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

Matt Wells’ under 18 side recorded an emphatic 5-3 league victory over London rivals West Ham last Saturday. It was a victory which was made even more impressive by the fact that Spurs were missing so many players for the game. Most interesting of all was the inclusion of Notts County striker Kion Etete in Matt Wells’ side for the London Derby against West Ham. Etete (17) has already featured for Notts County’s first team on a number of occasions this season but the highly rated centre forward is currently on trial at Spurs and he could well featured for our under 18’s again on Friday. Unfortunately I and so many others were unable to attend last Saturday’s match due to being at the North London Derby, at Wembley on the same day. I did hear that our under 18’s put in another impressive performance against West Ham particularly during the first half when they managed to score four goals, it was another dominant performance from Wells’ side. A win against the ‘ Saints ‘ on Friday morning would see Spurs go back to the top of the under 18 Premier League South, providing that Arsenal don’t win on the same day. This match was supposed to be played last month however, it fell foul to the weather. Friday’s rearranged match will be a difficult one for Spurs to win considering all of the injury problems that they currently have. Paul Hardyman’s Southampton side have been doing quite well lately. They sit in fifth place in the league table, and from their last five league games they have picked up ten points. They have a squad which is brimming with attacking talent and while we did beat them 5-2 in the reverse fixture back in September, Hardyman’s side showed their attacking quality during that game. With pacy forward and former Spurs schoolboy Rio Glean impressing along with tricky Irish winger Will Ferry. Technically speaking Southampton’s under 18’s have been one of the best in England over the last five or so years, and they are never afraid to attack teams.

The ‘ Saints ‘ have a number of players who I like, of which include Irish fullback Kameron Ledwidge, French centre half Allan Tchaptchet and Southampton’s top scorer this season with nine league goals, Christian Norton. It’s difficult to predict what side Matt Wells will field on Friday however, I would imagine that we will see a number of schoolboys feature once again. I am very confident that Spurs will continue their excellent league form by beating Paul Hardyman’s side. I would like to wish the lads all the very best of luck for the game and I look forward to reporting on it.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Kurylowicz, Clarke, Statham, Okedina, Binks, Pedder, Bowden (c), Pochettino, Cooper, Markanday, Etete.

Subs from: Lo-Tutala, John, Patterson, Asante.

Injured/unavailable: Jeremie Mukendi, Maximus Tainio, Troy Parrott 

Doubtful: Joshua Oluwayemi, Jamie Bowden, Rodel Richards, Elliott Thorpe, Enoch Asante.

Previous meeting: Spurs 5-2.

My score prediction: Spurs

My one to watch: Ireland under 19 international Will Ferry is a young man who possesses outstanding skill and balance. Ferry is a winger who primarily operates out on the left flank. The Bury born second year scholar has tremendous dribbling and crossing ability and he has found the back of the net on seven occasions for Paul Hardyman’s side this season.

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

After putting in a heroic performance against Chelsea last Friday evening to record a 1-1 draw despite playing with ten men for the majority of the game, Wayne Burnett’s side will be hoping to go one step further on Friday when they travel to the East Midlands to face Leicester City. Our match against the ‘ Foxes ‘ at Holmes Park is the first of four cup finals for our under 23’s who will be hoping to secure their first division status before their final league game against Derby County in April. Steve Beaglehole’s Leicester City side occupy fourth spot in the league table, ten points off of league leaders Everton. Beaglehole’s side have lost their last three PL2 matches but they will be hopeful that they can return to winning ways against Spurs. Leicester’s home form has been good this season, and the 2017/18 PL2 title contenders have won an impressive five of their nine home league matches this campaign. Spurs on the other hand have the worst away form in the league. The reverse league fixture back in October was one of our under 23’s best performances this season. They overcame a Leicester side which fielded both Andy King and Danny Simpson, the young Lilywhites put in a superb defensive performance that day. One player who struggled to make an impact against our defence in that match, was former Spurs player Ryan Loft. Many of you will remember the burly centre forward from his time in our under 18’s side. Loft is yet to find the back of the net for the ‘ Foxes ‘ in the PL2 since making the move from North London last summer. The former Ebbsfleet schoolboy has made 16 league appearances for Beaglehole’s side so far this season, and his aerial presence will make like difficult for the young Spurs defenders on Friday. Some of the ‘ Foxes ‘ other danger men include attacking midfielder Layton Ndukwu who has scored three goals from six league games this campaign. 18 year old winger Tyrese Shade is another player to keep an eye on, as are defenders Calvin Ughelumba and Alexandru Pascanu.

Over recent seasons Leicester’s development side have had a very strong defence and they have been historically difficult to break down. Last season Beaglehole’s side defeated us 6-1 at Holmes Park, in a game which Spurs ended playing with nine men following the second half dismissals of Oliver Skipp and George Marsh. Wayne Burnett’s side will most likely include a number of players from the under 18 squad on Friday, with first year scholars J’Neil Bennett, Harvey White and Dennis Cirkin all likely to play. All three of those players were excellent against Chelsea in our last match. I will be heading off to to Holmes Park on Friday afternoon straight from Hotspur Way, as I will be reporting on our under 18’s league game against Southampton in the morning. I would like to wish Wayne Burnett’s side all the very best of luck for this important league match.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Austin, Hinds, Lyons-Foster, Dinzeyi, Cirkin, White, Marsh (c), Oakley-Boothe, Maghoma, Bennett, Tracey.

Subs from: Glover, Walcott, A.Shashoua, Duncan.

Injured/unavailable: Luke Amos, Jamie Reynolds, Japhet Tanganga (suspended), Troy Parrott, Phoenix Patterson, Maximus Tainio.

Doubtful: Alfie Whiteman, TJ Eyoma, Jack Roles, Jamie Bowden, Rodel Richards.

Previous meeting: Spurs 1-0 

My score prediction: Spurs 3-2.

My one to watch: The ‘ Foxes ‘ target man and former Spurs Academy player Ryan Loft. The 21 year old will be eager to impress against his old club on Friday, and his physicality and aerial presence will cause problems for the Spurs defence in the absence of the suspended Japhet Tanganga.

Some notes on Spurs loanee Anthony Georgiou’s performance against CD Castellón:

Spurs loanee Anthony Georgiou was in action for Spanish third division side Atlético Levante on Sunday afternoon when the ‘ Granotas ‘ B team faced local rivals CD Castellón at a packed out Nou Estadi Castàlia. The Cyprus international started Sunday’s league game out on the left wing in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Georgiou would complete 64 minutes of the match. This was a difficult game for Luis Tevenet’s Levante side, who came up against a very well structured and solid Castellón defence who did their best to nullify the wide men. This made Georgiou’s task that little bit more difficult and it meant that he couldn’t really express himself out on the left flank. The home side were the better team for large periods of the game and after they took the lead in the first half through Rubén Díez they looked as if they were going to win the game however, Levante battled well and they were able to net an equaliser late on in the game to gain a vital point. There was a good atmosphere for Sunday’s Derby match at the Nou Estadi Castàlia, this would have been one of the best atmospheres that young Anthony Georgiou would ever have experienced. The 22 year old caught the eye during the opening stages of the match with his tracking back and defensive work to help out Levante left back Rulo. Georgiou’s first real attacking involvement in the game occurred after the winger exchanged passes with Pepelu down the left channel before laying the ball off to Eneko on the edge of the Castellón penalty area, but the ‘ Granotas ‘ striker fired wide of Campos‘ goal. Georgiou made his first important defensive intervention of the game around five minute later. The deep lying winger did well to cut out Rubén Díez’s pass through to César Díaz down the the right flank. It’s a good job that Georgiou was there to make their interception as Díaz would have had a clean route through to goal, if he had received the pass. Despite a fairly even start to the game it was the home side who took the lead through Rubén Díez after his deflected effort on goal had managed to creep past Levante goalkeeper Cárdenas and into the back of the net.

It had been difficult for Georgiou to influence the game from an attacking perspective during the first half as Levante weren’t playing with much width about them. After a free kick for Luis Tevenet’s side had amounted to nothing, the ball came to Pepelu on the edge of the Castellón penalty area. The Levante midfielder teed the ball off to Georgiou who struck the ball first time on his left foot. However, his powerful low drive went wide of the Castellón goal. A couple of moments later Georgiou received the ball from Pepelu out on the left wing, he continued forward before pumping the ball into the danger zone in an attempt to pick out Levante centre forward Eneko. However, the youngsters cross ended up going straight down the throat of Castellón goalkeeper Campos, who claimed the ball. I noticed that Georgiou’s English speaking teammate Shaq Moore gave him some advice after a break in play, a couple of minutes later. Georgiou was the victim of some cynical fouls from the Castellón defenders who were intent on stopping the pacy winger from going on surging forward runs down the left wing. His movement during the opening stages of the game had been good and he had been doing well to keep up with the pace of the game. A corner kick which was whipped in by Joan, managed to find its way to Georgiou down the right wing after he had won the ball off of Satrústegui. The skilful Cyprus international managed to hold off the Castellón defender before sending a low cross into the penalty area, however, it was cleared behind for a corner kick by Gálvez. Less then a minute after the resulting corner kick was taken, Georgiou could be seen defending down the opposite end of the pitch, the referee blew his whistle for time a couple of moments later. Blesa came close to finding an equaliser from a free kick, shortly after the restart. After Joan had managed to win a free kick out on the right flank, Georgiou elected to take it. He whipped an excellent pacy ball into the danger zone, managing to pick out Genís whose looping header on goal was saved relatively comfortably by Campos. Georgiou delivered a decent corner kick into the box shortly afterwards but it was cleared away from danger by Castellón defender Muguruza.

