out a 2-1 victory over Leicester City, at their belvoir drive training complex. Just like the last time these sides met little under a month ago, it was a game of two halves Spurs dominating the first with some superb and intricate attacking football which should have seen them go into half time with more than a two goal lead. The second half saw the foxes revitalised, they had us defending for our lives for the whole of the second period, though Parker’s lads did create chances down the other end. It was a nervy end which despite suffering a bombardment from the home side, saw a very young Spurs side somehow scrape victory in their first game in the competition. It was a lively start to the game, Leicester having a half chance inside the first minute. After Spurs centre half Statham gave possession away to a Leicester player whose snap shot was hit straight at De Bie. Parker’s side then got off to the ideal start with in five minutes when Dilan Markanday put the lilywhites ahead. The goal came after, Patterson turned round on to his left foot just outside the area, before curling an effort on to the left post, the ball rebounded for Markanday inside the area, to tap home into an empty net. Spurs had gathered momentum from their early lead, playing some intricate attacking football as Parker’s side began to create a flurry of decent chances. Parker’s lads were further rewarded for their bright start when Patterson’s low drive was parried by Stolarczyk with the ball coming to Markanday who nodded the ball home to get his and Spurs’ second of the game.

Soon afterwards the tricky winger Dilan Markanday almost netted his hat trick, Patterson again the creator, his shot being scrambled away to the alert Markanday. Whose following effort is saved, the ball then came out to Lyons-Foster his resulting attempt was also thwarted by Stolarczyk. Apart from having a goal ruled out for offside Spurs had really contained Leicester, whose youngsters couldn’t break down our solid and dominant defenders. Prominent left back Jamie Reynolds burst forward before striking a long range effort at goal, which was thwarted by their active goalkeeper. This, followed a rare attack from the foxes as they sent a header harmlessly over De Bie’s crossbar. However, Parker’s side continued their attacking exploits, Paris Maghoma creating a good chance just after the half hour mark. The midfielder drove forward on one of his typically powerful surging runs before playing through Richards inside the penalty area, the strikers effort being well saved down low by Stolarczyk. It was an eventful end to what had been a dramatic half, as Leicesters number 7 forced De Bie into making an important finger tip save to deny his long range effort. Then Leicester had another chance down our end, when a mix up inside the box saw De Bie spill a cross, but the Belgian done well to block Leicester’s follow up.

Leicester’s energised end to the half continued when their number 10 (Apologies, I once again couldn’t get a team sheet!) slotted through one of their forwards down the right side of the area, his first time shot being tipped on to the post by De Bie. Leicester started the second half, even more revitalised than they had ended the first, the half had barely begun when a dangerous cross whipped into the Spurs area had to be cleared by Lock. The foxes were pressing our lads incredibly high as Trevor Peake’s side went in search of a route back into the game, our defence had to be alert as they continued to attack us. An attacking move by the home side ended in one of their players lashing an effort at goal, which was easily gathered by the Spurs captain. Then in quick succession, the game saw Leicester’s number 11 nod the ball narrowly wide of the Spurs goal, Parker’s side were really under the cosh. Spurs had barely entered their half since the restart, such was the dominance of the home team. However, that all changed when Leicester deservedly got a goal back on 68 minutes. The referee immediately awarding Leicester a penalty, following Lock’s trip on Leshabela inside the area. A touch from De Bie wasn’t enough to deny Leshabela’s low effort. Parker’s side knew that they had to consolidate their lead if they were to walk away with three points, this saw Spurs embark on a couple of decent forward runs. A free kick on the edge of the Leicester box dipped just wide after Maghoma’s fine strike, then a fine move from Spurs. Which saw Shashoua and Richards exchange passes, before the latter turned to goal only to fire narrowly wide of Stolarczyk’s goal.

