Spurs under 23’s 2-4 Liverpool: (match report)

 

“At 4-2 down we never stopped competing, never stopped running and never stopped working. We had three or four decent chances, with about 10 minutes to go we had an excellent chance, could have made it 4-3 and then anything can happened but the players kept going which we expect, although we just fell a little bit short today with our decision-making with and without the ball.” (Wayne Burnett)

Our under 23’s played out a highly entertaining contest with PL2 table toppers Liverpool on Friday night, as Wayne Burnett’s side fell to a 4-2 defeat against the Reds at Anfield. Though it was a disappointing result for the team, I left Anfield proud of our teams performance and work rate. Neil Critchley’s Liverpool oozed class, they were like watching Jurgen Klopp’s senior team. They had an array of attacking talent which pushed us to the limits, they were incisive in their passing and devastating on the counter attack, it was certainly no disgrace to lose to a side who’ve won their first six league games of the season. Burnett’s team were resilient as they fought back from a two goal deficit, to make it 2-2 against a possession based Liverpool side, who controlled the second half. Proceedings got off in the worst possible way for Burnett’s side, when an attacking reds side opened the scoring inside just 30 seconds. Spurs were desperately unlucky to fall behind so early on after Maghoma’s header unfortunately came to Wilson inside the box, the Welshman sending a looping header at goal which dipped over Austin, 0-1. Burnett’s side fell under the cosh as Liverpool’s attacking exploits tested the youngsters resolve, two important interceptions by Tanganga inside the first 5 minutes, stopping Liverpool from extending their lead. A dangerous free kick from Pritchard followed at the other end, as his effort flew straight into the palms of Kelleher, as Spurs struggled to get a grasp on a Liverpool side who oozed attacking quality and panache.

Welsh international Ben Woodburn flashed an effort across the face of Austin’s goal, as the reds went in search of goal number two. Shortly afterwards, potent striker Rhian Brewster went close after being played through on goal. The centre forwards first attempt was thwarted by Austin, with the young Brewster’s follow up somehow slicing wide of the goal, as Spurs escaped a two goal deficit. Critchley’s rampant Liverpool side were not lowering their tempo, and on 16 minutes they were rewarded for their early efforts. Spurs were dealt a further blow as Wilson bagged his second of the game. After Markovic embarked on a powerful surging run, the Serbian held the ball up inside the penalty area before teeing off Wilson, who slotted clinically inside the far corner of the net, Burnett’s side were totally under the cosh. In a positive turn of events, Spurs’ first meaningful attack gifted them a way back into the game, after Kazaiah Sterling was brought down inside the box by Jones, as the referee pointed to the spot. Edwards confidently stood up to take, as his penalty curled into the top corner, a great penalty, taken with such composure. This was becoming a really enthralling game, as Spurs carved their way back into the flow of it. And we were unlucky not to have been given a second penalty soon after our first, after Edwards who received a pass from Duncan inside the area was brought down, my first instincts were penalty, but the referee wasn’t to follow up as he waved play on. Despite our resurgence, Liverpool remained in control of the game. Brewster embarking on a weaving run down the left side of the box as he managed to get past Maghoma before squaring to Wilson. Whose effort was deflected wide for a Liverpool corner. Marko Grujic’s powerful effort at goal was vitally blocked by Tanganga, as the reds looked to restore the two goal cushion.

Brewster almost made it three for the home side after he got on the end of a cross inside the area, only to smash the ball off of Austin’s crossbar. A slight scuffle between the two sets of players after George Marsh was fouled shortly after his introduction, disrupted the game for a couple of minutes, as Tanganga was booked for his part. Then in a most remarkable turn of events, a resurgent Spurs side drew level. After prominent winger Keanan Bennetts worked his way into the box, the ball eventually came to Maghoma who showed the composure of a top centre forward, to superbly curl it into the top corner of Kelleher’s net, the centre halves second goal of the season. Spurs were bombarding the home side, as Spurs looked to end a dramatic half on a high. Maghoma forced a close range stop out of Kellleher, then seconds later Bennetts played through Sterling down the left side of the area, his powerful effort being well saved by Kelleher. Spurs were playing brilliantly, as they pressurised Liverpool into making errors, though Liverpool were still dangerous on the break. Woodburn’s long drive failed to test Austin minutes earlier, but it was Critchley’s side who would retain their lead at the end of a pulsating first half. Liverpool attacked us with real ferocity, as the brilliant Harry Wilson claimed his hat trick. The Welshman receiving Woodburn’s lay off on the edge of the area, Wilson cut inside before beating Austin with a low curling effort, 2-3.