Georgiou was working hard, to try and create chances for his struggling teammates down the left hand channel. After Genís had shifted the ball out to the Lewisham born winger down the left flank, Georgiou managed to dart past Muguruza as he powered forward. However, the Castellón fullback caught the Spurs man from behind, but he was able to keep his balance and eventually whip the ball into the danger zone. Eneko almost managed to meet it at Campos’ back post. Georgiou was enjoying a decent spell in the game and after he had managed to make a good run down the left side of the Castellón penalty area he received Joan’s pass. Georgiou took a touch before blazing an effort over Campos‘ crossbar, it was to be his final involvement in the game as he was replaced by Joel straight afterwards. Anthony looked disappointed to have been brought off so early on in the second half, but despite the circumstances of the game and the solidity of the oppositions defence, Georgiou should be able to hold his head high after putting in another battling performance for the Spanish club, on only his third appearance for them. Georgiou did very well considering that he was essentially living off of scraps down the left hand side of the pitch. From a defensive perspective I thought that the 22 year old had a very good game. He really helped out Levante’s left back Rulo by making some important defensive contributions throughout the match. Georgiou’s willingness to track and stay deep frustrated Castellón winger César Díaz. And from an offensive point of view I was proud of how he was constantly getting himself into good spaces and positions out wide, and making some good forward runs. Georgiou pumped some good crosses into the danger zone, and he was involved in a number of good attacks for Luis Tevenet’s side. His high work rate, tigerish pressing and willingness to get stuck in were all positive things which I noticed from Anthony’s performance. The ‘ Granotas ‘ B teams next match is on Sunday when they host Alcoyano at the Ciudad Deportiva de Buñol. With an international break coming up towards the end of the month, I would be very surprised if Anthony wasn’t called up to the Cyprus senior team for any international friendlies that they might play.

Anthony Georgiou for Atlético Levante this season:

Appearances: 3

Goals: 1

Assists: 0

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

Our under 23’s took on London rivals Chelsea on Friday evening at the Lamex Stadium, in the PL2. Wayne Burnett’s side put in a fantastic performance against the ‘ Blues ‘ under testing circumstances, after our captain Japhet Tanganga was sent off towards the end of the first half. Once again Burnett’s side had to turn to their under 18 squad, as they were without a whole host of their most important and experienced players for Friday’s match. A total of five scholars were involved against Joe Edwards‘ Chelsea side. It was a fast paced London Derby in which Spurs started well. J’Neil Bennett came close to giving Spurs an early lead, while the visitors did manage to create some promising chances down the other end of the pitch, before the deadlock was broken in the 17th minute of the game. A sharp and incisive attacking move from Spurs resulted in the majestic Harvey White shifting the ball out to Dennis Cirkin on the left flank. The 16 year old left back managed to skip past Wales international Ethan Ampadu before whipping the ball across the face of the Chelsea goal. The ball took a cruel deflection off of the ‘ Blues ‘ skipper Richard Nartey who ended up turning the ball into his own net to give Spurs the lead. After going ahead Spurs continued to play some nice attacking football as they looked to extend their lead. Although they did come close to doubling their advantage on a couple of occasions throughout the first half, it was to end in disappointment for Burnett’s hardworking side after Japhet Tanganga was sent off in the 41st minute. The Tottenham captain had failed to deal with a long ball from Chelsea’s Marc Guehi, which ended up looping over the Spurs defence before setting the speedy Daishawn Redan through on goal. The former AJAX schoolboy easily managed to get around Tanganga and dart into the Tottenham penalty area. However, Tanganga lost his composure and he panicked, blatantly catching Redan from behind to concede a penalty. The referee Sam Allison showed the 19 year old his second yellow card of the game. Billy Gilmour converted from the spot to draw Chelsea level, and for the rest of the game Spurs would have to compete with ten men.

The young Lilywhites battled hard during the second period and some heroic defending from the likes of Marsh and Lyons-Foster, as well as a number of crucial saves from Brandon Austin helped Spurs to cling on, to record a hugely important point. It was a very impressive performance from a very young and inexperienced Spurs side, against a Chelsea team who had some very good players out on the pitch. Spurs played some really good attacking football on Friday evening, but it was their togetherness and solidity at the back which proved to be most important of all. Wayne Burnett’s side lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation for their league game against mid table Chelsea. Brandon Austin retained his place in goal, while a back four of Hinds, Lyons-Foster, the captain Japhet Tanganga and Cirkin lined up in front of him. First year scholar Harvey White started alongside second year pro George Marsh in central midfield, while Tashan Oakley-Boothe and J’Neil Bennett started out wide, either side of Paris Maghoma who operated as a CAM. 20 year old forward Shilow Tracey led the line for Spurs in the absence of Troy Parrott. Spurs got the game underway at the Lamex Stadium, and it was the home side who started the game brightly. After cutting inside from the left flank, the lively J’Neil Bennett curled an effort narrowly wide of Jamie Cumming’s goal from 25 yards out. A couple of minutes later Paris Maghoma cleared Tariq Uwakwe’s corner away from the danger zone, but only into the path of Conor Gallagher who fired an effort wide of Brandon Austin’s goal on the half volley. Juan Castillo came close to picking out  Martell Taylor-Crossdale after whipping an inviting ball towards Austin’s back post however, Taylor-Crossdale was unable to get to the ball before it went out of play. Chelsea went on a dangerous attack shortly afterwards, defender Ian Maatsen went on a driving run through the middle of the pitch before passing the ball to Taylor-Crossdale down the left flank, right on the edge of the Tottenham box. However, the Chelsea forward set himself up wrong for the shot, and his first time curling effort ended up going into the car park behind the stadium.

The match was being played at a high tempo during the opening stages of the half, and it meant that both defences had to be alert. After Ethan Ampadu played the ball down the right flank to Castillo, the alert Brandon Austin was quickly on the scene. The 20 year old had come rushing out of his box clear the ball before the speedy Dutchman could get to it. A couple of moments later Conor Gallagher shifted the ball out to Castillo on the right flank. The Chelsea winger traveled forward with the ball before cutting inside onto his left foot and testing Austin with a curling effort, which the Tottenham goalkeeper was able to hold. Spurs went on a promising attack down the opposite end of the pitch, after Harvey White had passed the ball to Tashan Oakley-Boothe down the right flank. The former England under 18 international passed the ball to Marsh on the edge of the penalty area but, the Spurs midfielder was intercepted by Ampadu just before he was about to have a pop on goal. The Welshman then cleared the ball away from the danger zone. Wayne Burnett’s side took the lead in the 17th minute of the game thanks to some good work from young Dennis Cirkin down the left wing. A good passing move from Spurs resulted in the ever present Harvey White picking out Cirkin on the left flank. The England under 17 international travelled forward with the ball at speed, darting past Ethan Ampadu before whipping a dangerous low cross into the Chelsea box. Chelsea captain Richard Nartey attempted to clear Cirkin’s cross however, the ‘ Blues ‘ defender ended up turning the ball past Cumming and into the bottom right hand corner of the goal, 1-0. Brooklyn Lyons-Foster received the first yellow card of the game in the 20th minute after fouling Conor Gallagher. Burnett’s side continued to play some really good football as the half progressed. After the alert Paris Maghoma managed to intercept Ian Maatsen’s pass, the Tottenham midfielder went on a mazy forward run through the middle of the pitch. Maghoma then passed the ball to Bennett who had made a run down the left side of the Chelsea box. The winger took a couple of touches before curling an effort towards the far corner of Jamie Cumming’s goal, but the Chelsea goalkeeper managed to somehow, tip the ball behind for a corner kick.

The resulting corner kick was whipped in by set piece specialist Harvey White, the 17 year olds dangerous delivery caused some confusion amongst the Chelsea defence before Tariq Uwakwe managed to frantically clear the ball in time. After doing well to pounce on a loose ball, the lively J’Neil Bennett darted forward before bending a delightful effort narrowly wide of Cumming’s goal, from just over 20 yards out. Chelsea then went on a promising attack down the opposite end of the pitch. Gallagher did well to thread a pass through to the so far uninvolved Daishawn Redan down the left side of the Spurs box. However, the Dutchman’s attempted shot was blocked by Lyons-Foster before being gobbled up by Brandon Austin. A couple of of minutes later Paris Maghoma received the ball from George Marsh, he then went on a surging run through the middle of the pitch. The silky midfielder managed to gracefully skip around Billy Gilmour before passing the ball to Shilow Tracey down the left side of the Chelsea penalty area. However, the makeshift centre forward was closed down well by Richard Nartey who managed to block his resulting effort on goal. However, just a matter of moments later the game was turned on its head after Spurs were reduced to ten men, after skipper Japhet Tanganga gave away a penalty. A long searching pass from Marc Guehi looped over the top of the Tottenham defence, this set the pacy Daishawn Redan through on goal after he  had managed to get around Tanganga before entering the Tottenham penalty area. It was there that the Netherlands youth international was cynically caught from behind by Tanganga to prevent him from getting his shot away. The referee Sam Allison immediately to the spot, he then pondered for a moment before showing Tanganga a yellow card (his second of the game) before pulling out a red card much to the Spurs captains surprise. Scotland under 21 international Billy Gilmour stood up to take the penalty, before clinically curling the ball past the outstretched Brandon Austin and into the bottom left hand corner of the goal, 1-1.

Joe Edwards’ side tried to pull off the same trick a couple of minutes after the restart, after Gilmour attempted to set Redan through on goal once again, with another long pass. However, the composed Lyons-Foster was on hand to cut out Gilmour’s pass. Brandon Austin did well a couple of moments later to claim Juan Castillo’s dangerous, in swinging cross before Taylor-Crossdale could get to the ball. A disappointing end to the first half could have been even worse after Shilow Tracey conceded a free kick right on the edge of the Spurs penalty area as the ‘ Blues ‘ begun to dominate the game. Conor Gallagher’s resulting curling effort, managed to get up and over the Spurs wall before flashing narrowly wide of goal, much to the relief of the diving Austin. That was the final piece of action from the first half. The visitors got the second half underway against a Tottenham side who had changed to a 4-4-1 formation. George Marsh who was now filling in at centre half, did well to clear Juan Castillo’s cross into the Spurs box. A heavily deflected cross from the same player a couple of moments later managed to come to Ian Maatsen down the right side of the Tottenham penalty area. Maatsen then managed to pick out Taylor-Crossdale in the centre of the box with a lofted pass however, the Chelsea teenagers header on goal was saved relatively comfortably by Austin. George Marsh did well to clear another dangerous cross from Tariq Uwakwe a couple of moments later. Connor Gallagher fired an effort narrowly wide of Austin’s goal from long range as the ‘ Blues ‘ continued to dominate possession. After Tracey passed the ball to Bennett down the left wing, the 17 year old played the ball through to Maghoma. However, the midfielder didn’t have anybody in support and he was forced to take the ball into the Chelsea penalty area and cut inside before having a shot at goal, but his curling attempt was blocked behind for a corner kick by Richard Nartey. Spurs had a penalty shout waived away by the referee a couple of minutes later. After Cirkin had shifted the ball out to White down the left flank the midfielder whipped a promising cross into the box where he managed to pick out Shilow Tracey. However, the forwards header came straight off of Ampadu, possibly striking the 18 year olds arm.