Spurs were desperately trying to see out the final minutes of the game but they also showed a bit of the attacking flair that had won them the first half. A great pass from Maghoma picked out Richards inside the penalty area, the striker chested the ball down before firing an effort at goal, which was tipped over by Stolarczyk. The newly introduced Maurizio Pochettino then, played through Markanday a couple of minutes later. His deflected effort squirming just wide of the goal. Leicester’s number 9 then almost secured a point at the other end. After his fabulous bicycle kick was tipped to safety by the alert De Bie. Then as the game neared to an end, Leicester were inches away from grabbing a point which they would have most certainly deserved. The resulting corner kick being met by Brown whose powerful header smashed off the post, as Spurs somehow manage to cling on. It was a real rollercoaster ride of a game, Pochettino showed good feet at the end before testing Stolarczyk from long range, as the game entered a nail biting final moments. Parker’s lads were jumping for joy at the final whistle, as hard work and a bit of luck on the way, had ensured Spurs’ first victory in this new competition. Parker’s lads host Aston Villa next Saturday as league action resumes. COYS

Quick note: Our under 16’s were also in action against the foxes yesterday, despite taking a two goal lead Spurs ended up losing the game 3-2.

Player reviews:
– Jonathan De Bie: Really good performance from the Belgian youth international! Made some really important saves, his leadership was also very good. Also of note, De Bie showed real class on the final whistle, when he went straight over to the opposing keeper who was distraught, on the floor.
– Matt Lock: Fine performance from the attacking right back, both offensively and defensively. Made some really important blocks.
– Maxwell Statham: Impressive, read the game well and had a calming influence on the game, reassuring and efficient.
– Brooklyn Lyons-Foster: Similar to Statham, Lyons-Foster also impressed. He was clever both on and off the ball, made some crucial challenges.
– Jamie Reynolds: His second game filling in at left back, and I felt that he done a superb job. He was prominent going forwards and tracking back to make important interceptions, looked very confident.
– Jamie Bowden: Bowden is such a consistent player, I thought he was our best player in Saturdays win. Like a Michael Carrick, he keeps the team ticking with the many numerous interceptions he makes in the midfield. I watched him closely yesterday, he was very intelligent in his play and reading of the game. Tidy and composed, he often broke up play with aplomb. His accurate passing and close ball control made him really stand out. My man of the match!
– Paris Maghoma: A dominant and commanding force in the midfield, he’s many promising forward runs and Dembele like ability saw him shrug off opposition players on numerous occasions. Also took some nice free kicks.
– Phoenix Patterson: Another great display from the winger, really dangerous going forward with his energetic and skilful runs. Bagged two assists.
– Armando Shashoua: I felt Shashoua had a terrific game yesterday, he was so effective in what we did. It was another workman like performance from the 16 year old, he was tenacious and resilient. He was creative going forward but it was the many interceptions that he won which was so influential, he would often drop deep. Has a bit of a Renato Sanches style to his game!
– Dilan Markanday: Excellent performance from a player whose started the season in fine form. Really good on the ball, creative and good at getting into good positions hence why he grabbed a deserved brace.
– Rodel Richards: Played well, looked sharp and pressed high throughout. Unlucky not to score, had a couple of good efforts on goal.

My man of the match: Jamie Bowden. I thought he was our best player in Saturdays win. Like a Michael Carrick, he keeps the team ticking with the many numerous interceptions he makes in the midfield. I watched him closely yesterday, he was very intelligent in his play and reading of the game. Tidy and composed, he often broke up play with aplomb. His accurate passing and close ball control made him really stand out. My man of the match!

Spurs U18s: De Bie (c), Lock, Reynolds, Bowden, Statham (Omolabi 73), Lyons-Foster, Patterson (Mukendi 69), P Maghoma, Richards (Pochettino 83), A Shashoua, Markanday. Substitutes (not used): Tainio, Oluwayemi (GK).

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

“As much as we’re developing players here, of course we are, I wanted to give them some understanding that in first team football, after two back-to-back defeats there’s pressure on you to go and win the game. As much as we want to do the right things, develop and play the right way, I said that we needed to win the game and first and foremost, we did that.“(Scott Parker)

