Spurs under 23’s versus Manchester City: (match preview)

(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC)

Fresh from their emphatic 4-0 victory over Liverpool last Saturday, Spurs’ under 23’s will welcome Manchester City’s development side to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium for tomorrow’s historic PL2 game. Wayne Burnett’s side got off to the dream start against a very strong Liverpool side and they’ll be hoping to continue their strong start to the season by overcoming a Man City side who they did the double over last season in the league. Paul Harsley’s Manchester City lost their opening league game of the season 4-3 to Southampton and they’ll be desperate to avoid a similar outcome tomorrow. Man City have a talented squad of young players and some of the ‘ Sky Blues ‘ players to keep an eye on tomorrow night include 17 year old goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, centre half Nathanael Ogbeta, skilful winger Ian Carlo Poveda and Spanish attacking midfielder Adrian Bernabe. Despite having home advantage and the opportunity to play at our fantastic 62,000 seater home, this will be another very tough game for Burnett’s side and one in which they’ll need to be at their very best if they want to get maximum points out of. In terms of how Spurs will lineup I wouldn’t be surprised if Spurs’ lineup was exactly the same as the one in which defeated Liverpool last week. With players such as Kazaiah Sterling, Paris Maghoma and Jamie Bowden all likely to start. In this fixture last season we put in an excellent team performance to overcome a very technical Man City side 2-0. It was in many ways the complete team performance. A similar performance tomorrow night would be wonderful to see. My in-depth match report of tomorrow’s game will be published on Saturday afternoon. Playing in front of up to 10,000 spectators will provide our lads with memories that they will never ever forget. 

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Austin, Okedina, Eyoma, Lyons-Foster, Hinds, Oakley-Boothe, Bowden, Markanday, Maghoma, Tracey, Sterling (c).

Subs from: De Bie, Clarke, Dinzeyi, A.Shashoua, S.Shashoua.

Injured/unavailable: Malachi Walcott, Phoenix Patterson, Maurizio Pochettino, Maximus Tainio, J’Neil Bennett, Jeremie Mukendi, Dennis Cirkin.

Doubtful: Samuel Shashoua.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-1.

Previous meeting: Spurs 2-1.

My one to watch: Manchester City’s 17 year old Irish goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is my one to watch for tomorrow evenings game. Bazunu who is an Ireland under 17 international, is an extremely highly rated young goalkeeper who was once strongly linked with a move to Spurs. The second year scholar is quick on his feet, has razors sharp reflexes and he is a penalty saving specialist. Making his senior debut for Irish premier division side Shamrock Rovers while still a schoolboy, Bazunu is a very talented goalkeeper who Spurs could find hard to beat tomorrow night. 

Some notes on Spurs loanee Jack Clarke’s performance against Salford City:

(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC)

Spurs loanee and recent signing Jack Clarke (18) was in action for Leeds United on Tuesday evening when they took on league two club Salford City, in the second round of the Carabao Cup. This was young Clarke’s first competitive appearance of the season for Marcelo Bielsa’s side and he looked nice and sharp. It was a good performance from the winger who would often switch flanks with Helder Costa throughout the game. In the following piece I will be going through Clarke’s 70 minutes on the pitch in chronological order. The York born winger started out on the right wing as Leeds played in a 4-1-4-1 formation. After tracking back well during the opening stages of the match Clarke cut inside from the right flank early on in the game before attempting to thread a pass through to Eddie Nketiah in the Salford penalty area however, a defender managed to cut Clarke’s pass out. It was quite noticeable that there always seemed to be two defenders on Clarke during the early periods of the game. The 18 year olds next involvement in the game occurred a couple of minutes later after he had a cross cleared away by Salford defender Carl Piergianni. Clarke then turned defender after he cleared Richie Towell’s volley on the line, from a Salford corner kick. The teenager continued to impress me as the game progressed and I was particularly impressed with the many intelligent runs in which he was making down the right flank. After receiving the ball out on the right flank Clarke managed to dribble his way into the Salford penalty area before he had a shot blocked by defender Carl Piergianni. The ever impressive Kalvin Phillips then sprayed a nice pass out to Clarke on the right flank. Clarke controlled the ball before he whipped a nice cross into the danger zone but it was cleared away by the dominant Piergianni. A clever run into the Salford box from the Spurs loanee shortly afterwards almost resulted in him meeting Egzijan Alioski’s cross in the centre of the penalty area. Clarke switched flanks with Helder Costa a couple of minutes later.

Jack Clarke was creating a number of good chances from out wide such as in the 34th minute when he cut inside onto his right foot from the left flank, before dribbling into the Salford penalty area but instead of shooting he elected to pass the ball to a teammate who was in a more central position. A couple of minutes later Clarke received a pass from Egzijan Alioski on the edge of the Salford penalty area. Clarke opened up his body before testing the Salford goalkeeper Chris Neal with a curling effort which took a slight deflection off of Lois Maynard. However, it was eventually beaten away by Neal. Constantly looking to receiving the ball, since moving out onto the left flank Clarke was roaming around the park more freely and he was drifting into more central positions more regularly. After managing to find Egzijan Alioski with a low pass on the edge of the Salford box the North Macedonian international fired an effort over Carl Neal’s crossbar. Leeds took the lead shortly afterwards through Eddie Nketiah right on the stroke of halftime. Clarke started the second half out on the left flank. Leeds doubled their lead in the 50th minute of the game through Gaetano Berardi before Mateusz Klich further extended the visitors advantage just under eight minutes later. Unfortunately Leeds didn’t focus a lot of their attention down the left flank during Clarke’s remaining minutes of the game and hence Clarke didn’t see a lot of the ball. After Kalvin Phillips picked out the Spurs youngster down the right hand side of the Salford box Clarke attempted to head the ball back across goal for Eddie Nketiah but once again Carl Piergianni was on hand to cut it out. Clarke switched back onto the right flank before he was replaced by Alfie McCalmont in the 70th minute of the game. I was really impressed with how Clarke conducted himself on the field last night, he tracked back excellently during his time on the pitch and his movement and many intelligent runs down the flanks really caught my eye. Clarke was also tidy with the ball and he liked to receive the ball and take players on as well as dribbling with it. Furthermore, the 18 year old created a number of decent chances. 

I will be hoping to write a number of such loan reports on Jack Clarke this season and I am hoping to be able to see him in the flesh, when Leeds play a game in London. 

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

(This photograph is from @GRTourist)

Our under 18’s opening league game of the 2019/20 season took them to south west London for a game against rivals Fulham at their Motspur Park training ground. Despite fielding a strong team for Saturday mornings clash Matt Taylor’s side Spurs struggled to match the intensity of the home side. That and the fact that we weren’t clinical enough in front of goal meant that we allowed the ‘ Cottagers ‘ to have the upper hand and they punished us for it. Fulham pressed better than us and they moved the ball about a lot more fluidly. The electric Fabio Carvalho and the dominant Jay Stansfield were at times unplayable and the Tottenham defence couldn’t cope with their presence. In all honesty Fulham out played us from the very start of the game to the very end of it, despite Matt Taylor’s sides best efforts. After coming close to taking the lead on several occasions during the first half Fulham finally made the breakthrough in the 32nd minute of the game through Sylvester Jasper from the penalty spot. The ‘ Cottagers ‘ then doubled their advantage less than seven minutes later through winger Oliver O’Neill. Colin Omogbehin’s side started the second half in the same way that they had finished the first, and less than two minutes into the second period Fulham made it 3-0 through the potent Jay Stansfield. Continuing to dominate proceedings, life was made difficult for Spurs who found it difficult to create chances. Fulham scored their fourth and final goal of the game in the 71st minute through Sylvester Jasper. In truth Spurs should be thankful that goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi was so good on the day otherwise we could have been looking at a six or seven nil defeat. Matt Taylor’s side lined up in a 4-2–3-1 formation for their opening league game of the season. Overage goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi started in goal, while a back four of Dermi Lusala, Marqes Muir, Luis Binks and Dennis Cirkin lined up in front of him. Captain Harvey White and Nile John partnered up in central midfield. Michael Craig and under 16 forward Dane Scarlett operated out on the flanks while Tarelle Whittaker operated in the hole. Recent addition Kion Etete led the line for Spurs.