After receiving Marc Guehi’s pass out on the left flank Chelsea substitute Luke McCormick whipped the ball across the face of the Spurs goal. Tariq Uwakwe then pumped the ball into the danger zone from the right wing, but the attentive Lyons-Foster managed to clear the ball to Gallagher on the edge of the penalty area. The Chelsea midfielder fired the ball past the helpless Austin and into the back of the goal however, the linesman on the far side had ruled it out for offside. Shilow Tracey went into the book a couple of minutes later for a foul on Gilmour. Marc Guehi saw his powerful low drive on goal deflect behind for a corner kick off of Marsh as the visitors continued to cause us problems. After Juan Castillo had managed to beat Tariq Hinds for pace down the left flank, the wide man whipped the ball into the Tottenham box. Lyons-Foster managed to head the ball away but only back into the feet of Castillo on the left flank. However, the Dutchman ended up curling the ball well wide of Brandon Austin’s goal. Chelsea continued to attack our defence, after Gallagher had passed the ball to Uwakwe down the right flank the ‘ Blues ‘ midfielder managed to race past Dennis Cirkin before crossing the ball for McCormick who had made a run into the Spurs box. The Chelsea substitute caught Uwakwe’s cross on the half volley, but he could only fire wide. A couple of minutes later George Marsh did well to cut out Ian Maatsen’s through ball before it reached Daishawn Redan. The Tottenham players had been doing a superb job in defence despite only having ten men on the field. Brandon Austin came out to authoritatively claim a corner kick from Billy Gilmour, before then doing well to gather Conor Gallagher’s powerful low effort from the edge of the Spurs penalty area. Brooklyn Lyons-Foster then managed to clear Juan Castillo’s resulting corner kick away from danger. After Paris Maghoma had done well to win a free kick out on the right flank, Harvey White delivered the ball into the Chelsea penalty area, forcing Ethan Ampadu to nod the ball behind  for a corner kick. Shilow Tracey then conceded a free kick in a dangerous position, at the opposite end of the pitch. However, Conor Gallagher curled his resulting effort over Brandon Austin’s crossbar.

The ever threatening Paris Maghoma went on an excellent surging forward run through the middle of the pitch after picking the ball up in central midfield. The Chelsea players couldn’t touch the skilful midfielder who took the ball to the edge of the Chelsea box before firing an effort narrowly over Jamie Cumming’s crossbar. After Gallagher received McCormick’s pass on the edge of the Spurs penalty area the Chelsea midfielder had a pop on goal, but his powerful effort was headed away by the alert George Marsh. Shortly afterwards Martell Taylor-Crossdale nodded over from Tariq Uwakwe’s cross. Wayne Burnett made two changes when he brought off J’Neil Bennett for Dylan Duncan, before then introducing centre half Jonathan Dinzeyi in the place of Shilow Tracey. Interestingly the 19 year old defender would play up top as a number nine. Chelsea continued to put our defence under pressure as the second half progressed. Brooklyn Lyons-Foster did well to clear Luke McCormick’s cross into the Spurs penalty area a matter of moments before Chelsea came close to taking the lead, for the first time in the game. After picking the ball up on the edge of the Spurs box, Tariq Uwakwe opened up his body before curling a spectacular effort off the underside of Austin’s crossbar. The ball bounced off the line and back into the air. Taylor-Crossdale left the ball for Castillo but the left winger wastefully blazed the ball over the bar, much to Taylor-Crossdale’s disbelief, and our relief. Chelsea came close to taking the lead again, a matter of moments later. After Uwakwe passed the ball to McCormick down the right hand side of the Spurs box the Chelsea player forced a good save out of Austin from his powerful low effort. Purposeful attacks were becoming few and far between for Burnett’s side who continued to focus their efforts on defending. Tashan Oakley-Boothe whipped a promising ball into the Chelsea box from the right flank, but the diving Jonathan Dinzeyi couldn’t get to the ball despite his best efforts. Young Dennis Cirkin was harshly booked for simulation after Ampadu won the ball off of him in the Chelsea penalty area. The Dubliner could then be seen sprinting down the other end of the pitch to make a crucial block to prevent Tariq Uwakwe from crossing the ball into the Spurs box. 

Ian Maatsen silenced the stadium after he managed to set Luke McCormick through on goal with a sublime pass to McCormick down the right side of the Spurs penalty area. The Chelsea youngster had only Brandon Austin to beat, but the Spurs goalkeeper spread himself well and he somehow managed to keep out McCormick’s thumping effort on goal, by making a superb reflex save at his near post. However, the danger wasn’t over there and the ball ended up coming back to McCormick whose powerful low drive was blocked on the line in the most incredible way, by the sliding George Marsh. Chelsea continued to put pressure on the Spurs defence, after McCormick sprayed the ball out to Castillo on the left flank, the Dutchman cushioned the ball down for Conor Gallagher on the edge of the Tottenham box. However, Gallagher’s powerful effort on the half volley was held well by Austin who made another important save. The Tottenham goalkeeper then did well to claim first Conor Gallagher’s corner kick, and then Luke McCormick’s cross. Spurs made their final substitution in the fourth minute of stoppage time after they brought off Paris Maghoma for Armando Shashoua for the final seconds of the game. A late cross from Juan Castillo into the Spurs box forced Jonathan Dinzeyi into heading the ball away. However, it came down for substitute George McEachran at the back post but Austin bravely managed to come out and claim McEachran’s lofted pass. The referee sounded his whistle for full time a couple of seconds later, rarely will a point have felt so sweet and deserved for Burnett’s defensively heroic side then it did on Friday night. That point could prove to be crucial for Burnett’s side come the end of the season. Up next for our under 23’s is a trip to the East Midlands to face Leicester City next Friday evening, that is also a PL2 game.

Player reviews:

• Brandon Austin: The talented shot stopper made some crucial saves against his former club on Friday evening. Austin put in a fantastic performance, making six saves in total against the ‘ Blues ‘. The most important one was his excellent reflex save to deny Luke McCormick who was one on one with Austin in the penalty area, late on in the game. This was a very good performance from the 20 year old who although he was unlucky at times with his distribution, he dealt with crosses, set pieces and general play to great effect.
• Tariq Hinds: The right back put in another solid performance for Wayne Burnett’s side where he defended his side of the pitch well against the speedy Juan Castillo. Hinds maintained good positioning throughout the match and he needed to against the tricky Castillo.
• Brooklyn Lyons-Foster: The second year scholar operated at RCB against Chelsea and it was there that the classy defender put in an outstanding performance. Faultless from start to finish, Lyons-Foster rose to the occasion following the dismissal of Tanganga. The Islington born defender was superb in the air, winning the vast majority of his aerial duels. Lyons-Foster also made some crucial interceptions, challenges and clearances which saved Spurs on more than one occasion against their London rivals. The 18 year old read the game well and he cut out a couple of very dangerous passes. It was a very solid performance from Brooklyn.
• Japhet Tanganga: It was a night to forget for the skipper Japhet Tanganga on Friday. Although the 19 year old centre back put in a solid performance for the majority of his 41 minutes on the pitch, a single rash decision to block Daishawn Redan a clear goal scoring chance ended in his untimely dismissal, and his absence put Spurs under great pressure.
• Dennis Cirkin: Once again the tigerish left back put in a sterling performance for Wayne Burnett’s development side. Cirkin (16) performed diligently down the left side of the pitch, managing to keep Chelsea’s Conor  Gallagher in check for large periods of the game. The Dublin born defender made some vital defensive contributions, of which included last ditch challenges, blocks and interceptions. Cirkin’s hard work, determination and willingness to help out his teammates at both ends of the pitch, was priceless. The first year scholar was classy on the ball and he used his dribbling ability to great effect, going on some good surging runs down the left flank, and getting into some good positions to receive the ball in the first place. The England under 17 international created our goal after going on a good darting run down the left wing before whipping a quality cross into the danger zone, which was turned into the back of the Chelsea goal by Richard Nartey. Cirkin has been directly involved in five goals for Spurs this season.
• Harvey White: My motm, see below.
• George Marsh: After doing a good job in central midfield during the first half, it was after the dismissal of Tanganga which forced Marsh to slot into the back four, where he operated at LCB. While in that position Marsh was absolutely outstanding. He formed a particularly strong partnership and understanding with Lyons-Foster at centre back. The Pembury born teenager made some heroic challenges, blocks and clearances. His sliding block to deny Luke McCormick late on in the game was breathtaking!
• Tashan Oakley-Boothe: The 19 year old completed the entirety of the game out on the right wing where he worked hard to try and make an impact on the game. Oakley-Boothe went on some good attacking forays and delivered some nice crosses into the Chelsea box. He also tracked back well after him.
• Paris Maghoma: The silky central midfielder started the game as a CAM but he would revert back to CM for the beginning of the second half. This was a very good performance from the 17 year old who impressed both in his defending, and in in his attacking play where he was a constant pain for the Chelsea defence. Maghoma’s many driving and mazy runs through the middle of the pitch helped to open up the oppositions defence and he caused Chelsea a number of problems on the night. The central midfielder came close to finding the back of the net after going on one such surging run during the second half. Maghoma’s work rate and off the ball work was top class. He also impressed with his passing and his positioning.
• J’Neil Bennett: Another player who had a really good game for Burnett’s side, the 17 year old had a lively game on the left flank. On another day Bennett could have had a hat-trick inside the first half. The winger looked very sharp against Chelsea and with his skill and pace he really worked Ethan Ampadu down the left side of the pitch. Bennett had a couple of very good attempts on goal, he also linked up well with left back Dennis Cirkin.
• Shilow Tracey: The 20 year old put in a good shift up top as a number nine. Tracey completed 83 minutes of the match. He held the ball up well and brought others into the game while getting himself into some good positions inside the danger zone.
• Dylan Duncan: The second half substitute had a lively cameo in central midfield. Duncan was involved in a couple of good counter attacks.
• Jonathan Dinzeyi: The centre half replaced Shilow Tracey with less than seven minutes left on the clock. For the second time this season Wayne Burnett sent Dinzeyi on as a centre forward. The Islington born defender held the ball up well during the final moments of the game and his aerial presence helped us to defend corner kicks and set pieces.
• Armando Shashoua: The 18 year old only came on in the dying seconds of the game, but he showed good energy during his short time on the pitch.