Southampton’s state of the art training facility (Staplewood) was the stage for our under 18’s match against the saints earlier today, as Scott Parker’s lads fought out a narrow 2-1 victory over the Saints, to get some vital points on the board. It was really a game of two halves, Spurs’ attacking intensity and non stop pressure ensured a deserved two goal lead at the interval, whilst the second half saw an attacking onslaught from the home side, as the saints pushed us to the wire, and in all honestly the game probably deserved to be a draw. Such was their dominance in the second half. It was a quick start as Spurs got the action going (in their navy blue away kit). Spurs striker Reo Griffiths got Spurs off to a promising start, when he tested the saints keeper Alex Cull from close range, Cull parried his effort away. The saints then tested our resolve at the other end, when their striker Michael Obafemi caught Spurs kipping at the back, through on goal his effort was shot straight at Austin who thwarted clear. After a close knit opening ten minutes, Parker’s lads got off to a great start when they took an early lead. A Southampton defender gave away possession to Griffiths, who darted forward to the edge of the penalty area, before hitting a low effort into the far bottom corner of Cull’s net, 1-0. It was an entertaining start to the game, which saw chances at either end, both sides were really up for it!

Spurs started to cement some authority on the game following their opener, Markanday went on a great jinking run as he cut in from the right, before angling an effort inches wide of Cull’s post. Southampton almost caught Spurs out at the other end, when left back Jake Vokins’s deceptive cross went just wide of Austin’s far post, much to the 18 year olds relief. However, Parker’s side went on to extend their lead on 26 minutes after right back Matt Lock embarked on a fruitful run. Before slipping in Patterson down the right side, his powerful low drive squirmed inside Cull’s near post to send Spurs into a perfect two goal lead. It was a highly energetic, high tempo performance from our lads as they looked to maintain their lead. Prominent Irish youth international Jonathan Afolabi powered wide from 25 yards out, as a frustrated saints side looked to get back into the game. Soon after Afolabi’s effort, front man Obafemi got the wrong side of Statham before testing Austin from close range, the Spurs man comfortably gathered. Southampton’s resurgent performance towards the end of the first half continued, when Afolabi teed the ball off to Will Smallbone on the edge of Spurs box, the 17 year old forcing a fine finger tip save from Austin, as his well curled effort was tipped onto the post. Phoenix Patterson created something out of nothing for Spurs near the end of the half, when he swivelled round onto his left foot on the edge of the box, only to see his curling effort land right in the hands of Cull.

Spurs could count themselves a tad lucky to have their two goal cushion when the saints threatened again in the dying minutes of the half, Obafemi robbing Lock of possession. Before sprinting forward down the left side, and slicing an effort fortunately wide of Austin’s goal, a fine start to the first 45 from Parker’s lads. The second half started off with a chance down the Spurs end, Paris Maghoma hitting a dangerous cross from the left side of the penalty area to cap off a fine piece of play, but his cross was blocked by a Southampton defender. A dangerous attack from the home side followed, as the pacy Afolabi ran at the Spurs defence before clipping a cross into Obafemi, who fortunately for Austin, sliced wide of the Spurs goal. The saints were looking by far the better side as the half continued, Afolabi again creating Spurs problems down the left with his searing pace, the Irishman whipping a ball across the face of the Spurs goal. The resulting corner for Craig Flemings side was headed on to the cross bar by a Spurs player, Griffiths. It was all Southampton as Spurs’ concentration seemed to dip, a finger tip save from Austin denying Flemings side a route back into the game. Following an attack from the lilywhites at the other end, Southampton counter attacked us, Obafmei finding Afolabi down the left flank as he powered forward before unleashing a stunning long range strike, which cannoned off of Austin’s crossbar, Spurs were lucky to still have their clean sheet.

A rare Spurs attack saw Spurs fight back at the other end, Patterson cut inside down the left, as he advanced down the byline, some great work from the Spurs man who layed the ball off to Griffiths. But disappointingly for him he’s close range effort went over the crossbar. To the home sides credit it was a miracle that they hadn’t got a goal back on us during the second half, they were running rampant and were playing some great football. Another fantastic effort from Afolabi (who was by far the saints best player) saw him cut in from his left before having a pop at goal from 20 odd yards out, his excellently struck effort again crashing off the crossbar! Spurs tried to put the game to bed at the other end, the impressive Markanday testing Cull with a low drive. However, our resistance was broken on 80 minutes when Southampton’s attacking might was rewarded with a goal, Kornelius Hansen received the ball in the box, the youngster firing home his effort into the far corner of Austin’s net, 2-1. Despite a shaky last few minutes, Spurs held on to record an important three points against a talented and more physical Southampton side. It was certainly a game of two halves. COYS

My man of the match: Spurs striker Reo Griffiths has started the season on fire and today was no exception, he lead the line extremely well. He was strong powerful and clinical, it wasn’t just his goal that impressed me. It was his all round attacking play, his hold up play and positioning. Griffiths now has four goals from four games.