Fulham got the game underway on a very windy and cool morning in south west London. An early back pass from centre half Marqes Muir was almost intercepted by the alive Jay Stansfield in the Tottenham penalty area, but Oluwayemi was able to get the ball to clear it in time. Spurs were knocking the ball around the park well during the opening minutes of the game. Spurs were let off early on in the game after goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi was intercepted by Fulham striker Jay Stansfield down the left hand side of his own penalty area. Stansfield quickly squared the ball for Fabio Carvalho in the centre of the box but his low first time effort was cleared on the line by Luis Binks. Sylvester Jasper then squared the ball for Oliver O’Neill on the edge of the Spurs box a couple of minutes later but his low side footed effort squirmed just wide of Oluwayemi’s goal after taking a slight deflection off of Dennis Cirkin. Kion Etete cleared Jonathan Page’s cross a couple of moments later as Fulham continued their good start to the game. Spurs’ Dane Scarlett came close to latching onto a lofted pass from Dermi Lusala inside the Fulham box shortly afterwards, before Sylvester Jasper latched onto a long kick up field from goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond down the left side of the Spurs box. However, his resulting effort on goal was saved by Joshua Oluwayemi. Nile John had a cross cleared by Jonathan Page before Fabio Carvalho smashed the ball against Joshua Oluwayemi’s near post after received Oliver O’Neill’s pass down the right hand side of the Tottenham penalty area. Tarrelle Whittaker then came inside from the left flank before curling an effort wide of the Fulham goal. Shortly afterwards central defender Marqes Muir made a good challenge on Fabio Carvalho inside the Spurs box, before Fulham came close to taking the lead. After being given the ball by Fabio Carvalho inside the Spurs box Jay Stansfield shot, but his effort was blocked by Binks. Carvalho then picked up the loose ball before firing an effort on goal which was well saved by the diving Oluwayemi before the linesman on the near sides flag went up for offside.

Spurs had a clear penalty shout waived away by the referee after Oliver O’Neill appeared to pull down Kion Etete after he tried to get on the end of Harvey White’s free kick inside the Fulham box. Kion Etete then came close to connecting with a whipped cross from Harvey White as Spurs tried hard to break Fulham down. Etete continued to be involved in the thick of the action when he fired an effort over on the edge of the Fulham box a couple of minutes later. Spurs continued to enjoy a good spell in the game. After Dane Scarlett threaded a pass through to Etete the Spurs man went racing through on goal although he was slowed down after Stefan Parkes tugged his shirt however, the referee didn’t spot this and Etete continued forward towards the edge of the Fulham box before his poked low effort on goal was saved by Luca Ashby-Hammond. Then at the opposite end of the pitch Fulham were presented with a perfect opportunity to score from after Marqes Muir had shoved Sylvester Jasper to the floor down the left hand side of the Tottenham penalty area leaving the referee with no other option than to point to the penalty spot. Up stepped Jasper to fire the ball past Oluwayemi who dived the wrong way, and into the bottom left hand corner of the goal, 0-1. Fulham started well straight from the restart and after Jay Stansfield skilfuly cut inside Luis Binks down the left flank the Fulham forward teed the ball off to Fabio Carvalho in the middle of the Spurs box but his first time, low effort was well saved by Oluwayemi who was at full stretch. Kion Etete had a glorious chance to draw level after Nile John threaded a nicely weighted pass through to him, to set him racing through on goal however, he poked his effort narrowly wide of Ashby-Hammond’s goal. The ‘ Cottagers ‘ doubled their advantage in the 39th minute of the game through Ollie O’Neill. After Fabio Carvalho’s free kick was headed back across goal by Stansfield to O’Neill the wingers low curling effort on goal appeared to be cleared on the line by White but the referee adjudged the ball to have crossed the line despite White’s protests, and the goal was given, 0-2. 

Michael Craig had a cross cleared away by Idris Odutayo before the same player blocked shots from Nile John and Harvey White in quick succession. After some fancy footwork from Jay Stansfield inside the Spurs box the Fulham forward had a shot on goal blocked by Luis Binks before the referee sounded his whistle for half time. Spurs got the second half underway, however it was straight back to business as usual as the ‘ Cottagers ‘ further extended their lead shortly after the restart. A long kick upfield from the Fulham  goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond was controlled quite beautifully by Fabio Carvalho out on the right flank. Carvalho then squared the ball for Jay Stansfield in the Spurs box and he then calmly slotted the ball past Oluwayemi and into the bottom right hand corner of the goal, 0-3. Nile John had an effort on goal blocked by Luca Murphy shortly afterwards before Harvey White sent a free kick straight down the throat of Ashby-Hammond. A deflected cross from Dennis Cirkin was glanced into the arms of the Fulham goalkeeper by Dan Scarlett a couple of moments later as Spurs tried desperately hard to respond. After Whittaker had passed the ball to Cirkin on the edge of the Fulham box the left back had a shot blocked by Luciano D’Auria-Henry. Adrion Pajaziti then appeared to handle a cross from Dermi Lusala inside the Spurs box before Tarrelle Whittaker shot an effort wide of goal. Dennis Cirkin then had a cross gathered by Luca Ashby-Hammond before spurs were awarded a free kick in a promising position after Lusala was fouled. However, Harvey White’s resulting curling effort on goal was comfortably saved by Ashby-Hammond. Harvey White was then shown a yellow card for a foul on Sylvester Jasper down the right flank. Matt Taylor made a double substitution after he brought off Michael Craig and Dane Scarlett for Chay Cooper and Enock Asante. Dennis Cirkin made an important challenge on Oliver O’Neill inside the Spurs box before Fulham got their fourth goal of the game through Sylvester Jasper. After Fabio Carvalho surged past Marqes Muir to latch onto a long pass, the skilful attacking midfielder burst into the Spurs box forcing a save out of Oluwayemi with a powerful effort on goal. The loose ball then came to Jasper who tucked the ball home at the back post. Dennis Cirkin then had a low shot from range saved by Ashby-Hammond after he had cut inside from the left flank.

Shortly after the restart Sylvester Jasper passed the ball to Jay Stansfield at Oluwayemi’s back post inside the Spurs box but Stansfield’s effort on goal was spectacularly saved by the diving Oluwayemi. Rafferty Pedder entered the field for Tarrelle Whittaker for the final moments of the game before the referee sounded his whistle for full time, bringing to an end a pretty one sided affair. Up next for Spurs is a home league game against Brighton, next Saturday.