My man of the match: First year scholar Harvey White appears to have taken to under 23 football like a duck to water since making his debut back in November. On Friday, White made his third competitive appearance at this level and it was the 17 year olds best performance yet, for Wayne Burnett’s side. Operating as a CDM alongside both Marsh and Maghoma through different stages of the game, the classy midfielder stamped his authority on the game from the very start. He put in a dominant performance in central midfield as both an anchorman and as a midfield technician. White was so composed on the ball and he moved it around the pitch well, never holding on to it for too long at any given time. His passing was crisp and accurate, and apart from being involved in the build up play to our goal, the Maidstone born midfielder created a number of good chances for the attacking players. With his set pieces and crosses all spot on, on the night. As well as being nice and tidy in central midfield, White was also a shield in front of the back four. Mopping up well and breaking up play, Harvey White could be seen everywhere in Chelsea’s final third. Anticipating danger well and making some important defensive interventions throughout the game. This was another very mature performance from the young man who pulled the strings from midfield on Friday evening.

Spurs: Austin (c), Hinds, Cirkin, White, Tanganga (c), Lyons-Foster, Oakley-Boothe, Marsh, Tracey (Dinzeyi 83), Maghoma (A Shashoua 90+4), Bennett (Duncan 81). Substitute (not used): Glover.

Chelsea: Cumming, Ampadu, Nartey (c), Guehi, Maatsen (McCormick 60), Gilmour, Gallagher, Uwakwe (Colley 90), Redan (McEachran 75), Taylor-Crossdale, Castillo. Substitute (not used): Ziger.

Goals: Spurs – Nartey (OG) 17; Chelsea – Gilmour 42 (pen).

Yellow cards: Spurs – Lyons-Foster 20, Tanganga 25, 41, Tracey 64, Maghoma 83, Cirkin 88; Chelsea – Ampadu 89.

Red card: Spurs – Tanganga 41.

Referee: Sam Allison.

Venue: Lamex Stadium, Stevenage.

Spurs under 21/23’s statistics 2018/19:

Goals scored: Jack Roles – 8

Shayon Harrison – 5

Kazaiah Sterling – 5

Paris Maghoma – 4

Jaden Brown – 2

Vincent Janssen – 2

Samuel Shashoua – 1

Marcus Edwards – 1

Dylan Duncan – 1

Phoenix Patterson – 1

Harvey White – 1

Tashan Oakley-Boothe – 1

Shilow Tracey – 1

Anthony Georgiou – 1

Assists: Jack Roles – 6

Kazaiah Sterling – 3

Vincent Janssen – 3

Paris Maghoma – 2

J’Neil Bennett – 2

Jaden Brown – 2

Troy Parrott – 1

Shayon Harrison – 1

Oliver Skipp – 1

Tashan Oakley-Boothe – 1

Dylan Duncan – 1

Jamie Bowden – 1

George Marsh – 1

Tariq Hinds – 1

Anthony Georgiou – 1

Shilow Tracey – 1

Dennis Cirkin – 1

Clean sheets: Brandon Austin – 2

Alfie Whiteman – 1

Spurs under 18’s versus West Ham United: (match preview)

Our under 18’s host London rivals West Ham United at Hotspur Way on Saturday morning. Matt Wells’ side will be hoping to record their sixth consecutive league win in a row tomorrow, although it is worth noting that the ‘ Hammers ‘ have improved since we thrashed them 9-0, in the reverse fixture back in September, at Little Heath. After doing so well to beat Reading 2-0 with such a young and inexperienced team, in the last match, Spurs will be hoping that they can put in a similar performance against Mark Phillips side tomorrow morning. The East London club occupy fourth spot in the table after winning more than half of their league games this campaign. However, the ‘ Hammers ‘ have only managed to win three league games on the road all season.  Some of West Ham’s most important players include their captain and commanding centre half Joshua Okotcha, tricky right winger Bernardo Rosa, left winger and their top scorer in the league this season Vernon Parkes, and last but not least the ‘ Hammers ‘ goalkeeper Serine Sanneh. Tomorrow’s game will be a very competitive London Derby and I’m sure that it will be a game which is played at a high tempo. For Matt Wells‘ injury hit side their objective will to be win the game by playing their usual passing game. Sadly I will be unable to report on tomorrow’s important league (kick off is at 10:30 AM) game as it clashes with our first teams massive North London Derby at Wembley. I would like to wish our under 18’s all the very best of luck for their very own important London Derby.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Oluwayemi, Tainio, Walcott, Binks, Okedina, Pedder, A.Shashoua(c), Pochettino, Cooper, Markanday, Whittaker.

Subs from: Kurylowicz, Statham, Matthew Craig, Asante.

Injured/unavailable: Jeremie Mukendi, Jamie Bowden, Phoenix Patterson, Troy Parrott.

Doubtful: Rodel Richards, Elliot Thorpe.

Previous meeting: Spurs 9-0.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-1.

My one to watch: Predominantly a left winger, West Ham’s top scorer at under 18 level this season is Vernon Parkes who has netted seven goals so far this campaign.

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

Our under 23’s have a London Derby to look forward to on Friday evening when they host rivals Chelsea at the Lamex Stadium, in the PL2. This is a crucial league game for Wayne Burnett’s side who will be desperate to return to winning ways and set a bit of distance between themselves and the relegation zone. Returning to winning ways will be far from easy for Burnett’s side who continue to be without a number of their most important players due to injury. After being eliminated from the Premier League International Cup on Tuesday after suffering a 1-0 defeat to NK Dinamo Zagreb 2, Wayne Burnett’s side have the perfect opportunity on Friday to respond to recent disappointments. The ‘ Blues ‘ who are managed by Joe Edwards, sit comfortably in sixth place in the division one table after picking up 24 points from their 17 matches. Furthermore, our London rivals have the best away form in the league, winning six of their eight games on the road, this season. We contested a very tight 1-1 draw with Chelsea, in the reverse fixture back in November. While I don’t believe that Chelsea’s development side have been particularly entertaining during recent seasons, one thing that Chelsea always have been is well structured. Their possession based football right down from under 18 level continues to make them such a difficult team to beat. Some players to watch out for on Friday evening are Chelsea’s top scorer this campaign Charlie Brown, classy midfielder Billy Gilmour, centre forward Ike Ugbo and speedy Dutch winger Juan Familio-Castillo, who always seems to have very good games against us. Today’s game will be a very tough game for Burnett’s side but it is definitely a game that they can win. My in-depth match report will be out on Saturday. I would like to wish the team all the very best of luck for this important London Derby. Apologise for such a short preview!

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Austin, Hinds, Dinzeyi, Tanganga (c), Cirkin, Marsh, White, Oakley-Boothe, Maghoma, Roles, Tracey.

Subs from: Glover, Lyons-Foster, Duncan, A.Shashoua, Bennett.

Injured/unavailable: Luke Amos, Jamie Reynolds, Jonathan De Bie (international duty with Belgium under 19’s), Troy Parrott, Phoenix Patterson, Jamie Bowden.

Doubtful: Alfie Whiteman, TJ Eyoma, Jack Roles, Shilow Tracey (possible suspension), Rodel Richards.

Previous meeting: 1-1.

My score prediction: Spurs 2-1.

My one to watch: Wales international Ethan Ampadu has made just six appearances for Chelsea’s development side so far this season. However, if the tough tackling defensive midfielder is involved on Friday then the‘ Blues ‘ will be massively bolstered. Ampadu’s reading of the game is second to none.

Spurs under 23’s 0-1 NK Dinamo Zagreb 2: (match report)

Croatian side NK Dinamo Zagreb 2 stood between Spurs’ development squad, and a place in the semi-finals of this seasons Premier League International Cup. Wayne Burnett’s side took on the Croatian club at the Lamex Stadium on Tuesday evening, knowing that they would have to be at the very top of their game, to overcome Igor Jovicevic’s team. Spurs fielded a very young team for Tuesday’s match due to ongoing injury problems, and this may have cost Spurs on the night who were up against a much older and more experienced opposition. The young Lilywhites came up against a side who were content to play with ten men behind the ball for large periods of the match. The Croatian club were physical and aggressive, but it was their ultra defensive approach to Tuesday’s game which is what caught us out. Wayne Burnett’s side didn’t have any out and out centre forwards available for Tuesday’s match, and in the end they had to resort to playing central midfielder Jack Roles up top. The lack of creativity and experience in Burnett’s side meant that they struggled to break down a very stubborn Dinamo Zagreb defence. Although, we did start the cup tie relatively well it was evident from quite early on in the game that it was going to be extremely difficult to break down a side who were content at staying in their own half. After a fairly even first half which saw few clear cut chances, the second half was slightly more open. After threatening our defence Dinamo Zagreb broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute of time after the unmarked Mario Ćuže fired past Brandon Austin from inside the Tottenham penalty area, after meeting Damian Kadzior’s cross on the volley. Wayne Burnett tried to respond by sending on both Rayan Clarke and George Marsh, as Spurs started to attack the Dinamo defence more. Due to the Croatian clubs solidity at the back Spurs’ best chances came from set pieces and crosses. Harvey White, Paris Maghoma, Japhet Tanganga and Shilow Tracey all came close to finding a late equaliser, but in the end it just wasn’t to be Spurs’ day. The game ended in quite unpleasant circumstances after both Shilow Tracey and Dinamo’s captain Josip Ćalušić were shown straight red cards for a coming together in second half stoppage time. Furthermore, neither sets of players shook hands after the final whistle was blown, as the visitors all huddled together to celebrate their win. 

Wayne Burnett’s side lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation for Tuesday evenings important cup game. Development side regular Brandon Austin started in goal, while a back four of Brooklyn Lyons-Foster, TJ Eyoma, the skipper Japhet Tanganga and Tariq Hinds started in defence. First year scholar Harvey White started the game as the midfield anchorman behind both Armando Shashoua and Paris Maghoma. While Spurs lined up with a front three of Tashan Oakley-Boothe, Jack Roles and Shilow Tracey. Spurs got the game underway at the Lamex stadium, and it was the home side who started the cup tie the brighter of the two teams. After Tashan Oakley-Boothe passed the ball to Armando Shashoua down the right flank, the central midfielder continued towards the edge of the Dinamo penalty area before attempting to slip the ball into the feet of Paris Maghoma in the centre of the box however, his pass was cut out by Dinamo defender Josip Sutalo who then cleared the ball. A couple of moments later Shilow Tracey went on a promising run down the left flank before forcing a decent save out of Dinko Horkas, from his powerful low effort. Burnett’s side had started the game with a good pace about them while the visitors had been happy to just defend and soak up all of the pressure. Harvey White delivered a decent free kick from the right flank into the danger zone, but it was cleared by Sutalo. Shortly afterwards TJ Eyoma passed the ball to Shashoua who went on a darting run through the middle of the pitch, before being stopped by Dinamo defender Josip Ćalušić on the edge of the penalty area. Tashan Oakley-Boothe had a dangerous low cross cleared by the same player a couple of minutes later before Harvey White had another free kick cleared away by the Dinamo defence. Quite out of nowhere the Croatian club almost took a surprise lead from Mario Ćuže’s free kick. After the attacking midfielder had managed to pick out the unmarked Leon Šipoš inside the Spurs box, the Dinamo Zagreb striker attacked the ball in the centre of the box. And Šipoš came desperately close to giving Dinamo the lead after he headed the ball onto Brandon Austin’s left hand post, before it went behind for a goal kick.

