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

“I don’t think we showed our best – our players are better than that performance, certainly in possession, but the fact that we’re still in the tie is credit to the strong mentality that this group has. I feel pretty confident that we will play better than that at Stamford Bridge.” (John McDermott)

Our under 18’s hopes of making the FA youth cup final were dented on Tuesday evening, in the first leg of the FA youth cup semifinal. John McDermott’s side were defeated 2-1 by Chelsea, in a match where they were outplayed for the most part. And despite it ending in defeat, most Spurs fans will be happy with the final result, such was the dominance of Chelsea. The brilliance of goalkeeper Brandon Austin, and the late goal of Kazaiah Sterling giving us a fighting chance ahead of Saturday’s second leg at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea controlled the tempo of the game from the offing, Jody Morris’ highly structured side were pressing the Lillywhites into making mistakes. 17 minutes in to the game Chelsea came close through midfielder Mason Mount. The England youth international whipped a delightful free kick over the wall, his effort dipping, before striking Brandon Austin’s left post. Chelsea’s dominance paid off on 34 minutes, when Reece James’ looping header from the resulting corner kick, made a slight deflection off Dinzeyi before going under the crossbar, 1-0 to Chelsea. Just 6 minutes later the visitors doubled their lead through striker Ike Ugbo, Dujon Sterling launching the ball into the box from the right, with the striker their to head home from eight yards out, 2-0 to Chelsea.

Despite improving during the beginning of the second half we soon began to find ourselves again on the back foot. Goalkeeper Brandon Austin was proving to be Spurs’ saviour, Austin produced a marvellous reflex save to deny Mount on 50 minutes. Shortly afterwards he denied Ugbo’s point blank effort with his face, we were starting to show positive signs as the game neared the end, but Chelsea would again force Austin into making numerous wonder saves. The lads really went for it as the game neared the end, and Spurs’ attacking intent was rewarded on 88 minutes when Kazaiah Sterling pulled a goal back for the Lillywhites. The newly introduced Jack Roles done well as he drove forward before picking out Sterling with a nice pass, the young striker took his chance first time, tucking the ball low past Cumming, 1-2! We looked a totally different team in the final minutes as we pressed Chelsea for an equaliser, but their was to be one last bit of action, when Chelsea were awarded a penalty deep in stoppage time, after Oakley-Boothe brought down St Clair in the penalty area. Following a scuffle between the Spurs and Chelsea players, the penalty was eventually taken by Luke McCormick. McCormick’s powerful low effort rebounding of the outside of the left post, much to the delight of the Spurs fans. All to play for on Saturday, the game will again be televised live on ITV 4 kick off: 5:15pm. COYS

 

Additional notes: Chelsea are a very good youth team and overcoming the blues in the second leg will be no small feat. However, if we can play like we did during the last 20 minutes and replicate some of the fast attacking football that has been so present throughout the season, then I wouldn’t be too surprised if we defeated Chelsea at the bridge. Saturday evenings tie in west London is certainly going to be an intriguing affair, and one that holds such great rewards if Spurs can win. Goalkeeper Brandon Austin produced one of the finest goalkeeping displays you’re likely to see all season, the young goalkeeper’s reflexes were astounding, his focus and anticipation both top class. Goalscorer Kazaiah Sterling is such a clinical player and took his goal really well, he pressed the Chelsea defence very well, working incredibly hard. Following his late introduction midfielder Jack Roles, had a profound impact on the game, he done well to assist Sterling for his goal, and the midfielder almost nicked an equaliser late on, I’d be surprised if he didn’t start on Saturday.

My man of the match: The sensational Brandon Austin. The young goalkeeper had an incredible game against the blues, making countless top class saves to keep Spurs in the tie. His shot stopping was nothing less than incredible!
You can rewatch Tuesday nights match on the ITV player: http://www.itv.com/hub/fa-youth-cup/2a1758a0021

Spurs: Austin, Eyoma, Tsaroulla, Marsh (c, Roles 74), Dinzeyi, Tanganga, Shashoua (Duncan 46), Skipp (Griffiths 68), Sterling, Oakley-Boothe, Bennetts. Substitutes (not used): Hinds, Whiteman (GK)

Chelsea: Cumming, James, T Chalobah, Grant, Castillo, Uwakwe (McCormick 72), Sterling, Maddox, Ugbo (St Clair 83), Mount (c), Hudson-Odoi (McEachran 62). Substitutes (not used): Guehi, Bulka (GK).

Goals: Spurs – Sterling 88; Chelsea – James 34, Ugbo 40.

Yellow cards: Spurs – Marsh 46, Tanganga 90+3; Chelsea – Mount 90+3.

Referee: Lee Swabey.

Attendance: 2,533.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Referee: David Webb

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Goals: Spurs – Sterling 17, 30.

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

Referee: J Smith.

Attendance: 698.