Player reviews:

• Joshua Oluwayemi: My man of the match, see below.
• Dermi Lusala: The right back had a decent game and he defended relatively well against potent Fulham winger Sylvester Jasper. Lusala did tend to get forward a lot and he whipped some inviting crosses into the Fulham box.
• Marqes Muir: Although he struggled quite a bit in dealing with Fulham centre forward Jay Stansfield this was Muir’s first ever competitive game at this level, and he was unlucky on occasions against the ‘ Cottagers ‘. Muir did make some important interceptions throughout the game.
• Luis Binks: Despite the fact that we conceded four goals, LCB Luis Binks was in my opinion our best outfield player on the day. Binks made some important clearances, challenges and blocks and he was commanding at the back and in the air.
• Dennis Cirkin: The left back got up and down the left flank well and he did a reasonably good job at keeping Fulham winger Oliver O’Neill in check throughout the match.
• Harvey White: The Tottenham captain patrolled the midfield well and he made some good passes during the match. White also made some nice meaty challenges.
• Nile John: This was only the second time that I had seen John play and like Binks I thought that he was one of our better outfield players. John made some nice passes and his movement in the centre of the park was good.
• Michael Craig: Craig operated in the unfamiliar position of RW and although he didn’t get many touches of the ball he tended to drift into more central positions on the pitch. 
• Tarrelle Whittaker: The Cam had a number of nice touches and he showed good skill. Furthermore, the first year scholar went on some good surging runs through the middle of the park.
• Dane Scarlett: The schoolboy had a quiet game but he worked hard and he managed to get himself into some good positions.
• Kion Etete: Despite not having the best service on the day the towering centre forward worked hard and he managed to battle for every ball. In addition, the 17 year old held the ball up well and he was good in the air. 
• Chay Cooper: The second half substitute looked lively out wide and he showed initiative while he was on the field.
• Enock Asante: The 17 year old made a couple of good runs during his time on the pitch and I thought that his movement was good.
• Rafferty Pedder: N/A.

My man of the match: Our goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi was by far and away our best player on Saturday morning. The overage goalkeeper made a total of five saves on the day and some of them were fabulous. Oluwayemi’s distribution was decent on the day, as was the way in which he dealt with crosses and set pieces. However, it was his shot stopping which really caught the eye. The 18 year old made a number of top saves, including a spectacular late one to deny Jay Stansfield in the dying moments of the game. Were it not for Oluwayemi we would have lost the game by at least seven goals!

Spurs under 18’s versus Fulham: (match preview)

Our under 18’s 2019/20 season gets underway tomorrow morning when new head coach Matt Taylor takes his side across London to face Fulham, at their Motspur Park training ground for league game number one. Fulham finished last season in ninth place in the Premier League South however, Colin Omogbehin’s side will be hoping to build on that this term with a number of talented first years scholars included in this years intake. Players of which include forwards Fabio Carvalho and Ollie O’Neill. In addition second year scholars Terry Ablade and Jean-Pierre Tiehi are also attacking players to look out for tomorrow morning. Matt Taylor’s first game in charge of the lads is a tough one and last season we failed to beat Fulham at Motspur Park. The ‘ Cottagers ‘ have in recent seasons been a very well structured side at this level and I’m expecting another tough test tomorrow morning. Our new academy intake still hasn’t been announced by the club but using Wikipedia I have managed to do a predicted line up for tomorrow’s game. I shall be reporting on the match and my in-depth match report will be out on Sunday afternoon. COYS!

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Kurylowicz, Cesay, Muir, Binks (c), Lusala, John, Matthew Craig, Whittaker, Pedder, Cooper, Asante. 

Subs from: Lo-Tutala, Kyezu, Michael Craig, Mundle, Carrington-Alberdi.

Injured/unavailable: N/A.

Doubtful: Malachi Walcott, J’Neil Bennett. 

My score prediction: Spurs 3-1.

Previous meeting: Spurs 4-0.

My one to watch: The ‘ Cottagers ‘ 16 year old forward Fabio Carvalho who scored eight league goals for Colin Omogbehin’s side last season.

Spurs under 23’s versus Liverpool: (match preview)

 

Our under 23’s domestic season kicks off on Saturday afternoon when Wayne Burnett’s side take on Liverpool at their Kirkby based training facility. Burnett’s side will be looking to start the new PL2 season strongly and a win against a difficult Liverpool side would be the perfect start to the season. Neil Critchley’s Liverpool side finished in fourth place in division one last season and they started that campaign strongly. The ‘ Reds ‘ domestic season has already got underway. Critchley’s side took on Oldham last night in their opening EFL trophy group game, they lost 3-2. Saturday’s opposition have a vast and talented development squad. Some of the players to keep an eye on include recent addition and Dutch defender Sepp van den Berg, midfielders Pedro Chirivella (22) and Isaac Christie Davies. In addition talented wingers Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott are attacking threats while centre forwards Rhian Brewster and Bobby Duncan are Liverpool’s main danger men. On paper this is a very tough game for Burnett’s team especially when you consider that this is the young ‘ Lilywhites ‘ first competitive game of the new season. It’s difficult to predict how strong both sides will go due to the current EFL loan window still being open, but I would expect Burnett’s side to include the likes of Kazaiah Sterling, Samuel Shashoua and Shilow Tracey and other such experienced development squad players. Liverpool are a very technical side who like to play with a lot of intensity about them, similar to their first team. With attacking players with the quality of Rhian Brewster, Bobby Duncan and Harvey Elliott I am expecting Spurs to face a very difficult test on Saturday afternoon. Burnett’s lads will have to be on the very top of their game if they are going to come back to London with any points on the board. Due to me covering the under 18 game against Fulham on Saturday morning I will be unable to report on our under 23’s game in Kirkby. However, I would like to wish Wayne Burnett’s lads all the very best of luck for what promises to be an interesting match. 

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) De Bie, Hinds, Eyoma, Lyons-Foster, Cirkin, Bowden, Oakley-Boothe, Tracey, Maghoma, S.Shashoua, Sterling (c).

Subs from: Oluwayemi, Okedina, Dinzeyi, A.Shashoua, Markanday.

Injured/unavailable: Malachi Walcott, Phoenix Patterson, Maurizio Pochettino, Maximus Tainio, J’Neil Bennett, Jeremie Mukendi.

Doubtful: Samuel Shashoua.

My score prediction: 2-2.

Previous meeting: 1-1.

My one to watch: A new signing from London club Fulham, 16 year old winger Harvey Elliott is considered to be one of the country’s most exciting young talents. The Chertsey born forward who appeared for Fulham’s first team last season while still a schoolboy is a player who possess decent pace. However, he is also relatively good with both feet and he is a very skilful player who likes to weave his way into dangerous positions. The Spurs defence will have to be wary of the first year scholar as he could cause major problems for Wayne Burnett’s side. Elliott scored on his debut for Liverpool’s development side in midweek when they took on Oldham in the EFL trophy.