Dinamo’s 25 year old right back Tomislav Barišić whipped a dangerous ball across the face of Brandon Austin’s goal shortly afterwards, before the Tottenham goalkeeper managed to hold Damian Kadzior’s free kick, from long range a couple of minutes later. Spurs tried to respond, after Shilow Tracey had received Shashoua’s pass down the right wing he whipped a menacing ball into the danger zone, but one again there were no Spurs players there to meet it. Spurs captain Japhet Tanganga made an important interception at the other end of the pitch after he managed to win the ball off of Mario Ćuže inside the Spurs box. Brooklyn Lyons-Foster blocked Antonio Marin’s shot inside the box a couple of seconds later. The ever impressive TJ Eyoma did well to clear behind Jakov Gogić’s cross behind for a corner kick, before Maghoma managed to clear Antonio Marin’s cross away from the danger zone. After Tashan Oakley-Boothe had won a free kick out on the right wing, young Harvey White saw yet another of his deliveries cleared away by a Dinamo defender. After Armando Shashoua had picked the ball up down the right hand side of the oppositions penalty area, he cut inside onto his left foot before slicing an effort well over Dinko Horkas‘ crossbar. The visitors created a good chance a couple of minutes later after Leon Šipoš managed to pick out Damian Kadzior down the right hand side of the Tottenham penalty area with a clever lofted pass. He managed to get in front of Lyons-Foster, but he could only fire over Austin’s crossbar from a tight angle, before taking out his frustration on the advertising hoarding behind the goal. That brought to an end a fairly uneventful first half of football in which neither side could really take a hold of. Before the second half got underway Spurs were forced into making a substitution. TJ Eyoma who had picked up an injury during the first half was replaced by Jonathan Dinzeyi at centre back. Dinzeyi had only recently returned from an injury himself. The beginning of the second half was scrappy, as both sides tried to get back into the flow of the game.

After Japhet Tanganga had passed the ball to Shilow Tracey the winger tried to get a shot away but it was blocked by Tomislav Barišić. Antonio Marin had a powerful low effort from the edge of the Tottenham penalty area saved by the diving Brandon Austin. A couple of minutes later Brooklyn Lyons-Foster did well to clear a pacy cross from Tomislav Barišić with a diving header, before then clearing another cross from Barišić a couple of moments later. After managing to go around Lyons-Foster down the left side of the Spurs box Antonio Marin fired an effort at goal which Austin did well to tip behind for a corner kick. Marin’s resulting corner kick was headed narrowly wide by Josip Ćalušić. Then in the 63rd minute of time the visitors took the lead through Mario Ćuže. After Damian Kadzior had whipped the ball into the Spurs box from the left wing, Jonathan Dinzeyi attempted to clear the ball but he was unable to make significant contact with it. The ball ended up coming to Ćuže at the back post and he fired the ball past the helpless Brandon Austin on the volley, 0-1. After doing well to prevent Tariq Hinds’ long pass from going out of play, Lyons-Foster flicked the ball onto Oakley-Boothe down the right flank. The Tottenham midfielder squared the ball to Maghoma who was in space in the centre of the Dinamo penalty area. However, the 17 year old snatched at the ball and he ended up firing the ball over Dinko Horkas’ crossbar, with a first time side footed effort. Brandon Austin did well to gather Damian Kadzior’s in swinging cross. Jakov Gogić appeared to handle the ball after attempting to control Josip Ćalušić’s pass inside his own penalty area shortly afterwards, Shashoua made an appeal to the referee Will Finnie, but he didn’t take any action. Spurs made their second change of the game in the 75th minute after a seemingly injured Jack Roles was replaced by winger Rayan Clarke, as Shilow Tracey moved up top. Our right back Brooklyn Lyons-Foster was taken off shortly afterwards for George Marsh, as Burnett’s side reverted to playing three at the back. Spurs continued to try and carve their way through the stubborn Dinamo defence, but Igor Jovicevic’s side were able to maintain their discipline.

After Tottenham’s skipper Japhet Tanganga had won a free kick in a promising position, young Harvey White had a good opportunity to test Dinamo Zagreb goalkeeper Dinko Horkas. The free kick specialist curled an excellent effort up and over the Dinamo wall, forcing Horkas into making an important save to just tip the ball over the crossbar before it headed into the top left hand corner of the net. Harvey White’s following corner kick was met by Tanganga in the middle of the box, the centre half powered a header a fraction wide of Horkas‘ goal as Spurs continued to come closer to finding an equaliser. Dinamo changed into a more defensive shape for the final stages of the game. After Damian Kadzior whipped a dangerous corner kick across the face of Brandon Austin’s goal, George Marsh managed to clear Marko Gjira’s cross away from danger. Japhet Tanganga fired an effort over Dinko Horkas’ crossbar from long range. A matter of minutes later Brandon Austin almost got himself into a spot of bother after he kicked the ball straight at Roko Baturina on the edge of the box, fortunately for Austin, Baturina couldn’t control the ball and it was eventually cleared. After going on a darting run down the left flank Marko Gjira fired the ball over Brandon Austin’s crossbar. Spurs tried to respond at the other end through Oakley-Boothe, he went on a surging run down the right flank before pumping the ball into the Dinamo penalty area where he managed to pick out Tracey. The forward connected well with the ball, but his looping header lacked a little bit of power, and it was tipped behind for a corner kick by Horkas. Then, in second half stoppage time came the main talking point of the game, the dismissal of both Shilow Tracey and Josip Ćalušić. Both players had squared up to each near the corner flag after the Dinamo man had tried to take the ball away from Tracey to waste even more time. Tracey reacted and a melee ensued, although there was a bit of pushing and shoving I didn’t think that it was enough to warrant both players dismissals. It was a frustrating end to what had been a very frustrating game for Wayne Burnett’s side. It will have been particularly frustrating for Spurs because the opposition were by no means a top quality side and they will have felt that they should have won.

Dinamo Zagreb had the big advantage of having the older and more experienced players in their side on Tuesday night and I think that, that was what the difference between the two sides was. Wayne Burnett’s young side battled hard on the night and although they will be disappointed that they couldn’t make all of their possession count, I still think that they should be proud of how they performed, as a team on the night against a very physical side. Wayne Burnett’s side will return to PL2 action on Friday evening, when they host Chelsea at the Lamex Stadium.

Player reviews:

• Brandon Austin: The 20 year old shot stopper made two saves on the night, but on the whole he didn’t have an awful lot to do. Austin was authoritative inside his own penalty area and he dealt well with crosses and set pieces.
• Brooklyn Lyons-Foster: The second year scholar put in a very solid performance at right back against Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday evening. Lyons-Foster protected his side of the pitch well against the Croatian club, dealing well with the threat which posed from their left winger Damian Kadzior. The 18 year old made some important clearances and interceptions, he also made sure that he stayed deep, and he was very rarely caught out of position. I thought he was one of our best players on the night.
• TJ Eyoma: Operating at RCB TJ Eyoma only managed to play the first half of Tuesday’s game after starting the game with strapping around one of his legs. The 19 year old had a solid game at the back where he made a couple of timely interceptions. It was a a good performance from Eyoma before he went off injured at halftime. 
• Japhet Tanganga: Like Eyoma, the Spurs captain put in a particularly solid performance at centre back. Tanganga hardly put a foot wrong against Dinamo Zagreb who he made some really important defensive contributions against. Tanganga was excellent in the air.
• Tariq Hinds: Due to our ongoing injury problems, right back Tariq Hinds had to play on the opposite side on Tuesday. He did however, put in a good shift for Wayne Burnett’s side in that position.
• Harvey White: My motm, see below.
• Armando Shashoua: Along with White, Lyons-Foster and Tracey, Armando Shashoua should have been proud of how he played on Tuesday. The second year scholar started the game in the centre of the park and he had a positive effect on the game from that position. Shashoua carried the ball well in the middle of the park and he used the ball well. Our under 18’s captain fantastic impressed with his passing, movement and exceptional pressing and off the ball work. The 18 year old left nothing out on the pitch against Dinamo Zagreb, and he was quietly very creative throughout the match. Shashoua went on some clever darting runs through the middle of the park, he also managed to link up well with the forwards. This was only Armando’s first ever competitive start at this level.
• Paris Maghoma: The 17 year old midfielder did his very best to try and impact Tuesday’s cup tie however, difficult the Dinamo players made life for him. Maghoma made many intelligent runs into the danger zone and he always made himself available to receive the ball. However, the England under 18 international did struggle at times to get into the game.
• Tashan Oakley-Boothe: Once again the 19 year old played out on the right wing for Wayne Burnett’s side. Oakley-Boothe had a particularly strong second half and he went on some good surging runs down the right flank, often getting the better of Dinamo left back Jakov Gogić for pace and skill. 
• Jack Roles: Unfortunately Roles was unable to make much of an influence on the game, on his 20th birthday. Roles often found himself quite isolated up top during his 75 minutes on the pitch.
• Shilow Tracey: The 20 year old started the match out on the left wing although he would later go onto play up top after Jack Roles was substituted. Tracey got up and down the left flank well and he went on some good attacking forays. Furthermore, he put in a good shift up top during the latter stages of the game, where he came close to finding a late equaliser for Spurs.
• Jonathan Dinzeyi: The 19 year old centre half came on at halftime to make his first appearance since September. I personally thought that Dinzeyi did a good job after coming on and I was impressed with how he brought the ball out from the back.
• Rayan Clarke: He worked hard down the left wing during his late cameo.
• George Marsh: The 19 year old got stuck in during his time on the pitch.