The second half started well for the reds who almost extended their lead on 48 minutes, when Woodburn’s powerful low effort was only denied, because of an outstanding reflex save from Austin to thwart the 17 year olds seemingly certain goal. However, Liverpool were to succeed when Rhian Brewster made it 4-2 to the reds on 50 minutes. Lloyd Jones’ brilliant long ball was met by Brewster inside the area, as the youngster sent a delicious lob over Austin to cap off an admirable piece of play from the home side. Even though Liverpool were dominating possession Spurs were maintaining their high pressing game as they looked to get back into the game. They went close after Edwards surging forward run, ended in the forward slipping in Sterling inside the box. However, the centre forwards effort from a tight angle was lashed over Kelleher’s crossbar. Liverpool were playing wonderful attacking football which continued to see them go close. Woodburn’s long range effort going narrowly wide on the hour mark, as Burnett’s lads struggled to contain a rampant and relentless Liverpool side, who just wanted to play fast attacking football. Spurs did respond however, Edwards going on a brilliant run down the right, which ended with a low shot from Marsh being comfortably gathered by Kelleher.

Then, on 70 minutes Pritchard lashed over from long range as Spurs struggled to threaten an in control Liverpool side. Burnett’s team were then given a scare, after Austin rushed out to clear the ball. Austin’s clearance came to hat trick hero Wilson who almost caught him out with a dipping effort. Spurs continued to look for a route back into the game, Edwards slotting through Sterling inside the Liverpool box, as the youngsters powerful effort forced another fine save out of Kelleher. Burnett was frantically urging his team to attack as the game neared an end, the rain lashing down. And Spurs ended the game solid at the back, as a late flurry of chances were halted by Spurs’ defence. Dhanda’s dangerous free kick was easily held by Austin minutes before, Ejaria’s promising cross was flicked inches over the crossbar by Brewster. An important late block by Christian Maghoma to stop Wilsons late effort meant the game ended in a deserved 4-2 victory for Critchley’s side. However, Burnett’s battling side can hold their heads high after putting in a commendable performance against a very good Liverpool side. COYS

Player reviews:
– Brandon Austin: Couldn’t of done anything about goals, made some fine stops including a stunning reflex save in the second half.
– TJ Eyoma: Had a decent game at right back, was solid defensively.
– Christian Maghoma: I thought Maghoma and Tanganga had really positive games last night, yes four goals may have been conceded. But none of which were as a result of the centre halves. Maghoma was brilliant in the air, but he was also very efficient in his tackling at the back. Took his goal as well as Harry Kane would have.
– Japhet Tanganga: Had a very good game, impressed me yet again. Solid and composed in his play, made some really important blocks, and his positioning was also very good.
– Jaden Brown: Efficient and hardworking at left back, good shift.
– Luke Amos: Effective and tidy in the middle of the park.
– Dylan Duncan: Did a fine job, but was forced off early on through injury.
– Marcus Edwards: Did very well on occasions down the right, went on some brilliant runs and created numerous chances for Sterling. Despatched his penalty with real class.
– Joe Pritchard: Played deeper against Liverpool, the skipper had a good game. Won a lot of balls in the midfield.
– George Marsh: Added steel to the game, did his defensive duty very well.
– Keanan Bennetts: A player who has come on leaps and bounds over the past year. Bennetts put in a great performance on the left wing. He looked dangerous every time he had the ball at his feet, had the Liverpool defenders sweating, with his creative forays into the penalty area, had a big influence in Maghoma’s goal. Very influential!
– Kazaiah Sterling: Can be very proud of his performance at Anfield, he may not have got on the scoresheet. But Sterling put in a fine performance. Made some really good runs, pressed Kelleher really high throughout the game. And won us a penalty, I rate Sterling very highly.
– Shilow Tracey: Pressed high, had a positive effect on the game from the bench.
– Samuel Shashoua: Despite it being a short cameo, Shashoua showed his creative talent, with good movement on and off the ball. He also embarked on numerous take ons.