Spurs XI 0-2 Enfield Town: (match report)

Our development sides final pre-season friendly of the 2019/20 campaign saw them take on local neighbours and BetVictor Isthmian league side Enfield Town, at the Queen Elizabeth II stadium. It was a good test for a very young Spurs team which included a number of first year scholars in the starting 11. Despite playing some good possession based football the young Spurs defence struggled to deal with the physicality of the Enfield attacking line and in the end two first half goals from the home side left Spurs unable to respond and in the end the ‘ Town ‘ ran out 2-0 winners despite a dominant second half performance from the young ‘ Lilywhites ‘. Spurs lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation as Brandon Austin started in goal while a back four of Kallum Cesay, Jubril Okedina, Marqes Muir and Maxwell Statham lined up in front of him. Armando Shashoua and Michael Craig partnered up in central midfield while Shilow Tracey and Tarrell Whittaker operated out on the flanks, either side of CAM Elliot Thorpe. Spurs captain Kazaiah Sterling led the line. Enfield Town got the game underway on a warm evening in North London. However, Spurs started the game well and they moved the ball around the park with pace. After receiving Armando Shashoua’s pass out on the right flank, Kallum Cesay whipped a cross into the Enfield box but it was cleared away by Dan Rumens. The referee Alex Kyriacou had to temporarily leave the field shortly afterwards to put on a yellow bib after he realised that his black shirt clashed with Spurs’ navy blue away kit. After receiving Tarrell Whittaker’s pass on the edge of the Enfield penalty area, Elliot Thorpe curled an effort over Nathan McDonald’s goal as Spurs’ passing game began to stifle the home side. However, in the 12th minute of the game the ‘ Town ‘ took a surprising lead through the unmarked Billy Bricknell. The former Spurs schoolboy latched onto Sam Hatton’s throw in down the right hand side of the Tottenham penalty area before he fired a powerful low effort past the helpless Brandon Austin and into the bottom left hand corner of the goal, 0-1.

Ken Charles went on a dangerous surging run down the left flank before pumping the ball into the Tottenham penalty area however, it was cleared away by Marqes Muir. Jubril Okedina then pinged a lovely pass out to Maxwell Statham on the left flank but the left backs resulting cross into the Enfield box had far too much pace on it and it went out for a throw in. A couple of minutes later Spurs goalkeeper Brandon Austin came out to sweep up Enfield captain Marc Weatherstone’s long pass before the sprinting Ken Charles could get to the ball. Maxwell Statham had a cross cleared by Dan Rumens before Enfield doubled their advantage through Joe Payne. Sam Youngs’ free kick came to Payne down the left hand side of the Tottenham penalty area and the Enfield left back fired the ball past Austin on the half volley and into the back of the net, 0-2. Brandon Austin managed to gather Lewis Taafe’s free kick shortly afterwards after Kallum Cesay had conceded it out on the left flank. Tarrell Whittaker nodded a cross from Michael Craig wide inside the Enfield box, before Jubril Okedina blazed an effort over Nathan McDonald’s crossbar from long range. After receiving Armando Shashoua’s pass on the edge of the Enfield penalty area Kazaiah Sterling dragged an effort wide of Nathan McDonald’s goal on the turn. Then at the other end of the pitch James Potton fired an effort over Brandon Austin’s goal after Michael Craig had failed to deal with Lewis Taafe’s cross inside the Spurs box. After Shashoua had picked out Tarrell Whittaker inside the Enfield box the 16 year old forward forced a save out of McDonald from his header. After nutmegging Jubril Okedina on the left flank Scott Thomas came inside onto his right foot before curling an effort over Brandon Austin’s crossbar as the game continued to be played at a good pace. At the other end of the pitch Kazaiah Sterling passed the ball to Shilow Tracey down the right side of the Enfield box. Tracey pulled the ball back to Thorpe in the centre of the box after he had managed to hold off Joe Payne. However, Thorpe’s powerfully struck first time effort was excellently saved by the razor sharp reflexes of Nathan McDonald.

Spurs were now enjoying a good spell of possession in the game. Armando Shashoua came close to playing Shilow Tracey through on goal but Nathan McDonald managed to cut it out, that turned out to be the final piece of action from the first half. Spurs got the second half underway and they started the half really well. Armando Shashoua came desperately close to setting Elliot Thorpe through on goal with a clever lofted pass, as Spurs started to play with more attacking freedom. After picking the ball up on the edge of the edge of the Enfield penalty area Kazaiah Sterling dragged an effort narrowly wide of the mark. A good move resulted in Michael Craig passing the ball to Shashoua who played a one two with Thorpe on the edge of the Enfield box before testing Nathan McDonald with a low effort on goal. Spurs were now playing with more urgency. After Michael Craig threaded a lovely pass through to Elliot Thorpe to set the young Welshman through on goal, he seemed destined to score. However, Thorpe slotted the ball a matter of inches wide of Nathan McDonald’s left hand post. A triallist blocked an effort from Tarrell Whittaker on the edge of the Enfield box before James Potton came close to connecting with a triallist’s cross at Brandon Austin’s back post. After Elliot Thorpe passed the ball to Shilow Tracey down the right flank the winger whipped a dangerous cross across the face of Nathan McDonald’s goal. Another good Spurs move resulted in Whittaker passing the ball to Thorpe, who slipped it into Sterling inside the Enfield box however, the Tottenham striker went down in the box after he felt that he had been clipped by McDonald but the referee told him to get back up and no penalty kick was awarded. Spurs then made a triple change as Elliot Thorpe, Tarrell Whittaker and Kazaiah Sterling all left the field for Eddie Carrington, Dane Scamette and Romaine Mundle. Marqes Muir did well to stop a triallist’s low cross before an Enfield triallist blazed over from the edge of the Spurs penalty area.

Shilow Tracey came in from the left flank before entering the Enfield box and having a shot blocked by Dan Rumens before Rumens blocked a shot from Armando Shashoua on the edge of the penalty area. An Enfield triallist surged forward down the left flank before clipping an effort just wide of Brandon Austin’s goal. Michael Craig was then replaced by his twin brother Matthew as we entered the final stages of the game. Marqes Muir cleared a cross from Lewis Taafe before Michael Craig blocked an effort from the same player. After receiving Jubril Okedina’s pass Armando Shashoua managed to jink away from Marc Weatherstone before slipping the ball into the Enfield box for Dane Scamette whose quickly taken effort was saved by Nathan McDonald. Spurs then made another sub as Jeremy Kyezu came onto replace Kallum Cesay as Maxwell Statham swapped over to right back. Eddie Carrington poked wide a cross from Armando Shashoua before Maxwell Statham did well to clear Junior Mubiayi’s cross at the other end of the pitch. Sam Bantick surged forward through the middle before firing an effort over Brandon Austin’s crossbar before Dane Scamette fired an effort over Nathan McDonald’s crossbar on the turn, after he had received Armando Shashoua’s pass on the edge of the Enfield box. The referee sounded his whistle for full time a couple of moments later to bring an end to what could only be described as quite a flat game of football.