My man of the match: First year scholar Harvey White was my man of the match on Tuesday night, for his sterling performance as a midfield anchorman. White put in a very mature performance for Wayne Burnett’s side on only his second competitive appearance at this level. The first year scholar (17) was combative and tidy in the middle of the park. He was strong on the ball and he moved it around well, recycling possession and making some clever passes to the attacking players out on the flanks. The Maidstone born midfielder became one of our most important creative outlets during the second half and his teammates would often try to pass the ball to him in the middle of the park. White came desperately close to scoring from a free kick late on in the game, he also whipped some menacing balls into the danger zone. This was a very intelligent performance from a very intelligent young man, who looked right at home playing for our under 23’s. I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see him start against Chelsea on Saturday. His performance was very Skipp-esque!

Spurs: Austin, Hinds, Lyons-Foster (Marsh 76), White, Tanganga (c), Eyoma (Dinzeyi 46), Oakley-Boothe, A Shashoua, Roles (Clarke 75), Maghoma, Tracey. Substitutes (not used): Glover, Duncan.

Dinamo Zagreb: Horkas, Barisic, Gogic (c), Franjic, Calusic, Sutalo, Marin (Jovicevic 90+3), Gjira, Sipos (Baturina 73), Cuze, Kadzior (Cuic 84). Substitutes (not used): Juric, Maloku, Tolic, Fintic.

Goal: Dinamo Zagreb – Cuze 63.

Yellow cards: Dinamo Zagreb – Gjira 45+1, Cuze 60.

Red cards: Spurs – Tracey 90+2; Dinamo Zagreb – Calusic 90+2.

Referee: Will Finnie.

Venue: Lamex Stadium, Stevenage.

Attendance: 438.

Spurs under 21/23’s statistics 2018/19:

Goals scored: Jack Roles – 8

Shayon Harrison – 5

Kazaiah Sterling – 5

Paris Maghoma – 4

Jaden Brown – 2

Vincent Janssen – 2

Samuel Shashoua – 1

Marcus Edwards – 1

Dylan Duncan – 1

Phoenix Patterson – 1

Harvey White – 1

Tashan Oakley-Boothe – 1

Shilow Tracey – 1

Anthony Georgiou – 1

Assists: Jack Roles – 6

Kazaiah Sterling – 3

Vincent Janssen – 3

Paris Maghoma – 2

J’Neil Bennett – 2

Jaden Brown – 2

Troy Parrott – 1

Shayon Harrison – 1

Oliver Skipp – 1

Tashan Oakley-Boothe – 1

Dylan Duncan – 1

Jamie Bowden – 1

George Marsh – 1

Tariq Hinds – 1

Anthony Georgiou – 1

Shilow Tracey – 1

Clean sheets: Brandon Austin – 2

Alfie Whiteman – 1

Spurs under 23’s versus NK Dinamo Zagreb 2: (match preview)

Our under 23’s will be preparing to host Croatian side NK Dinamo Zagreb 2 on Tuesday evening at Stevenage’s Lamex Stadium, in the quarter finals of this seasons Premier League International Cup. This is a massive game for Wayne Burnett’s side who for one night at least will be able to forget about their poor league form, and focus on booking their place in the semi-finals of this seasons Premier League International Cup. Spurs qualified for the knockout stages of this competition after topping a group which contained Wolfsburg II, Athletic Bilbao B and Norwich City. Whereas tomorrows opposition qualified for this stage of the competition as one of the two best placed runners up. Igor Jovicevic’s side picked up two wins from group A after beating both Porto B and West Ham United. They did however, fall to a 1-0 defeat to Southampton in their opening group game. The Croatian giants have long been famed for their world famous academy set up which has produced world class players such as  former Spurs player Luka Modric, and Ivan Rakitic. The Croatian clubs second team ply their trade in the second division of Croatian football (the 2 NHL). Although the league appears to be on some sort of mid season break, Dinamo Zagreb occupy second spot in the table, just two points off league leaders Sibenik. Interestingly Jovicevic’s side haven’t played a competitive game of football since they took on Porto B in the group stages of this competition, back in November. Their lack of competitive football and match sharpness could work in Spurs’ favour on Tuesday. I’ve been doing a fair bit of research on Dinamo Zagreb’s second team since the draw for the quarter finals was made. Some of the players to keep an eye on tomorrow if they are involved, will be Dinamo’s 22 year old goalkeeper Lovro Juric, 25 year old right back Tomislav Barisic and forwards Mario Cuzi and Leon Sipos. It will be fascinating to see how the visitors will approach tomorrow’s cup game, but one things for certain and that is that their quality cannot and should not be underestimated.

The beauty of competitions like this one is that young English teams such as Spurs get the opportunity to go toe to toe with some of the continents best development sides, and B teams. I’m really looking forward to seeing how Tuesday evenings match will go, but I know for definite that it will be a fiercely competitive cup tie. Wayne Burnett’s will still be without a number of players through injury however, if the likes of Japhet Tanganga, Jack Roles and Shilow Tracey are on form tomorrow night, then I would fancy our chances of overcoming the Croatian side. I will be reporting on Tuesday nights match and I shall have my in-depth match report published sometime on Wednesday evening. I would like to wish Wayne Burnett’s side all the very best of luck for the game, I fully believe in their ability to make it all the way to the final of this seasons competition.

My predicted lineup: (3-4-2-1) Austin, Eyoma, Tanganga (c), Lyons-Foster, Hinds, Marsh, Duncan, Cirkin, Oakley-Boothe, Tracey, Roles.

Subs from: Glover, Dinzeyi, A.Shashoua, White, Clarke.

Injured/unavailable: Luke Amos, Jamie Reynolds, Jamie Bowden, Rodel Richards, Jeremie Mukendi, Enoch Asante, Phoenix Patterson.

Doubtful: Alfie Whiteman, Troy Parrott, J’Neil Bennett.

Previous meeting: N/A.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-2.

My one to watch: Dinamo’s experienced right back Tomislav Barisic (25). The fullback featured for Dinamo Zagreb in their last league game against Sibenik back in November. 

Some notes on Spurs loanee Anthony Georgiou’s performance against Hércules CF: 

It was a very special day for Tottenham youngster Anthony Georgiou on Sunday in so many ways. Georgiou made his first start for his loan club Atlético Levante in their 1-1 league draw against Hércules in the Spanish Segunda Division B group III. The Cyprus international played the game out in his natural position of left wing, a position from which he scored his first ever goal in competitive mens football, after he put Levante ahead during the first half with a drilled finish from close range. And to top it all off it was Anthony’s 22nd birthday on Sunday! The Lewisham born winger completed 78 minutes of the ‘ Granotas ‘ 1-1 draw against Hércules, and it was a performance of real quality from the Tottenham youngster who caused havoc for the opposition down the left hand side of the pitch. Georgiou played with flair and confidence about him against Hércules, and the former Watford schoolboy wasn’t afraid to run at their defence. Before I get into my review of Anthony’s excellent performance on Sunday, I’d just like to apologise that I will have to refer to a number of players by their number because I was unable to find a team sheet of any sort. Georgiou started the game out on the left wing in a 4-2-3-1 formation at the ‘ Granotas ‘ Ciudad Deportiva De Buñol. After a bright start to the match from the home side, Anthony’s first involvement in the game came shortly after the second minute. After doing well to keep in Shaq Moore’s overhit cross on the left flank, Georgiou whipped a menacing cross into the danger zone, but it was cleared away by Pablo Íñiguez. A couple of minutes later Georgiou received Rulo’s pass out on the left wing, he then whipped a quality first time cross into the Hércules penalty area. Levante’s number nine attempted to make contact with the ball at the near post, but Hércules’ Diego Benito managed to get across his man to put the ball behind for a corner kick. Anthony continued to be heavily involved in the game during the opening stages, and he could constantly be seen asking for the ball out on the left flank. A couple of minutes later Georgiou received Pablo Serrano’s pass out on the left wing, he did well to hold off Hércules’ Álvaro as he darted forward however, his pacy cross into the danger zone was cleared once again by a Hércules defender.

Luis Tevenet‘s side were starting to realise that Georgiou’s pace and skill was causing the oppositions defence so many problems, and they would look to shift the ball out to the young Cypriot out on the left wing, at every possible opportunity. After the 22 year old winger had received Pablo Serrano’s pass he sped forward down the left hand channel, completely outmuscling Hércules’ Samuel who he brushed past before passing the ball back to Serrano on the edge of the penalty area. Georgiou had managed to create space for himself down the left side of the penalty area but Serrano chose not to pass the ball to him and in the end the move amounted to nothing. Anthony continued to try and make things happen for the home side, he was being positive in possession and working hard to get into promising positions down the left flank. After Levante had won a free kick on the left hand side he whipped an inviting cross into the danger zone but it was headed away by Pablo Íñiguez. Chechu fired a free kick into the Levante wall before Hércules‘ number seven fired narrowly over Cárdenas‘ crossbar. After doing well to hold off both Hércules’ number 11 and Álvaro, Anthony attempted to send a cross into the danger zone but he lost his balance and he was unable to get his feet sorted out in time, to get the cross away. Eneko curled an effort narrowly wide of Hércules’ goal a couple of moments later as both sides continued to test each other’s back four. After he had received Fran Manzanara’s pass down the left wing Georgiou sprinted past Hércules number 11 before swivelling around Álvaro and passing the ball back to Manzanara who ended up pumping the ball into the danger zone. Soon afterwards Georgiou had two crosses blocked by Samuel in quick succession, before he had a further whipped cross blocked by the sliding Álvaro. All of Anthony’s hard work during the first half was rewarded right on the stroke of halftime when he gave Levante the lead in the 42nd minute. After the ‘ Granotas ‘ number ten had went on a surging run down the right wing he sent a low cross into the penalty area. However, Levante’s number seven was unable to make any real contact with the ball, and it rolled into the feet of Georgiou who was waiting in the middle of the box.