My man of the match: Keanan Bennetts. Even though he was substituted on the hour mark, I felt Bennetts was our most influential player during the game. A player who has come on leaps on bounds over the past year. Bennetts put in a great performance on the left wing. He looked dangerous every time he had the ball at his feet, had the Liverpool defenders sweating, with his creative forays into the penalty area, had a big influence in Maghoma’s goal. Very influential!

Liverpool: Kelleher, Virtue, Whelan (c), Phillips, Jones, Grujic, Wilson, Woodburn (Dhanda 79), Brewster, Ejaria, Markovic (Brannagan 63). Substitutes (not used): Masterson, Johnston, Atherton (GK).

Spurs: Austin, Eyoma, Brown, Amos, C Maghoma, Tanganga, Edwards, Duncan (Marsh 28), Sterling, Pritchard (c, S Shashoua 74), Bennetts (Tracey 61). Substitutes (not used): Loft, Whiteman (GK).

Goals: Liverpool – Wilson 1, 16, 44, Brewster 50; Spurs – Edwards 20 (pen), Maghoma 35.

Yellow cards: Liverpool – Brewster 34, Phillips 54, Wilson 81; Spurs – Tanganga 33, Amos 52.

Referee: Daniel Middleton.

Spurs under 23’s 2-2 Swansea: (match report)

”I didn’t think we got after the ball as aggressively as we have done and I just felt that we didn’t get into our groove quickly enough. We have players who didn’t play particularly well but the good thing is we haven’t been beaten.“ (Wayne Burnett)

It was the second time within three days that Spurs had come up against Swansea, this time it was our under 23’s turn as Wayne Burnett’s side hosted the South Wales club for this PL2 encounter, which was played at a chilly Broadhall way. Stevenage’s home ground has seen us win our past six under 23 games however, Spurs’ winning run was to come to an end on Monday evening as Burnett’s side had to settle for a 2-2 draw. The action was all in the second half as Burnett’s resilient side fought back from losing positions on two occasions to secure a valuable point. Spurs, who got the game underway had given the swans a half chance inside the first minute. After young Skipp gave away possession in a dangerous area but thankfully, Maghoma was in the box to get an important block from their resulting effort. A few minutes later Spurs went close at the other end when Pritchard’s whipped effort darted narrowly wide of the Spurs goal. It was an even start to the game, though Spurs had looked the slightly better side in the opening stages. Burnett’s side were beginning to attack more frequently, the prominent Jaden Brown going on a surging run down the left before playing through Sterling. Whose powerful effort stung the palms of Zabret. But Gary Richards physically imposing side showed what they were capable of going forward a couple of minutes later. Swansea’s dangerous cross was blocked by Tanganga, with the ball coming up to McBurnie whose looping header went over Whiteman, only to be superbly cleared off the line by the brave Christian Maghoma.

The game was lacking a spark from either side, it was turning into a scrappy game with few clear cut chances. A wonderful pass from Skipp just before the half hour mark, saw Sterling almost latch on to it inside the penalty area, as the swans continued to contain us. The game had echoes of that unforgettable game on Saturday between both these senior sides, as Swansea only managed to head over the crossbar from a corner kick on 40 minutes. As the uneventful first half came to an end, I felt I was watching a rerun of the opening 45 minutes of Saturdays match. The second half was a much more lively affair, though it was the visitors who started the brighter after the interval. Swansea’s Adnan Maric whipped in an inviting cross for the swans on 50 minutes, but thankfully for Spurs Christian Maghoma was there to get a vital head on the ball to clear it wide, before the Swansea forward next to him had the chance to convert. Just two minutes later the deadlock was broken, as the Welsh club took the lead. A pacy Swansea corner was nodded goal bound by the potent McBurnie whose effort was unfortunately bundled in at the far post by Spurs defender Japhet Tanganga, 0-1. Soon afterwards Swansea again threatened Burnett’s side, Spurs defender Jaden Brown was forced into making a vital block to deny the advancing McBurnie on the edge of the penalty area. Swansea’s attacking onslaught was to continue from the resulting corner kick. Their low corner being met by a Swansea player who fired the ball straight at Whiteman who parried. The visitors were starting to control the game as they maintained possession, as they went in search of strengthening their lead. This concerning shift in possession wasn’t to last long however.