Player reviews:

• Brandon Austin: Although he didn’t make a single save on the night Austin did have a good game and he had some impressive moments. Vocal and commanding throughout the match Austin turned sweeper keeper on two occasions. He also dealt well with crosses and set pieces, and he led the defence well. 
• Kallum Cesay: The young right back was defensively sound and good going forwards. Cesay looked very comfortable on the ball. 
• Jubril Okedina: The 18 year old made some nice passes and like Cesay he was comfortable at the back. Okedina was also good in the air. 
• Marqes Muir: The 16 year old brought the ball out well from the back and he also made some important interceptions and clearances.
• Maxwell Statham: Operating at left back for the majority of the game before later switching to right back, Statham had one of the best performances out of our defenders. Statham went on some good surging runs down the left flank but he remained defensively disciplined. It was a good all round performance from the versatile defender.
• Michael Craig: A calming presence in central midfield, the 16 year old made some impressive and well weighted passes. Furthermore, Craig was nice and tidy with the ball.
• Armando Shashoua: My man of the match, see below.
• Shilow Tracey: Although he had a bit of a quiet first half out on the right wing. After switching flanks during the latter stages of the game he was a lot more involved in proceedings and he went on some good attacking forays down that side of the pitch.
• Elliot Thorpe: Thorpe was lively in the CAM role and he got himself into some good positions when he was on the pitch. In addition the 19 year old came close to finding the back of the net on a couple of occasions.
• Tarrell Whittaker: Tricky and direct out on the left wing the 16 year old went on a number of good surging runs which really troubled Enfield right back Sam Hatton.
• Kazaiah Sterling: The Spurs captain held the ball up very well on the night and he also managed a couple of decent efforts at goal.
• Eddie Carrington: Skilful and often looking to drive forward with the ball.
• Dane Scamette: The schoolboy played up top during the final stages of the game.
• Romaine Mundle: Energetic and lively in the centre of the park following his introduction on 69 minutes.
• Matthew Craig: He looked nice and composed on the ball.
• Jeremy Kyezu: The left back stayed deep during his time on the pitch.

My man of the match: Technically gifted central midfielder Armando Shashoua was our best player on Wednesday night. Shashoua was by the far the most creative and productive player on the park. With his nonstop pressing and willingness to receive the ball and take players on with his low centre of gravity, Shashoua had a nice variety to his game. In addition the 18 year old made some very intelligent passes and his movement was superb. He certainly didn’t let the physicality of the opposition affect him. He has had an excellent pre-season!

Spurs: Austin, Cesay (Kyezu 79), Statham, Michael Craig (Matthew Craig 74), Okedina, Muir, Tracey, A Shashoua, Sterling (c) (Carrington 69), Thorpe (Mundle 69), Whittaker (Scamette 69). Substitute (not used): Kurylowicz.

Goals: Enfield Town – Bricknell 13, Payne 25.

Referee: Alex Kyriacou.

Venue: Queen Elizabeth II Stadium.

Spurs XI versus Enfield Town: (match preview)

Our development sides final pre-season friendly takes place tomorrow night when Wayne Burnett’s lads take on BetVictor Isthmian league side, and local neighbours Enfield Town, at the Queen Elizabeth II stadium. Burnett’s side who are just back from their time in Ploufragan, France will be looking to end pre-season on a high as they go into the new PL2 campaign which kicks off on Saturday the 10th August. After drawing their two previous pre-season friendlies and finishing third at the Tournoi Europeen, Spurs will take on an Enfield team who they defeated 2-1 the previous pre-season thanks to a brace from Marcus Edwards. Enfield Town who are managed by Andy Leese (their assistant manager is ex Spurs player Mario Noto) finished in tenth place in the BetVictor Isthmian league last season after they started the 2018/19 campaign really promisingly. Although they are the lowest ranked side that our under 23’s have faced this pre-season there are a number of players on Enfield Town’s books that Spurs will have to be wary of tomorrow evening (kick off is at 7pm). They include centre forward Muhammadu Faal, Lewis Taafe, Ryan Blackman, Dan Rumens and Marc Weatherstone. Former Spurs youth player and Enfield Town’s assistant manager Mario Noto still plays the occasional game and I’m sure that he’d love to be involved against his former club tomorrow. I am expecting another very physical test, similar to the ones in which we had against Ebbsfleet United and Dulwich Hamlet however, I’m confident that Spurs’ technical ability and superior fitness levels will get them the win. Once again it will provide the Tottenham youngsters with some invaluable experience and as games go this promises to be an intriguing affair. I would expect to see a similar Spurs side to the one which competed at the Tournoi Europeen in France however, the likes of Samuel Shashoua and Brandon Austin could all return to action for tomorrow’s game. I shall be reporting on the game and I will have my in-depth match report out on Thursday afternoon. I would like to wish Wayne Burnett’s side all the very best of luck for the game.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Austin, Statham, Eyoma, Dinzeyi, Hinds, A.Shashoua, Oakley-Boothe, Tracey, Maghoma, S.Shashoua, Sterling (c).

Subs from: De Bie, Okedina, Binks, Thorpe, Clarke, Markanday, Richards, Etete.

Injured/unavailable: J’Neil Bennett, Jeremie Mukendi, Malachi Walcott.

Doubtful: Phoenix Patterson, Maurizio Pochettino, Maximus Tainio, Marcus Edwards, Samuel Shashoua.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-1.

Previous meeting: Spurs 2-1.

My one to watch: Enfield Town centre forward and former L’Aquila man scored Muhammadu Faal scored three goals in five competitive appearances last season in what was a nightmare campaign with injuries for the 22 year old. He is my player to watch tomorrow night.

Spurs under 21’s 1-0 Stade Brestois: (match report)

The third place play off game at the 2019 Tournoi Europeen was contested between Wayne Burnett’s Tottenham Hotspur and French club Stade Brestois, on Sunday afternoon. Spurs put in another good attacking performance to overcome Stade Brestois by one goal to nil. It was a fairly dominant performance from Burnett’s lads who took the lead in the 28th minute of the game through Shilow Tracey. Stade Brestois did respond however, the Spurs defence stood strong even after centre half Jubril Okedina was sent off late on in the game for an off the ball incident following a VAR review. Spurs lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation as Joshua Oluwayemi started in goal while a back four consisting of Maxwell Statham, Jubril Okedina, Luis Binks and Tariq Hinds lined up in front of him. Tashan Oakley-Boothe and Paris Maghoma partnered up in central midfield while Shilow Tracey and Dilan Markanday operated out on the flanks, either side of CAM Armando Shashoua. Once again Spurs captain Kazaiah Sterling led the line. Spurs got the game underway on a warm summers afternoon in Ploufragan. Both sides knocked the ball around the park well during the opening minutes of the game, but with little attacking intent.  The first chance of the game presented itself to Stade Brestois after Tottenham centre back Jubril Okedina passed the ball straight to Samuel Genty in the Spurs box. Genty quickly passed the ball to Kenzo Berger whose first time effort was blocked behind for a corner kick by Luis Binks. Spurs broke away well from the resulting corner kick after Kazaiah Sterling passed the ball to Shilow Tracey who surged forward with the ball before finally passing it to Dilan Markanday down the left hand side of the Stade Brestois penalty area. The Tottenham winger clipped his effort wide of goal and in the end he was flagged for offside. Tashan Oakley-Boothe made an excellent sliding challenge on Kenzo Berger a couple of minutes later to stop a dangerous Stade Brestois attack in the middle of the park. Armando Shashoua came close to playing Dilan Markanday through on goal before Kazaiah Sterling came close to giving Spurs the lead. 

