Sunday, 27 October 2013

Tottenham U18s take hard fought win away to Newcastle

TWO goals by Shayon Harrison decided a very close game in Tottenham's favour.

His first on 34 minutes had given them the lead but his second, six minutes from time, means the young Tottenham side remain top of the Premier League U18 table.

Jonathyn Quinn had levelled for Newcastle on the stroke of half time.

Last season had seen Spurs win 4-0 but only goalkeeper Luke McGee remained from that day.

Newcastle started the better although it took seven minutes for the first shot to be fired, Callum Roberts firing over from the edge of the box.

Roberts had another chance minutes later but hit his free kick straight at McGee.

Spurs slowly started to stir and two half chances from Conner Ogilvie and Kane Vincent-Young hinted at better things to come.

Most of the creative spark from Spurs was coming down the right wing in the shape of Nathan Oduwa.

But when the goal finally arrived it was from the left hand side.

Showing great strength and pace Anthony Georgiou finally managed to escape the shackles of his two markers and headed into the box.

He had time to look up and pulled the ball back perfectly for Harrison who smashed the ball into the roof of the net from 12 yards.

It signalled a spell of intense Tottenham pressure as Oduwa continue to lead Ben Drennan at right back a merry dance.

Daniel Akindayini had the best chance in this period but his shot was well saved by the feet of Jonathan Mitchell and the rebound bounced clear of the onrushing attackers.

However with time running out Spurs gifted Newcastle a way back in.

They were guilty of giving the ball away in dangerous positions for a lot of the game and this time it proved costly as Quinn was given a fairly simple chance to equalise.

The goal give Newcastle plenty of heart and they started the second half with plenty of possession and territory.

However as with the rest of the game Newcastle failed to really test McGee.

On 54 minutes Spurs were given a slice of luck.

A quick break saw Olivier Kemen hit the deck under the attentions of Channing Campbell-Young.

It was more of a coming together than a cynical foul and he received a yellow card for his troubles.

On another day however he could possibly have received a red.

Harrison showed a glimpse of things to come with a clever turn but instead of shooting himself he layed the ball to Georgiou who was denied by Mitchell.

It was the winger's last involvement and he was replaced by Emmanuel Sonupe, who was straight into the action.

Two quick breaks and good crosses caused plenty of distress in the Newcastle defence but the goal remained untouched.

However that was not the case on 84 minutes.

Harrison used his body cleverly to turn into clear and although his first shot was saved by Mitchell, he made no mistake from the rebound.

This was still time for chances. Oduwa hit the outside of the post and Rolando Aarons went around McGee but couldn't find a black and white shirt with his pullback.

One final heart in the mouth moment followed for the sizable number of Spurs fans in attendance.

Quinn went round McGee who pulled him to the ground. The referee blew his whistle but for an offside against the Newcastle number nine and the chance was gone.

Player Ratings:

Luke McGee - Solid with what Newcastle threw at him. A great communicator, he was caught out once or twice when Newcastle got behind the defence but overall he was comfortable.

Channing Campbell-Young - Only time he was put under any difficulties was through his own mistakes. Looked happy on the ball and was always wanting it.

Kyle Walker-Peters - Same as above. Was beaten a few times in the opening 10 minutes but from then on he was comfortable and kept Roberts very quiet.

Anton Walkes - Quiet game for the midfielder. Struggled to take control in the middle of the park but looked very comfortable when he had the ball. Confident passer.

Kane Vincent-Young - One great run forward was reminiscent of Jan Vertonghen. Solid in his defensive work and helped limit the amount of chances Newcastle got. Booked.

Connor Ogilvie - More than a touch of the Michael Dawson about him. Strong, brave, good in the air. Some very important blocks and his crossfield passes found his man in more cases than not.

Nathan Oduwa - Not your typical winger. Big, strong, not as quick as Aaron Lennon but just as tricky. Very good close control and caused Newcastle a lot of problems.

Will Miller - Worked hard without a lot of reward. When his through balls worked though they were very good. Great slide-rule pass for the second.

Daniel Akindayini - Lived off scraps before being replaced on 60 minutes. One good chance which was well saved.

Shayon Harrison - Showed some very clever turns and use of his body. Wasn't always in the game but took his chances when they came along as all good forward men should do.

Anthony Georgiou - Great run and clever pullback for the goal. Didn't always have the beating of his man but was always willing to try.

Joe Pritchard - Struggled to get into the game after replacing Akindayini on 60 minutes.

Emmanuel Sonupe - Wonderful cameo after coming on after 65 minutes. Quick, agile, he put in some great crosses which were begging to be converted. Impressive.

Lloyd Ross - Only got 10 minutes and didn't really have a chance to shine.

Liam Priestly - Unused substitute.