As Spurs responded on 57 minutes with a Kazaiah Sterling equaliser, the centre forward was picked out by a long range pass from Brown. The ball bouncing over the head of the Swansea defender, as Sterling sprinted through on goal before cutting inside a Swansea defender, and calmly slotting the ball past Zabret, 1-1. A really well taken goal from the 18 year old, his fifth of the campaign. The contest had become much better after our equaliser, as both teams really went for the win. Edwards slid the ball through to Sterling on the hour mark down the right side of the penalty area. The centre forward going close as he fired against the side netting. Despite Burnett’s team carving their way back into the game, they were dealt a significant blow 14 minutes from time. The rain was gushing down as Adam King sent an accurate ball into the Spurs area which was brought down well by McBurnie inside the box. The Scotsman calmly slotting the ball past Whiteman to restore Swansea’s lead. A promising run from Edwards down the right flank as Spurs were looking to respond immediately, saw the England youth international cut across the edge of the box before firing over the cross bar. It wasn’t to matter though as Spurs substitute Keanan Bennetts proved minutes later. The pacy winger scoring a truly brilliant goal to draw Spurs level. The nimble footed Bennetts scored a similar one to the goal he bagged against Dortmund in midweek, as the young winger cut inside from the left wing. Before, beating two Swansea players and unleashing a wonderful curling effort at goal, which nestled inside the far corner of Zabret’s goal to send the crowd wild with appreciation.

Burnett’s side were really going for the winner, Marcus Edwards embarking on another mazy from the right flank before firing narrowly over. The game was anyone’s for the taking, as Swansea proved on 89 minutes when an unmarked player headed the resulting corner kick just over Whiteman’s cross bar. And it was the swans who had the chance to win it right near the death, as Whiteman was called into action. The potent McBurnie’s late header forcing a brilliant low save from Whiteman, and he bravely smothered Garrick’s follow up to ensure the point. I will be traveling up to Liverpool to report on our under 23’s next game this Friday, when Burnett’s side take on the reds at the world famous Anfield. COYS

Player reviews:
– Alfie Whiteman: Impressed, made a couple of really important stops.
– TJ Eyoma: Solid and composed, was efficient in his play.
– Japhet Tanganga: Put in a good performance at centre half, was really involved in the game, made some top challenges/interceptions. One of our best players on the night.
– Christian Maghoma: Linked up well with Tanganga, had a good game at centre half. Made a really important clearance in the first half. His physical presence against McBurnie was much needed.
– Jaden Brown: I thought Brown had a great game last night, he’s started the season in great form. He was solid and involved down the left as he made some important challenges, but what was so good about his game. Was the numerous forward runs he made from deep, he was so strong on the ball.
– Luke Amos: Very busy in the midfield, was efficient and tidy in his play.
– Oliver Skipp: Another great display from the Spurs starlet, so mature and comfortable in the middle of the park against much more physical players, his strength at times was astounding.
– Marcus Edwards: Had a very quiet first half, but he grew in to the game later on and looked dangerous and creative.
– Joe Pritchard: Tidy and workman like display from the skipper. Noticed how he switched with Skipp on occasions.
– Anthony Georgiou: Didn’t quite come off for him last night, worked his socks off down the left. But I felt we didn’t utilise his pace and creativity. Cannot fault his work ethic, hope to see him on the bench against Barnsley tonight.
– Kazaiah Sterling: Very impressive, such a high presser of the ball, Sterling was clinical in front on goal and took his goal really well.
– Keanan Bennetts: Changed the game when he came on, his pace, trickery and creativity gave us a whole new dimension. His wonder goal to secure us a point was quite breathtaking!