After Paris Maghoma gave the ball to Sterling down the left hand side of the Stade Brestois penalty area, Sterling came inside onto his right foot before curling a low effort a fraction wide of Titouan Gueguen’s goal. Jubril Okedina made an important interception to stop Bengali Kaba Soares’ pass from setting Samuel Genty through on goal. Tashan Oakley-Boothe then managed to clear Tanguy Lagadic’s cross. Stade Brestois then came close to taking the lead, but for an important save from Spurs goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi. After Idrissa Dioh gave the ball to Genty on the edge of the Tottenham penalty area the Stade Brestois player fired an effort on goal, on the turn. However, his powerful low effort was well pushed away by the diving Oluwayemi. At the other end of the pitch Shilow Tracey had an effort on goal blocked by Killian La Ber. Maxwell Statham was then shown a yellow card for a challenge on Marvin Toupin before an excellently worked attacking move led to Spurs taking the lead right on the stroke of halftime. After Dilan Markanday gave the ball to Paris Maghoma the Tottenham midfielder darted towards the Stade Brestois penalty area. However, instead of slipping the ball through to Kazaiah Sterling he ran across the box, before passing the ball to Shilow Tracey who had made a run down the right hand side of the danger zone. Tracey struck the ball first time with the side of his boot and it managed to beat Titouan Gueguen low, at his near post. It was an excellently worked goal from Wayne Burnett’s side which was finished off in style by Shilow Tracey. Paris Maghoma was shown a yellow card for dissent before the referee blew his whistle for half time. Stade Brestois got the game back underway. A sloppy bit of play from Tashan Oakley-Boothe on the edge of the Tottenham penalty area allowed Matthias Lavenant to get the ball, he quickly passed it to Kenzo Berger who in turn gave it to Samuel Genty, whose resulting chipped pass managed to pick out Yahya Kujabi down the right hand side of the Spurs box. However, his resulting effort on goal was well saved by Joshua Oluwayemi. 

Tashan Oakley-Boothe cleared Yahya Kujabi’s low cross shortly afterwards before Wayne Burnett made his first change of the game when he replaced right back Maxwell Statham with Rayan Clarke. Dilan Markanday then had a  cross cleared away by Killian Le Ber. Spurs continued to work openings in the Stade Brestois defence. After Maghoma passed the ball to Markanday down the left side of the oppositions penalty area, he crossed the ball for Shashoua who after controlling the ball, sliced an effort wide of goal from close range. Armando Shashoua bravely blocked a volleyed effort from Romain Thunet at the other end as the crowd winced. Spurs then had a fantastic chance to put the game to bed however, they were unable to do so. After Shilow Tracey powered forward down the right flank the Spurs winger squared the ball to Sterling inside the danger zone. Instead of shooting he unselfishly cut the ball back for the unmarked Dilan Markanday who only had an open goal in front of him. However, the young Spurs winger somehow missed the target and to make matters worse he received a yellow card for kicking the ball into the net in frustration. Spurs made a double substitution after Wayne Burnett brought on Elliot Thorpe and Kion Etete for Shilow Tracey and Armando Shashoua. Kazaiah Sterling and Paris Maghoma came close to pulling off a one, two on the edge of the Stade Brestois penalty area before Jubril Okedina managed to block Samuel Genty’s shot at the other end of the pitch. After Romain Thunet passed the ball to Sergio Fernandes down the left side of the Spurs box the Stade Brestois striker dragged an effort across the face of Oluwayemi’s goal and in the end the Spurs goalkeeper was able to gather it. There was a coming together between Spurs’ Jubril Okedina and Samuel Genty after Okedina had pushed the Stade Brestois player. After three minutes of playing on the referee referred the incident to VAR as Genty protested that Okedina had stamped on him. A couple of minutes later the referee went to look at the incident on an iPad and he made the decision to show Okedina a straight red card and Stade Brestois were awarded a free kick in the position that the incident took place in.

Joshua Oluwayemi did well to tip behind Samuel Genty’s resulting whipped, curling effort. Killian Bienvenido then had a goal ruled out for a push on Luis Binks. Stade Brestois continued to put the pressure on Spurs during the final moments of the game. After Marco Glazai passed the ball to Matthias Lavenant down the left side of the Spurs box the net looked as if it might bulge however, Lavenant fired the ball just over Oluwayemi’s crossbar. Elliot Thorpe was shown a late yellow card for a challenge on Tanguy Lagadic before the referee sounded his whistle for full time, bringing an end to a hugely positive tournament for Wayne Burnett’s lads.

Player reviews:

• Joshua Oluwayemi: My man of the match, see below.
• Maxwell Statham: It was a good solid performance from the 18 year old who managed to keep his man in check during his time on the pitch. Statham made some important defensive interventions.
• Jubril Okedina: It was a good solid performance from Okedina despite him getting sent off. The 18 year old cut out a number of dangerous forward passes from the opposition and he was also dominant in the air and good on the ball. It’s just a shame for him that he got sent off.
• Luis Binks: This was the second year scholars third appearance at the tournament and it was the third domineering performance which young Binks put in. The teenager from County Kent formed a strong partnership with Okedina and he neutralised the attacking threat that Stade Brestois striker Matthias Lavenant posed. Binks kept excellent positioning throughout the game and he made some timely interceptions and blocks.
• Tariq Hinds: It was another strong performance from the right back at left back. Hinds stayed deep and he read the game well while making some strong challenges and a number of important clearances.
• Tashan Oakley-Boothe: The deep lying central midfielder broke up play effectively in the middle of the park. Oakley-Boothe also recycled possession well and he made some nice crisp passes. Oakley-Boothe played deeper than his midfield partner Paris Maghoma.
• Paris Maghoma: It was a very mature performance from Paris Maghoma in central midfield. Like Oakley-Boothe the 18 year old was deep lying and he did a good job at breaking up play and recycling possession. Furthermore, Maghoma was often the link between defence and attack, and his numerous surging forward runs and well weighted passes brought the forwards into the game. Maghoma did well to set up Shilow Tracey’s goal. 
• Shilow Tracey: With his tireless runs up and down the right flank as well as his constant switching with centre forward Kazaiah Sterling, Tracey caused many problems for the Stade Brestois defence who couldn’t deal with his pace and his directness. Tracey took his goal really well and he got himself into some good goal scoring positions.
• Armando Shashoua: Operating at CAM for yesterday’s game Armando Shashoua performed really well for Wayne Burnett’s side. Once again he pressed ridiculously well during his time on the pitch and he could often be seen poaching the ball off of the opposition. Shashoua came close to finding the back of the net in the second half.
• Dilan Markanday: Operating out on the left wing Markanday was involved in the build up play to our goal and overall he had a good game. His fine dribbling ability and turn of pace caused problems.
• Kazaiah Sterling: The centre forward put in another good performance for Burnett’s side. He led the line well and he made some good runs while also pressing the Stade Brestois defence well. Sterling scored three goals in four games at the tournament.
• Rayan Clarke: The second half substitute had a good 20 minute second half cameo at right back after he replaced Maxwell Statham.
• Elliot Thorpe: The young midfielder showed real bite and a desire to influence the game following his late introduction. He gave a good account of himself.
• Kion Etete: The 17 year old held the ball up effectively during the final moments of the game.

My man of the match: Goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi had another faultless game for Spurs yesterday. Oluwayemi made four saves in total and he made some big ones in the context of the game. In addition the 18 year olds distribution was perfect and he dealt well with aerial balls and set pieces. 

The Superhotspur player of the tournament: This was a difficult decision to make as there were some excellent performances at this years tournament from the Spurs lads such as Armando Shashoua and Kazaiah Sterling. However, after much deliberation I have decided to award it to goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi for putting in three faultless performances in between the sticks. The 18 year old shot stopper made some excellent saves, he also dealt well with crosses and set pieces and his distribution was very good. Were it not for the goalkeepers alertness and razor sharp reflexes we would not of finished in third place at the tournament. There was not one single criticism of Oluwayemi’s performances which I could list. 

Spurs (v Stade Brestois): Oluwayemi, Statham (R Clarke 43), Hinds, Oakley-Boothe, Okedina, Binks, Tracey (Etete 54), A Shashoua (Thorpe 54), Sterling, Maghoma, Markanday.