The Cypriot international kept his composure in front of goal, he steadied himself before shifting the ball onto his left foot, and rifling a low and unstoppable effort under the body of Hércules goalkeeper Falcón and into the back of the net. That goal was Anthony’s first competitive one in men’s football and it was what separated both sides at the break. The Spurs mans first involvement in the second half came from a corner kick. Instead of whipping the ball into the box, Georgiou played the ball short to Pepelu who travelled into the penalty area before seeing his resulting pass cut out by a Hércules defender. Georgiou received the ball in a promising area of the oppositions six yard box after being given the ball by Eneko down the left side of the penalty area. However, Georgiou slipped just as he was about to test the goalkeeper. Cárdenas made an important save to deny Diego Benito’s effort at the other end of the pitch before Levante threatened the Hércules defence once again. Joan managed to pick out Georgiou inside the penalty area from his free kick. Anthony darted down the left side of the six yard box before attempting to pick out number seven at the back post, with a clever cross. However, it was cleared in the nick of time by Pablo Íñiguez, before the Levante man could convert. Anthony continued to test Hércules‘ right back Álvaro during the remainder of his time on the pitch. After the home side had won a free kick, Georgiou delivered another excellent ball into the oppositions penalty area however, it ended up being cleared by a Hércules defender. Levante’s man of the match was replaced in the 77th minute by Alex Blesa Pina. Soon after Anthony had left the field Hércules had drawn level through Marca Benja, the final score was 1-1.  It was an absolute pleasure to watch Anthony make his full debut for Levante on Sunday, it was a performance of real quality from the the young Cypriot who  really seized his opportunity with both hands.

Georgiou completed more successful take ons than any other player on the pitch, he created numerous chances for the home side while also covering for Pablo Serrano at left back. Anthony’s performance reminded me of his one against Liverpool for our under 23 side last month. He was so sharp and intelligent down that left hand side, always looking to work the Hércules right back Álvaro and whip the ball into the danger zone. He was so positive and direct with the ball at his feet, but there were so many other aspects of his game to appreciate. He was very strong on the ball and he never lost possession, he was also disciplined and he got up and down the left flank well to help out the team at both ends of the pitch. His movement on the day was class and he constantly managed to find pockets of space for himself throughout the match. But above all else Georgiou’s performance was a very intelligent one, and in my eyes he was a cut above anybody else on the pitch. With his pace and skill, quality deliveries into the danger zone, and his well taken goal on the stroke of halftime, you couldn’t have asked for much more from the left winger. This was a very good performance from Georgiou which was topped off by him netting his first competitive goal in men’s football. This will do his confidence the world of good and it should also see him cement his place in Luis Tevenet’s side over the coming games. I was very proud of how the young man from Lewisham conducted himself on the pitch on Sunday, and it made my day to see him find the back of the net. At times on Sunday it looked as if Anthony was a man who was playing against boys. Atlético Levante’s next game is against Castellon on Sunday the third of March.

Anthony Georgiou for Atlético Levante this season:

Appearances: 2

Goals: 1

Assists: 0

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

Our under 18’s returned to league action on Saturday morning when they faced a struggling Reading side at the ‘ Royals ‘ Hogwood Park training complex in the Berkshire countryside. Matt Wells fielded a much changed side to the one which beat Brighton 4-1 back in January, in their last league match. Three schoolboys featured for Spurs on Saturday due to our ever growing list of absentees, which appears to have extended since our last game with Troy Parrott, Jamie Bowden and Rodel Richards all missing from the match day squad. In the absence of 15 of our scholars schoolboy Tarrell Whittaker led the line for only the second time at this level, while identical twins and Scotland youth internationals Michael and Matthew Craig appeared off the bench to make their under 18 debuts. Although Spurs saw more of the ball than the home side, for large periods of the match it was a fairly close game with a number of chances for both teams at either end of the pitch. Spurs’ overage goalkeeper Jonathan De Bie made a couple of impressive early stops during the opening stages of what proved to be a very even game. However, it was Matt Wells‘ side who took the lead in the 26th minute of time through Dilan Markanday on his return from injury. The 17 year old guiding home Rayan Clarke’s low cross from close range to give Spurs the early advantage. Spurs continued to dominate possession during the second half, but it was David Dodds’ Reading who created the better chances throughout the second period. However, Belgium under 19 international Jonathan De Bie proved his worth on more than one occasion during the second half. Fortunately for Spurs a rather embarrassing own goal from the home side settled the game with less than 13 minutes on the clock. Substitute Maxwell Statham applied good pressure on Reading’s Josh Hewitt down the right wing. The Reading defender turned before passing the ball back to goalkeeper Jokull Andresson however, Hewitt had overhit his pass and after Andresson had taken a sloppy first touch the ball comically rolled past him and into the back of the net.

Spurs were defensively very solid against Reading, with the likes of Luis Binks, Malachi Walcott and Jubril Okedina helping to quell the threat of Reading’s attacking players. Matt Wells’ side put in a very mature performance and while they may not have been as dominant or as electric as they have been in recent league games, Saturday’s match however, was one in which their maturity stood out in, and I for one thought that the team played very well. Spurs lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with overage goalkeeper and captain Jonathan De Bie starting in goal. A back four of Jubril Okedina, Malachi Walcott, Luis Binks and Dennis Cirkin lined up in front of him. Paris Maghoma and Rafferty Pedder partnered up in the centre of the park while Maurizio Pochettino, Dilan Markanday and Rayan Clarke formed an attacking line behind lone striker Tarrell Whittaker. The ‘ Royals ‘ got the game underway on a gloriously sunny morning at their Hogwood Park training complex. After Luis Binks had conceded a free kick out on the right flank in the opening minute, Dejan Tetek whipped an inviting ball into the Tottenham penalty area however, it was well cleared by Dennis Cirkin. A couple of moments later Cirkin was called into action again, this time to clear Khalid Simmo’s dangerous cross. After Dilan Markanday had went on a darting forward run through the middle of the park, the skilful attacker managed to win a free kick right on the edge of the Reading penalty area after he was fouled by Jeriel Dorsett. Paris Maghoma managed to get his resulting effort up and over the wall, forcing Reading goalkeeper Jokull Andresson to get down to his left to parry the ball before it was eventually cleared by a Reading defender. Spurs were seeing more of the ball during the opening stages of the game however, the home side did look threatening whenever they entered our final third. Khalid Simmo’s low cross only just missed Reading striker Nahum Melvin-Lambert inside the Spurs box, before Malachi Walcott managed to get the ball clear. At the opposite end of the pitch young Tarrell Whittaker came close to pouncing on a sloppy pass from Reading goalkeeper Jokull Andresson.

A couple of moments later the Spurs schoolboy managed to win a free kick on the edge of the Reading penalty area. This time Paris Maghoma ended up bending an effort well wide of Andresson’s goal. A corner kick from Kian Leavy at the opposite end, caused a bit of havoc inside the Tottenham penalty area. The ball fell first for Simmo who had a shot blocked by Walcott, before the 16 year old defender managed to block Jeriel Dorsett’s resulting attempt on goal. Both sides had tried their best to create during the opening stages of the game however, it was the young Lilywhites who struck first, after Dilan Markanday put Spurs ahead in the 26th minute. It was a well worked move which started with Rafferty Pedder who passed the ball to Maghoma, he shifted the ball out to Clarke on the left wing. The wide man sprinted forward before whipping a dangerous low cross into the box, and he managed to pick out Markanday who had enough space and time to just direct the ball into the bottom right hand corner of the goal from close range, 1-0. The ‘ Royals ‘ tried to respond straight from the restart, after Melvin-Lambert received Leavy’s pass he slipped the ball into Thierry Nevers down the left side of the Tottenham penalty area. However, his first time side footed effort was saved by the alert Jonathan De Bie. The Belgian goalkeeper was called into action again a couple of minutes later, this time to tip Dejan Tetek powerful curler from 25 yards out, over the crossbar. Reading continued to put our defence under pressure as the first half progressed. After receiving Walcott’s pass on the edge of the Spurs box, Maghoma lost possession to Simmo whose powerful low drive on goal was excellently saved, and held by De Bie who managed to get down quickly to his left to make the save. A corner delivered from Dilan Markanday managed to pick out Walcott inside the Reading box, he headed the ball into the air before he attempted to get up and head the ball back towards goal, but it was comfortably held by Andersson. A fantastic surging run from Paris Maghoma was cut out by Roberto Nditi right on the edge of the Reading penalty area, just before he could get a shot away on goal. 

After receiving Jubril Okedina’s pass Markanday gave the ball to Pochettino on the right wing. The winger whipped the ball into the danger zone but it was cleared by Dorsett before Pedder could tap home from close range. At the opposite end of the pitch, Jubril Okedina did well to cut out Claudio Osorio’s through ball before it came to Nevers down the left flank. The attentive Dennis Cirkin did well to get in front of Simmo inside the Spurs box to clear behind Thierry Nevers in swinging cross. After meeting Claudio Osorio’s corner kick Roberto Nditi tried to head the ball towards De Bie’s goal, but it was headed away by Markanday. After recycling possession Dejan Tetek whipped the ball into the Spurs box, managing to pick out Nditi at the back post. The defenders headed effort on goal came off of Walcott before falling down for Nditi who fired over De Bie’s crossbar on the turn. The ever impressive De Bie reacted quickly to come off of his line and get to Tetek’s pass down the right side of the penalty area before Thierry Nevers could get to the ball. The English forward forced a fairly comfortable save out of De Bie shortly before the referee blew the whistle for half time, after De Bie managed to deny Nevers low side footed effort, from long range. At times during the first period our final ball had been lacking and this had prevented us from extending our lead. Matt Wells’ side got the second half underway as they looked to extend their slender advantage over the home side. After receiving Pochettino’s pass down the right flank Maghoma pumped the ball into the oppositions penalty area. Malachi Walcott attacked the ball in the air but he ended up colliding with Jeriel Dorsett before Reading managed to clear the ball away from danger. After receiving Dejan Tetek’s pass down the left wing Thierry Nevers whipped a menacing ball into the Tottenham penalty area, but the commanding Luis Binks was on hand to clear the ball away from danger. Spurs made their first change of the game shortly afterwards when Dilan Markanday left the field to be replaced by under 18 debutant Matthew Craig who slotted in at central midfield alongside Paris Maghoma. 