My man of the match: Jaden Brown. I thought Brown had a great game last night, he has started the season in great form. He was solid and involved down the left as he made some important challenges, but what was so good about his game. Was the numerous forward runs he made from deep, he was so strong on the ball and showed real maturity. Also got an assist.

 

Spurs: Whiteman, Eyoma, Brown, Amos, C Maghoma, Tanganga, Edwards, Skipp (S Shashoua 88), Sterling (Tracey 74), Pritchard (c), Georgiou (Bennetts 68). Substitutes (not used): Loft, O’Reilly (GK).

Swansea City: Zabret, Reid, Lewis, Evans, Harries, Rodon (c), King, Maric, McBurnie, Byers, Baker-Richardson (Garrick 88). Substitutes (not used): Cullen, Cooper, Bainbridge, Thomas (GK).

Goals: Spurs – Sterling 57, Bennetts 81; Swansea – Tanganga (OG) 52, McBurnie 76.

Yellow cards: Spurs – Skipp 71; Swansea – King 31, Baker-Richardson 58, Evans 71.

Referee: Christopher O’Donnell.

Attendance: 494.

 

Spurs under 23’s 1-4 Everton: (match report)

Wayne Burnett’s development side took on Everton under 23’s on Sunday afternoon at Goodison park, just a day after our seniors beat the toffees at the same ground. However, our PL2 encounter with the blues was a much different affair to the one that occurred on Saturday, with Burnett’s side losing 4-1 to the current holders of the competition. David Unsworth’s Everton side, which included two overage players were quite unremarkable for significant parts of the game, but it was their strength both on and off the ball that saw off our battling side, despite all their best efforts. The much rotated Spurs side fell behind early on when Unsworth’s men took an early lead after a quiet opening 15 minutes. Welshman Gethin Jones found Kenny down the right flank, as the England under 21 international sent a fine cross into the box. Which was met by Everton’s tall 27 year old striker Baye Oumar Niasse who powered home at the far post, with a bullet header. Whilst the possession was fairly even, the game didn’t really open up following Everton’s opener. Spurs’ 16 year old right back Brooklyn Lyons-Foster made a vital block in the Spurs box to deny the blues, whilst Everton began to try and extend their lead. The pace of Lookman down the right flank was putting Spurs under pressure, as the home side kept hold of possession, the more physical side (Everton) were stopping Burnett’s team from creating meaningful chances, their defence being rock solid.

There were virtually no chances for Spurs up until Bennetts whipped a dangerous free kick into the Spurs box, which Tanganga headed over. Everton had successfully contained us, their intensity was greater than ours as they stifled any creativity we tried to produce. Unsworth’s side went into the interval the better side, in what had been quite a dull and uninspiring half of football. Newly introduced David Henen had the first effort at goal for the blues in the second half, the Belgians low drive into the penalty area, being cleared away by Amos. Then, there was a chance for Burnett’s side to show their attacking quality, our first real effort at goal coming after a well worked move. Which saw Pritchard cross to Georgiou down the right, the latter then teed the ball off to George Marsh on the edge of the penalty area, the midfielders effort curling just wide of Robles post. Soon afterwards, Luke Amos decided to have a pop at goal from 20 odd yards out, his shot flying inches wide of the goal. However, things all changed when Spurs’ skipper Joe Pritchard got a goal on his birthday to level for the lilywhites. After showing good composure in the penalty area, his goal bound effort beat Robles courtesy of a deflection, his third of the campaign. Spurs had barely finished celebrating, when Everton went for us at the other end. Niasse testing Whiteman with a thumping effort, the game was now anybody’s to win.