Spurs under 21’s 2-0 RC Strasbourg: (match report)

Our under 21’s final group game of the Tournoi Europeen ended in them beating French side RC Strasbourg 2-0 on Saturday evening as Spurs finished in second place in group B. It was a game in which Spurs dominated possession in and just like in the Caen game earlier in the day, they played some attractive attacking football. Kazaiah Sterling and Shilow Tracey netted Spurs’ goals. Wayne Burnett’s side lined up in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation as Kacper Kurylowicz started in goal, while a back four consisting of Rayan Clarke, Jubril Okedina, Jonathan Dinzeyi and Maxwell Statham sat in front of him. Elliot Thorpe and Paris Maghoma partnered up in central midfield while Shilow Tracey and Rodel Richards operated out on the flanks either side of CAM Dilan Markanday. Captain Kazaiah Sterling led the line once again for Spurs. Wayne Burnett’s side got the game underway and it was the young ‘ Lilywhites ‘ who felt that they should have had an early penalty after Dilan Markanday was tripped in the Strasbourg penalty area by Papu Mendes. Spurs were dominating possession during the opening stages of the game and they were knocking the ball around the park nicely. Jérémie Branca fired an effort narrowly over Kacper Kurylowicz’s crossbar from long range before Spurs attacked Strasbourg down the opposite end of the pitch. Rodel Richards passed the ball to Kazaiah Sterling down the left side of the Strasbourg penalty area and he pulled the ball back for Richards who had made a run into the centre of the box however, his effort deflected off of Léo Keller before going behind for a corner kick. Dilan Markanday had a hopeful cross gathered by Louis Pelletier shortly afterwards as Spurs continued to see more of the ball. A good run from Dilan Markanday through the middle of the park ended in the skilful forward passing the ball out to Tracey who sprinted down the right hand side of the Strasbourg box before smashing the ball against Louis Pelletier’s crossbar. Strasbourg then came desperately close to taking the lead through Benjamin Besic.

After Cawdy Williams robbed Paris Maghoma of possession he threaded a nice pass through to Besic down the right side of the Spurs box. However, he was met by the outrushing Kurylowicz who closed down his angles and made an impressive save to deny Besic, in what was the final piece of action from the first half. Strasbourg restated the game and they managed the first goal attempt of the second half after Souhaïl Labyad curled an effort over Kurylowicz’s crossbar from the edge of the Tottenham penalty area. Spurs then took the lead through Kazaiah Sterling who netted his third goal of the tournament to put Spurs ahead. After Shilow Tracey passed the ball to Dilan Markanday on the right flank the tricky wide player darted forwards before testing Louis Pelletier with a powerful curling effort. The Strasbourg goalkeeper could only parry Markanday’s effort and Kazaiah Sterling was then able to tap the ball home, 1-0. Maxwell Statham was shown a yellow card shortly afterwards for pulling back Stanley Lohoues before Pavel Obradovic blasted over from the following free kick. Wayne Burnett brought off Kazaiah Sterling for Kion Etete shortly afterwards. The Nottingham born striker took the captains armband. Stanley Lohoues poked over Papu Mendes’s cross shortly afterwards as Strasbourg tried to get back into the game. However, any route back into the game was quickly extinguished after Spurs doubled their lead through Shilow Tracey shortly afterwards. After Shilow Tracey poked the ball off of Maxime Bastian he darted forward down the right flank and into the Strasbourg box where he sprinted past Jerémié Branca before impressively firing the ball into the bottom right hand corner of the goal, 2-0. The Tottenham goal scorer was replaced by Tariq Hinds shortly afterwards. After receiving the ball from Tariq Hinds, Dilan Markanday had an effort blocked by Jerémié Branca on the edge of the Strasbourg penalty area. Rodel Richards was shown a yellow card for a late challenge on Cawdy Williams a couple of minutes later. 

Strasbourg substitute Omar El Manssouri had a late shot blocked by Dilan Markanday before it was gathered by Kacper Kurylowicz as Spurs held onto record a comprehensive 2-0 victory. Tomorrow afternoon Spurs will take on Stade Brestois in a third place play off. 

Player reviews: 

• Kacper Kurylowicz: The 17 year old made a hugely important early save to deny Benjamin Besic which proved to be pivotal. Apart from that however, Kurylowicz didn’t have much else to do although it is worth noting that he was very vocal and his distribution was good. 
• Rayan Clarke: It was a good performance from Rayan Clarke at right back. He was competent and he read the game well while also going on some good attacking forays down that side of the pitch.
• Jubril Okedina: It was a very solid performance from the RCB alongside Jonathan Dinzeyi. Okedina didn’t put a foot wrong and he was excellent in the air while also bringing the ball out well from the back.
• Jonathan Dinzeyi: Like Okedina the slightly more experienced centre half had a very strong game at the back. He was commanding and he made some important defensive interventions.
• Maxwell Statham: My man of the match, see below.
• Elliot Thorpe: Operating in central midfield for today’s game, the teenager from county Cambridgeshire filled in really well for Armando Shashoua. Thorpe performed his duties diligently in the middle of the park and along with his crisp passing and almost ghost like movement, he chipped in with some important defensive work.
• Paris Maghoma: Like Thorpe the midfielder had a good all round game and he helped to link defence with attack.
• Shilow Tracey: The 21 year old made a big impact on Saturday’s game with his many powerful and purposeful forward runs down the right flank. His pace and his directness caused huge problems for the Strasbourg defence and Tracey took his goal really well.
• Dilan Markanday: It was a good performance from the CAM who chipped in with an assist for Kazaiah Sterling’s opener. Markanday went on some good mazy runs through the middle of the park.
• Rodel Richards: The left winger had a strong first half and he linked up well with the centre forward Kazaiah Sterling during his time on the pitch.
• Kazaiah Sterling: Quick, powerful and led the line well. Both him and Tracey switched well and he never gave up the chase. Sterling took his goal well.
• Kion Etete: N/A.
• Tariq Hinds: N/A.

My man of the match: Despite playing out of position at left back Maxwell Statham gave a really good account of himself for Spurs on Saturday evening. Operating at left back Statham looked very comfortable on the ball and he made a number of timely interceptions. He was also dominant in the air. It was an impressive all round performance from the versatile 18 year old who managed to keep Strasbourg winger Souhaïl Labyad in check.

Spurs (v RC Strasbourg): Kurylowicz, R Clarke, Statham, Maghoma, Dinzeyi, Okedina, Tracey (Hinds 47), Thorpe, Sterling (Etete 44), Markanday, Richards.