Player reviews:
– Brandon Austin: A little surprised to see the under 23 mainstay, step down for the under 18’s for today’s game. But Austin (who was the skipper) continued his great start to the season with a top performance in between the sticks. Made some fine saves, was dominant in the air and lead the lads out well form the back, (good leadership).
– Matt Lock: Fine performance at right back from the 17 year old, defensively sound and potent going forward, assisted Patterson’s goal.
– Jamie Reynolds: The central midfielder slotted in well at the unfamiliar left back role, solid and composed.
– Jamie Bowden: Yet another impressive performance from the Carrickesque Bowden, very tidy throughout and made some good challenges. He filled in at centre half later on in the game, and done a fine job.
– Max Statham: The first time I’ve seen him play since that Ipswich under 15 game a few seasons back, and he was just as solid and composed today as he was then. For a youngster of only 16, he demonstrated a great understanding of the game, he was one of our best players on the day.
– Tariq Hinds: The versatile left back who today filled in at centre half before later reverting to his favoured position. Hinds defended well and formed a good centre half partnership with Statham in the first half.
– Dilan Markanday: Really impressive showing from the skilful winger, was a real threat down the right.
– Paris Maghoma: A strong part of the team, he was influential from the midfield with his forward runs, and strong defending, a very skilful player.
– Reo Griffiths: My man of the match (see above).
– Armando Shashoua: A really influential player in the team, he was so versatile in his play. Composed and showed good passing, but it was his ability to fill in for other players which impressed me yet again, whilst operating as a 10, I saw him fill in down the flank and in the centre of midfield, tireless performer.
– Phoenix Patterson: Another fine display on the left flank, good going forward and getting into good positions, took his goal well.

Spurs U18s: Austin (c), Lock (Mukendi 68), Reynolds, Bowden, Statham, Hinds, Markanday (Pochettino 89), P Maghoma, Griffiths, A Shashoua, Patterson (Richards 81).

Substitutes (not used): Thorpe, Oluwayemi (GK).

Goals: 1st half: Griffiths, Patterson. 2nd half: Hansen.

Referee: J.Pike

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

Our under 18’s succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Brighton earlier today, in the sweltering heat at Hotspur Way. As Scott Parker’s side were caught out by a late Brighton goal, in a game where the visitors had stifled Spurs’ attacking style of play. It was a bitter blow for the young lilywhites, in a match that the lads deserved to pick up a point from. It was our lads who were the more creative early on, eight minutes in to proceedings, Patterson played a pass through to Hinds down the left, the fullback testing the Brighton keeper Tom McGill with a thumping effort. Then, soon afterwards Reynolds slipped Griffiths through on goal down the left side, the striker forcing a good reflex save out of McGill. Despite all our early possession, the seagulls looked dangerous on the break, their first notable effort on goal coming round the 20 minute mark when one of their players nodded the ball over the crossbar, from the resulting corner kick. There were few clear cut chances for either side as Brightons rigid defence looked to stop us playing that quick passing, attacking football. Midfielder Jamie Reynolds had a decent effort on goal, when he fired narrowly wide from distance. Then Spurs created a fine move when Griffiths and Hinds linked up inside the Brighton box, with the latter scooping the ball up to Griffiths whose volleyed effort was well saved at McGill’s near post.