The lilywhites confidence from their leveller was shattered moments later, when the home side regained their lead in stunning style. It was a brilliant solo effort from Lookman, who cut inside from the right before powering an effort into the inside corner of Whiteman’s net. Leaving the 18 year old scrambling to get to it. Spurs tried to respond when substitute Shilow Tracey headed the ball down to Pritchard on the edge of the box, though his volleyed effort went astray. Tottenham were then dealt a further blow on 65 minutes when Senegal international Niasse made it 3-1 to the toffees. The prominent Jonjoe Kenny’s low cross was picked up by Niasse inside the box as he held the ball up for a second before holding off Maghoma, and slotting the ball home. Then, all in the space of just nine minutes the toffees put the game to bed, striker Niasse went on a powerful surging run from the centre of the park. Before playing through Henen down the right side of the penalty area, his low drive beating Whiteman to effectively end the game. We never really recovered our composure after conceding that fourth goal, the ball was sparsely down the Everton end barring a long range effort from Roles, which went high over the bar. Whilst another Spurs substitute in Jaden Brown saw the left back do well since coming on, as he tried to create a chance down the left flank. However, Unsworth’s side counter attacked us, their potent centre forward Niasse beating Maghoma for strength as he sprinted through on goal, with the goal at his mercy, he took too long. And Whiteman produced a fine stop to keep the score at 4-1.

Then, towards the dying stages of the game substitute Josh Bowler embarked on a brilliant jinking run down the right, as he cut inside before curling a fine effort onto the inside of Whiteman’s post, only to see it bounce clear. The final score Spurs under 23’s 1-4 Everton, a disappointing result for Burnett’s side but there can be no complaints who the better side were on the day, this is another good learning curve for the youngsters, who are at home to Swansea next Monday. COYS

My man of the match: Brooklyn Lyons-Foster: Impressed again on only his second under 23 match, he was calm and composed at right back. The 16 year old also made some great blocks. This is a massive step up for him.

 

Player reviews:
– Alfie Whiteman: Made a couple of good saves on his second under 23 appearance of the season.
– Brooklyn Lyons-Foster: Impressed again on only his second under 23 match, he was calm and composed at right back. The 16 year old also made some great blocks.
– Keanan Bennetts: Decent performance from Bennetts, was good going forward and delivering dangerous balls in, whilst he was also solid defensively.
– Luke Amos: As consistent and reliable as always in the centre of the park.
– Christian Maghoma: Him and Tanganga had a tough job dealing with the aerial threat of Niasse, but I felt he done a good job. Something I noticed that wouldn’t otherwise be picked up, was his noticeable encouragement to Lyons-Foster before and during the game, I’m sure that impacted on his fine display. Great leadership from the 19 year old.
– Japhet Tanganga: One of our best performers, very solid at the back, and good in the air.
– Samuel Shashoua: Nice and creative on the ball and hard working off it, though Shashoua was up against a top right back in Kenny down the left flank. And I felt that, that made it harder for him to do his usual skilful runs, such was the flawlessness of Kenny.
– George Marsh: Only his second start since injury, but Marsh impressed me in the midfield. Tidy and alert, made some good challenges.
– Ryan Loft: Didn’t get the service up front.
– Joe Pritchard: Another good display from the skipper going forward, grabbing his third goal of the campaign.
– Anthony Georgiou: Adapted well to playing on the right wing, worked hard and was always looking to create.
– Jaden Brown: Had a really positive impact on the game since coming on, very good going forward.
– Shilow Tracey: Brought a different dimension to the game at centre forward, pressed relentlessly.
– Jack Roles: Looked sharp, and made some incisive passes, I also noticed his awareness for getting into good goalscoring positions.

Everton: Robles, Kenny, Foulds (Henen 46), Baningime, Feeney (c), Gibson, Jones, Charsley (Bowler 85), Niasse, Adeniran (Evans 46), Lookman. Substitutes (not used): Hilton (GK), Sambou.

Spurs: Whiteman, Lyons-Foster, Bennetts, Amos, C Maghoma, Tanganga, S Shashoua (Brown 66), Marsh (Roles 66), Loft (Tracey 56), Pritchard (c), Georgiou. Substitute (not used): De Bie (GK).

Goals: Everton – Niasse 6, 66, Lookman 60, Henen 69; Spurs – Pritchard 58.