A corner kick from Claudio Osorio caused havoc inside the Tottenham penalty area after it was attacked by Leavy. The ball eventually fell to Simmo but the Reading player couldn’t beat De Bie from six yards out, and his jabbed effort at goal was caught by the diving Belgian. The Tottenham defence looked as if it was in a spot of bother after Nditi played the ball down the left flank to Melvin-Lambert. However, the Reading striker was robbed off the ball on the edge of Spurs the penalty area by Malachi Walcott who made a timely interception. Spurs made another tactical change in the 69th minute after they brought off Rafferty Pedder for defender Maxwell Statham. Matt Wells’ side shuffled their formation as they switched to five at the back. A couple of minutes later the second Craig brother entered the field. Michael Craig came onto replace Tarrell Whittaker as Spurs switched to a 5-2-2-1 formation, with Maurizio Pochettino playing up top. After Paris Maghoma had won the ball off of Thierry Nevers the Tottenham midfielder gave the ball to Rayan Clarke who advanced forward through the middle before passing the ball to Maghoma who had made a run into the penalty area. Although Maghoma slipped he was able to adjust his body to flick the ball back to Clarke who was waiting on the edge of the box. The winger tried to tuck the ball around the Reading goalkeeper with a low side footed effort, but Jokull Andresson managed to be equal to it to palm the ball away from goal. Then in the 77th minute of time Spurs managed to double their advantage in slightly unusual circumstances. After substitute Maxwell Statham had applied pressure to Reading’s Josh Hewitt down the right wing, the ‘ Royals ‘ defender was forced to turn around before hurriedly passing the ball back to the Reading goalkeeper Jokull Andresson. However, Hewitt had overhit his pass and the Icelandic goalkeeper had misjudged the pace of it. Embarrassingly for Andresson he tried to trap the ball with his foot, but he got it all wrong and the ball just rolled under his foot and into the back of the goal to virtually put the game to bed, 2-0.

After receiving Michael Craig’s pass out on the right flank Maxwell Statham, the makeshift right back whipped a menacing low cross into the Reading box, which was only just missed by the in sliding Pochettino at the near post. Jubril Okedina did well to clear Dejan Tetek’s delivery from a free kick before Spurs broke forward down the other end of the pitch. Clarke passed the ball to Statham who gave the ball out to Maghoma on the right flank. Maghoma attempted to square the ball for Pochettino inside the penalty area but it rolled past him and onto Statham whose resulting effort on goal was blocked by Josh Hewitt. A late free kick for the home side gave David Dodds’ team some hope of netting a consolation goal. Dejan Tetek delivered the ball towards the back post, his pass was met by Roberto Nditi who tried to volley the ball across goal. However, a young defender with impeccable positioning was on hand to clear the ball away from the danger zone, and that’s exactly what Malachi Walcott did. There was a late coming together between Paris Maghoma and Dejan Tetek, this resulted in Roberto Nditi also getting involved. The Reading defender decided to take matters into his own hands and push Maghoma before the referee stepped in to defuse the situation. The final whistle was sounded shortly afterwards by the referee, to bring to an end a highly competitive game of league football between two sides who are in completely contrasting circumstances in the table. I was very proud of how this much changed Tottenham team managed Saturday’s game at Hogwood Park. Yes, we may have been playing against a team who are of a completely different gulf in class to us however, when you analyse the team that Matt Wells picked then you will really appreciate just how impressive a win it was. Not only were three of our schoolboys involved in yesterday’s win, we also had a player who was making his first ever start at this level (Rafferty Pedder) as well as players who haven’t been regulars in Matt Wells’ under 18 side this season. This was a very good win for Spurs and not only does it keep us hot on Arsenal’s heels in second place in the league table, it also gave players like Pedder, Whittaker and the Craig twins vital playing time at this level, and that was just as pleasing to see as the win itself. It’s also worth noting that under 16 goalkeeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala featured on the bench for our under 18’s for only the second ever time on Saturday.

Arsenal beat Southampton 3-1 on Saturday morning and they stay at the top of the league table, only one point above us. However, Matt Wells‘ side still have that all important game in hand. Up next for the wonder boys of Hotspur Way is a London Derby against West Ham at Hotspur Way. That league match will take place next Saturday morning, the last time we faced the ‘ Hammers ‘ we thrashed them 9-0!

Player reviews:

• Jonathan De Bie: The overage Belgian shot stopper was in fine form on Saturday morning against the ‘ Royals ‘. De Bie made some seriously impressive stops (five in total) and he saved us on a number of occasions throughout the match. Of particular note was the Uccle born goalkeepers superb reaction save to deny Khalid Simmo from close range, in the first half. De Bie was vocal throughout the match and he could constantly be heard encouraging and instructing his teammates. The 18 year olds distribution was also good.
• Jubril Okedina: The second year scholar started the game at right back for Matt Wells’ side, although he would play at centre half in a back five for the latter stages of the match. Once again this was another very accomplished  defensive performance from Okedina who kept Reading’s talented forward Thierry Nevers in check for large periods of the game. The Woolwich born defender made some important clearances and interventions. He has now made 13 appearances for our under 18 side this season.
• Malachi Walcott: My motm, see below.
• Luis Binks: A defensive rock alongside Malachi Walcott at centre back, ball playing defender Luis Binks was flawless against Reading. Both him and Walcott read the game as if they were playing chess. Cool, calculated but above all else decisive in their defending. Binks looked so in control against what was a decent Reading attack. The 17 year olds positioning and anticipation was excellent on the day.
• Dennis Cirkin: The 16 year old left back who recently starred for our under 19’s and 23’s, returned back to under 18 level on Saturday to play his third game in less than eight days. The Dubliner put in another sterling performance for Matt Wells’ side where he was able to snuff out the danger which Reading’s Khalid Simmo posed. Cirkin always made sure that he was first to every ball, and his commitment was admirable. The left back looked good on the ball and he went on a number of driving runs down the left flank. Cirkin also won the vast majority of his aerial duels, this was another very good performance from a very good left back.
• Paris Maghoma: The England under 18 international operated as a CDM for the majority of our encounter with Reading. Maghoma put in a very disciplined performance, he broke play up well, linked up effectively with fellow CM Pedder, and he also demonstrated good game management skills e.g slowing down the game when we were under pressure. The Enfield  born midfielder got around the pitch well and he was good at vacating space for himself. Maghoma would later go onto play on the right side of a diamond after Spurs switched to a 5-2-2-1 formation. The 17 year old went on a couple of good attacking forays from that position. Once again the midfielders versatility was plain to see.
• Rafferty Pedder: This was the first year scholars first start for Matt Wells’ side at this level. Despite having recently returned from injury, the 16 year old looked very sharp alongside Maghoma in the centre of the park. The Maidstone born midfielder completed 69 minutes of Saturday’s match where he gave a really positive account of himself. Pedder was energetic and he pressed well against the ‘ Royals ‘. The quality of the first year scholars passing was good and despite his size he imposed himself well on the game, in the central areas against both Reading’s Kian Leavy and Dejan Tetek. It was a very promising performance from Pedder who was also involved in the build up play of our opening goal. 
• Maurizio Pochettino: The Barcelona born second year scholar started the game out on the right wing where he tried his best to make an impact on the game. Pochettino worked hard at both ends of the pitch, he also did a good job up top during the latter stages of the game.
• Dilan Markanday: The tricky winger returned from injury in time for Saturday’s game where he played as a number ten. Markanday looked as sharp as ever against the ‘ Royals ‘ at times balletic as a CAM his weaving runs through the heart of the Reading defence allowed players like Clarke and Pochettino to enjoy more space out wide. Markanday’s work rate was of a very good quality and he would often drop deep to help out both Pedder and Maghoma, to win the ball in the midfield. Markanday took his goal well from Rayan Clarke’s low cross and overall it was a very positive afternoon for the North Londoner, who completed 61 minutes of the game. Unsurprisingly the 17 year old was the most fouled player on the pitch!
• Rayan Clarke: The left winger had a huge impact on Saturday’s game from  his many driving and purposeful runs down the flank. Despite setting up Markanday’s opener with a clever low cross, Clarke threatened the Reading defence on numerous occasions throughout the game. The North Londoner came close to finding the back of the net himself, in the second half. The 17 year old has now been directly involved in 12 goals from 15 appearances for Matt Wells’ side this season.
• Tarrell Whittaker: The schoolboy led the line for only the second ever time at this level on Saturday. Whittaker was lively inside the danger zone and despite often finding himself crowded out, he worked extremely hard to get himself into goal scoring positions. Whittaker completed 73 minutes of the game. He was up against some very physical Reading defenders.
• Matthew Craig: The schoolboy put in a very tidy performance in central midfield during his 29 minutes on the pitch. He looked like a very technical player.
• Maxwell Statham: The Southend born defender had a lively cameo at right back, after coming onto replace Rafferty Pedder in the 69th minute. It was Statham’s aggressive pressing which put Josh Hewitt under severe pressure for Jokull Andresson’s own goal. The 18 year old went on some good overlapping runs down that side of the pitch and he pumped a couple of decent crosses into the danger zone.
• Michael Craig: Like his identical twin, Michael put in a very tidy performance in central midfield. He also looked very comfortable on the ball.

My man of the match: I honestly could have given this award to any of our defenders, all of whom were superb on the day. However, 16 year old Malachi Walcott was for me, our best player on the day. The England under 17 international won everything in the air and this helped to thwart Reading centre forward Nahum Melvin-Lambert’s impact on the game. Walcott made countless blocks, interceptions, challenges and clearances but it was his impeccable positioning alongside Luis Binks, which for me was the highlight of his performance. Everything that the first year scholar did was timed to perfection, and time and time again he found himself in the right place at the right time to cut out a Reading attack. He was absolutely flawless!

Spurs: De Bie (c), Okedina, Cirkin, Maghoma, Binks, Pochettino, Pedder (Statham 69), Whittaker (Michael Craig 73), Markanday (Matthew Craig 61), Clarke. Substitutes (not used) Oluwayemi, Lo-Tutala.

Goals: Spurs – Dilan Markanday 26, Jokull Andresson 77 (OG).

Spurs under 18’s statistics 2018/19:

Goals scored: Troy Parrott – 12

J’Neil Bennett –  8

Dilan Markanday – 8

Rayan Clarke – 7

Rodel Richards – 5

Armando Shashoua – 5

Harvey White – 4

Luis Binks – 3

Paris Maghoma – 3

Dennis Cirkin – 2

Jeremie Mukendi – 2

Brooklyn Lyons-Foster – 2

Phoenix Patterson – 2

Maurizio Pochettino – 1

Jubril Okedina – 1

Assists: Harvey White – 11

Armando Shashoua – 10

Troy Parrott – 6

Jamie Bowden – 5

Rayan Clarke – 5

Phoenix Patterson – 4

Dilan Markanday – 3

Rodel Richards – 3

J’Neil Bennett – 3

Brooklyn Lyons-Foster – 2

Dennis Cirkin – 2

Paris Maghoma – 2

Maurizio Pochettino – 1

Malachi Walcott – 1

Luis Binks – 1

Rafferty Pedder – 1

Maxwell Statham – 1

Jeremie Mukendi – 1

Elliot Thorpe – 1

Clean sheets: Joshua Oluwayemi – 5

Jonathan De Bie – 1