Then as half time beckoned, the visitors took a hold of the game as they went on to create a series of good chances. Firstly, when Teddy Hoare’s well crafted free kick was curled on to the far post. Then moments later Ryan Longman went close for Buckman’s side when his effort at goal, dashed narrowly wide of the post. The seagulls had finished what had been a fairly dull half, as the better side though Spurs had created some good moves of their own. Parker’s lads started the second half positively, Markanday went on a brilliant run down the right before whipping a cross into the box, which was inches away from being converted by the in rushing Griffiths. The young winger was the creator again moments later, when his cross caused a bit of a goalmouth scramble as Griffiths looked to turn it home, but the ball came back to Markanday who forced a good close range save out of McGill, it was becoming an incredibly frustrating game for Spurs. The seagulls meanwhile, still looked potent up front. As proved by Danny Cashman, whose classy bicycle kick flew just wide of De Bie’s post. And the visitors continued their attacking onslaught moments later, when Alex Cochrane latched on to a cross inside the Spurs penalty area before spinning round, and curling his effort against the post.

Despite, the attacking advances of both sides the game fell flat for large periods in what was at times a very tiresome game with little end product. However, as the game entered the latter stages a piece of brilliance from Markanday almost won it for Spurs. The nimble footed winger done well to cut inside from the left before curling an excellent effort at goal with so little to aim at, his dipping effort cannoned off the crossbar. It looked as if the game heading for a fairly deserved stalemate, as Spurs continued to push forward. A brilliant run from Lock only ended in one of his own players getting in the way. Whilst at the other end De Bie was called in to action, as the Belgian made a fine stop to deny a header from Brightons Kazukolovas. Despite the teams hard work, Spurs were dealt a bitter blow in stoppage time. When the visitors snatched a last gasp winner from a set piece. Kazukolovas cushioned the ball down to Tariq Shihab who fired past De Bie, leaving the Brighton players jumping for joy. A good one on one save was produced by De Bie minutes later to ensure the final score stayed 1-0 to Brighton. A disappointing afternoon for Scott Parker’s team who now have a two week international break before their next fixture away to Southampton. COYS

 

Player reviews: – Jonathan De Bie: Not called into action an awful lot, made a couple of fine saves when needed. Very impressed with his commanding leadership from the back.
– Matt Lock: Had a fine game at right back especially in the second half. Lock’s creativity and awareness down the right were both impressive. Whilst the youngster whose similar to KWP in style, went on a brilliant solo run towards the end of the game.
– Tariq Hinds: Very good performance from the versatile fullback, solid and well timed throughout. Also, embarked on some good runs down the left flank.
– Jamie Bowden: Another impressive showing from the defensive midfielder, very neat and tidy in his passing. But he also made many fine interceptions, he was tenacious in his play.
– Moroyin Omolabi: Teamed up well with Lyons-Foster at centre half, very good in the air and managed to snuff out danger on multiple occasions, with his intelligent defending.
– Brooklyn Lyons-Foster: I was very impressed with the England youth international today. Though a full back by trade, the 16 year old adapted really well to his new role. Very composed, and played the ball out well from the back with some good passes and some important interceptions.
– Dilan Markanday: One of Spurs’ star performers, the skilful left winger was one of the main creators. Very astute player, Markanday makes up for his lack of pace with intelligent moves down the left. His superb effort late on was unlucky not to have won us the game.
– Jamie Reynolds: Prior to going off injured in the second half, Reynolds posed a real attacking threat from the centre of the park. Went on some good surging runs from the middle.
– Reo Griffiths: As hard working as always, the striker created some good pockets of space and held the ball up well but couldn’t convert.
– Armando Shashoua: The number 10 must have covered more ground than any one else on the pitch, such was his excellent pressing. Really like the look of A.Shashoua and I’m sure the goals and assists will come in the near future.
– Phoenix Patterson: Prominent across the pitch, the young winger roamed across the front line and was one of Spurs’ main sources of creativity.
– Paris Maghoma: I thought he made a great impression on the game since coming on, had a real attacking influence on it with his surging forward runs and attacking intent. Also, demonstrated excellent close ball control. I really like his style of play.

My man of the match: Dilan Markanday. One of Spurs’ star performers, the skilful left winger was one of the main creators. Very astute player, Markanday makes up for his lack of pace with intelligent moves down the left. His superb effort late on was unlucky not to have won us the game. Really impressive performance.

Spurs U18s: De Bie (c), Lock, Hinds, Bowden, Omolabi, Lyons-Foster, Markanday, Reynolds (P Maghoma 69), Griffiths (Richards 76), A Shashoua, Patterson (Mukendi 82). Substitutes (not used): Statham, Oluwayemi (GK).