Yellow cards: Everton – Baningime 41; Spurs – Bennetts 34, Marsh 52, Georgiou 70.

Spurs under 23’s 7-2 West Ham United: (match report)

It’s fair to say that our under 23’s will be pleased at the way they started off their Premier league international cup campaign last night, as a rampant Spurs side thrashed London rivals West Ham 7-2, at the Lamex stadium in what was a fairly unique game of football. Which saw nine goals scored, four penalties given and a spectacular team performance from Burnett’s side to carry on the momentum of last Fridays 3-0 victory over Man United at the same stadium. It was a much changed starting 11 for both sides since our recent meeting, with both teams having a whole group of players away on international duty, there was a first under 23 appearance for 16 year old Spurs defender Brooklyn Lyons-Foster at the back. There was a bit of a slow start to the game, but that all changed on 11 minutes. When our captain Joe Pritchard whipped a fine ball into the box from the resulting corner kick, his cross was met by the rising Maghoma whose bullet header darted into the top corner of Bishop’s net, an excellent header. And Burnett’s side weren’t stopping there, a mere two minutes later they doubled their advantage courtesy of an incisive attacking move which was finished off by Sterling. Winger Shilow Tracey powered down the right flank before slipping the ball through to the advancing Sterling, who calmly slotted the ball past Bishop to make it 2-0, a well measured finish.

The frantic start to game continued just minutes later when the hammers went on an attacking run of their own at the other end. Hector-Ingram had wrong footed Maghoma on the turn inside the penalty area, and the referee had no problem pointing to the spot. However, Whiteman produced a fantastic diving save to keep out Joe Powell’s fiercely struck effort. Our attacking onslaught continued down the other end as Spurs pushed for more, Pritchard’s slightly over hit through ball was chased down by Sterling, but Bishop smothered the ball low down which then rolled out for a corner kick. The visitors were rarely threatening down our end, with the exception of a powerful strike from a West Ham forward which was easily gathered by Whiteman. Just when it seemed like the game was in our hands, Spurs conceded another penalty. After Whiteman tripped Hector-Ingram after a sloppy touch. Anthony Scully fired the ball in to the bottom corner of the net, to give a route back into the game for Terry Westley’s side. It was a more even game since their goal, Pritchard who was the main source of Spurs’ creativity, picked out Georgiou down the left side of the penalty area, the pacy winger powered a low effort inches wide of Bishops left hand post.

The hammers then threatened at the other end when Alex Pike sent a dangerous cross into the Spurs box, which one of the West Ham players blasted over the bar, from close range. The skipper (Joe Pritchard) was again the creator moments later when Spurs broke away at the other end, he threaded a perfectly measured through ball on to Sterling who was one on one with Bishop, but the Spurs striker hit a wayward effort narrowly wide of the post. Spurs deservedly led at the break in what was still a fairly open and highly competitive game. The second period started well for Spurs whose attacking intensity showed no signs of slowing down, Georgiou went on a surging run down the left flank but his following effort was deflected wide by a hammers defender. But it didn’t take long for Spurs to find their third, Sterling done well to back heel a pass to Pritchard who was rushing forward inside the box, he rifled an effort underneath the body of Bishop to regain our two goal cushion. Spurs were taking control of the game, the action was all inside the West Ham half. A seemingly disjointed West Ham side were dealt a further blow seven minutes later, when our lads made it 4-1! Tracey burst down the right wing before cutting the ball back to Shashoua inside the box, the forward calmly despatched his chance with a curling effort that nestled inside the top corner, 4-1.

