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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Referee: John Busby.

Attendance: 3,314.