Spurs under 21’s 2-1 SM Caen: (match report)

Our development sides second group game at the Tournoi Europeen saw them take on SM Caen with Wayne Burnett’s side knowing that nothing other than a win would give them a realistic chance of topping group B. It was a good attacking performance from Spurs on a humid morning in Ploufragan as Burnett’s side tested the Caen defence well throughout the game. Spurs started the match well and soon into the game they took the lead through new signing Kion Etete. However, Caen fought back and they managed to draw level  through Nicholas Gioacchini. A fiercely contested second half ensued as both Spurs and Caen went for the win. However, it was substitute Kazaiah Sterling who netted the winner for Spurs late on in the game and it was a deserved winner for Burnett’s side who played some really good attacking football. Spurs lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation on Saturday morning as Joshua Oluwayemi started in goal, while a back four consisting of Maxwell Statham, captain TJ Eyoma, Luis Binks and Tariq Hinds sat in front of him. Tashan Oakley-Boothe and Armando Shashoua anchored the midfield as Shilow Tracey and Rodel Richards operated out on the flanks, either side of CAM Elliot Thorpe. New signing Kion Etete led the line. Spurs got the game underway and the young ‘ Lilywhites ‘ started the game well. Spurs took the lead from their first purposeful attack of the game through striker Kion Etete. After Armando Shashoua passed the ball to Elliot Thorpe the Wales under 19 international threaded a perfectly weighted pass through ball to Shilow Tracey who surged forward before going down the right side of the Caen penalty area and having a pop on goal. Tracey’s effort deflected off of Caen defender Allan Bidard before it hit the near post. The ball then rebounded into the path of Kion Etete who managed to tap the ball into the back of the net despite the best efforts of Jad Mouaddib on the line, 1-0. Shortly afterwards Shilow Tracey whipped two dangerous crosses into the Caen penalty area in quick succession but they were both cleared away. Then at the other end of the pitch Tariq Hinds was on hand to head away Aloys Fouda’s cross before Luis Binks bravely blocked a long range effort from Pierrick Mouniama.

Despite starting the game well Spurs allowed the opposition to come back into the game and a mistimed back pass from Armando Shashoua to Joshua Oluwayemi laid the ball on a plate for Nicholas Gioacchini inside the Spurs box and the Caen striker was able to latch onto the ball and round Oluwayemi before firing the ball past TJ Eyoma on the line, and into the back of the net, 1-1. Spurs came close to reestablishing their lead shortly afterwards through an incisive bit of attacking play. Elliot Thorpe gave the ball to Shilow Tracey on the right flank and he surged into the Caen box before squaring the ball back for Thorpe who had made a run into the centre of the box. However, Thorpe’s low first time effort was saved by the legs of Caen goalkeeper Pean Sullivan. The ball then came to Rodel Richards whose effort was blocked and then cleared on the line by Allan Bidard. Thomas Oalletts cleared a cross from Shilow Tracey behind for a corner kick. A couple of minutes later Shashoua gave the ball to Rodel Richards on the left wing.  He sent a low cross into the box for Kion Etete but the striker could only poke the ball wide of Pean Sullivan’s goal. The game continued to be played at a fast pace. Andreas Hountondji fired an effort from long range right into the face of Shilow Tracey who somehow managed to recover twice to make two important challenges down the left flank. Pierrick Mouniama’s resulting corner kick was nodded on by Andreas Hountondji for Nicholas Gioacchini who fired an effort on goal however, his effort was saved excellently by the chest of Oluwayemi before being cleared away by Tariq Hinds. Luis Binks cleared Jad Mouaddib’s cross shortly afterwards in what turned out to be the final piece of action from a close first half. SM Caen got the second half underway. Shilow Tracey was told shortly after the restart by the referee to get off the pitch and change his shirt because it had no number on it. The first chance of the second half came to Caen after Tony Villeray played a free kick short to Godson Kyeremh in the Spurs box but he blazed the ball over Oluwayemi’s crossbar.

Caen continued their fine start to the second half when Tony Villeray whipped in a free kick into the Tottenham danger zone where it was nodded on by Nicholas Gioacchini for Allan Bidard at the back post. However, the defenders effort was saved well by Oluwayemi who managed to react quickly. Spurs made a double change when Burnett brought on Kazaiah Sterling and Dilan Markanday for Kion Etete and Elliot Thorpe. Spurs continued to try hard to find a winner and it paid off in the end. After Armando Shashoua played a lovely lofted pass with back spin on it over the top of the Caen defence to set Kazaiah Sterling surging through on goal. Sterling steadied himself in the penalty area before skilfully jinking his way around Caen defender Luca Boudonnet and slotting the ball into the bottom right hand corner of Pean Sullivan’s goal, 2-1. Wayne Burnett made two more changes when he brought on Rayan Clarke and Paris Maghoma for Rodel Richards and Tashan Oakley-Boothe. Joshua Oluwayemi did well to beat away substitute Robin Legendre’s shot down the right hand side of the Spurs box before Tariq Hinds managed to block Theo Barre’s shot down the same side of the penalty area. Late in the game Armando Shashoua conceded a free kick in a dangerous position on the edge of the Spurs penalty area. However, Tony Villeray fortunately whipped his free kick wide of the outstretched Oluwayemi’s goal as Spurs clung onto record all three points. Spurs’ next game is against RC Strasbourg this evening.

Player reviews: 

• Joshua Oluwayemi: It was another very good performance from the Spurs goalkeeper who made three impressive saves in total on Saturday morning. Oluwayemi’s distribution was excellent on the day and he showed strong hands to make three important stops. It was a very good performance from the 18 year old on the day that his brother Tobi signed for Celtic.
• Maxwell Statham: It was a solid showing at right back from the 18 year old who made some really good challenges. I thought that Statham read the game well and he liked to stay deep. 
• TJ Eyoma: The 19 year old made his first start since February after recovering from injury and what a performance it was from the RCB who formed a really strong defensive partnership alongside Luis Binks. Eyoma had some really good moments during the game and he made some impressive interceptions and challenges. Furthermore the Londoner was also good in the air and he brought the ball out well from the back.
• Luis Binks: It was another very mature performance from young Luis Binks who put in a towering performance at the back. He marshalled the defence alongside Eyoma well and he played some lovely passes, and he was also commanding in the air.
• Tariq Hinds: It was a very good defensive performance from Tariq Hinds who stayed deep and managed to keep his man in check for the entirety of the game.
• Armando Shashoua: My man of the match, see below.
• Tashan Oakley-Boothe: The central midfielder went on some good surging forward runs through the middle of the park. He also kept possession well and he made a string of nice, positive passes.
• Shilow Tracey: It was a good performance from the right winger who embarked on some powerful runs down the right flank. Tracey got the assist for Kion Etete’s goal and he also whipped in some nice crosses into the danger zone. The 21 year old former Ebbsfleet youngster also tracked back excellently after himself to help Maxwell Statham at the back.
• Elliot Thorpe: Once again I was really impressed by the quality of the attacking midfielders performance. Thorpe’s movement was terrific throughout his time on the pitch and he made some perfectly weighted forward passes. The 18 year old was unlucky not to get on the score sheet.
• Rodel Richards: The skilful left winger tested the Caen right back well throughout his time on the pitch and he went on some good forward runs. Like Thorpe, Richards also came close to finding the back of the net.
• Kion Etete: It was a very good debut performance at the tournament from the centre forward who was solid, had some good touches and he was also in a good position for his goal. Etete also held the ball up well during his time on the pitch. 
• Kazaiah Sterling: It was a highly influential late cameo from the centre forward who took his late goal excellently. Sterling was strong on the ball and he too held it up well.
• Dilan Markanday: He went on some good attacking forays and he also made some good challenges.
• Rayan Clarke: The winger impressed with his dribbling and willingness to take players on.
• Paris Maghoma: The midfielder had some nice touches of the ball during his short time on the pitch.

My man of the match: The central midfielder recovered really well from his mistake in the first half to put in another excellent performance in the heart of the Tottenham midfield. Shashoua poached the ball well in central midfield and his passing and vision was top class on the day. The silky dribbler also tracked back continuously to help out the Spurs defence. An excellent performance was capped off by an excellent assist to set up Kazaiah Sterling’s late goal.