The hammers then saw their first chance of the half when right back Alex Pike lashed an effort over the crossbar, at Whiteman’s near post. However, it was all too easy for Burnett’s side who further cemented their lead just after the hour mark. Shashoua turned creator when he picked out Sterling with an incisive through ball down the left side, Sterling clinically drove the ball home to get his second of the game and third of the season. It was all Spurs, as the young lilywhites totally dominated precedings, and our sixth of the game soon followed when a player who had been outstanding all game in the centre of the park got on the scoresheet. Pritchard got his second assist of the game as he passed to Duncan who darted down the right before powerfully slotting the ball across into the inside of Bishop’s net, a really well taken goal. Our goalscoring rout continued three minutes later when Samuel Shashoua scored a wonderful solo goal. Shashoua embarked on a mazy forward run as he ran across the West Ham area before curling a sublime effort into the bottom corner of Bishop’s goal, 7-1! Shashoua then hit a dangerous cross across the face of the goal minutes later as we went in search of goal number eight. Ten minutes from time substitute Matt Lock fouled Nathan Holland in the area, resulting in penalty number three of the game. Substitute Antonio Martinez stood up to take it but yet again Whiteman produced a great save to thwart the Spaniards powerful effort. Then in a most surreal chain of events, West Ham were awarded penalty number four of the game 30 seconds later.

Young Spurs defender Lyons-Foster was harshly adjudged to have fouled a hammers player inside the penalty area. This time Martinez stepped up to power his effort home despite the best efforts of Whiteman who got a touch of the ball. The superb Kazaiah Sterling had a late goal ruled out for offside, as Spurs went on to record a magnificent 7-2 victory over the visitors. Burnett’s side are in action again next Sunday when they face Everton in the PL2. COYS

Player reviews: – Alfie Whiteman: Brilliant performance from Whiteman who made a string of fine saves, he saved the two penalties with two outstanding saves!
– George Marsh: Done well in his first start since injury, a solid and prominent part of our back three.
– Brooklyn Lyons-Foster: Superb debut for the 16 year old who was equally as impressive for our under 18’s last weekend. The full back slotted in perfectly to the back three, Lyons-Foster was composed and precise in his defending. He made some really important blocks/challenges, very impressive debut.
– Luke Amos: Industrious display, had a really good defensive impact on the game with his constant pressing.
– Christian Maghoma: Another impressive performance from the 19 year old centre half who got his first goal of the season last night. Maghoma was solid at the back, dominant in the air and played the ball out well from the back.
– Dylan Duncan: Dylan Duncan was the anchor man with in the midfield, the versatile midfielder was everywhere. He covered so much ground, making some really important interceptions. Duncan also made a real impact going forward and was deserving of his fine goal. Altogether, an excellent all round performance from the talented 18 year old.
– Samuel Shashoua: First start of the season and he certainly seized his opportunity, he flourished going forward, changed the game in the second half with his superb display.
– Shilow Tracey: Influential down the right flank, created two goals.
– Kazaiah Sterling: Outstanding up front, decisive in front of goal, and made some brilliant forward runs.
– Anthony Georgiou: Sharp down the left flank, Georgiou had a really good game. He was confident and influential through the many searing runs he made down the left wing.
– Joe Pritchard: One of the star performers, Pritchard continued his excellent start to the season last night with a goal and two assists.

My man of the match: This was an incredibly hard one to call as there were so many outstanding performances on the night. But I’m going to give it to a player who contributed to the more under appreciated aspects of the game. Dylan Duncan was the anchor man with in the midfield, the versatile midfielder was everywhere. He covered so much ground, making some really important interceptions. Duncan also made a real impact going forward and was deserving of his fine goal. Altogether, an excellent all round performance from the talented 18 year old.

 

Spurs: Whiteman, Marsh (Lock 69), Lyons-Foster, Amos, C Maghoma, Duncan, S Shashoua (Tsaroulla 83), Tracey (Loft 69), Sterling, Georgiou, Pritchard (c). Substitute (not used): Austin (GK).

West Ham: Bishop, Pike, Neufville, Makasi (c), Akinola, Wells, Powell (Holland 65), Sylvestre (Henry 74), Hector-Ingram, Scully (Martinez 65), Diangana. Substitute (not used): Forde (GK), De Rosa, Hannam Belic.

Goals: Spurs – C Maghoma 11, Sterling 13, 63, Pritchard 52, S Shashoua 59, 68,

Duncan 65; West Ham – Scully 28 (pen), Martinez (pen) 81.

Referee: Alan Young.

Attendance: 630.