Tottenham Academy Roundup: Mixed results for young Lilywhites

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Having enjoyed a promising opening weekend of the season, which saw both Wayne Burnett's Under 21s and Stuart Lewis' Under 18s pick-up victories, the second game week of their respective campaigns possessed a different outcome across the board.

The Under 21s, who won both the Premier League 2 League Phase and Play-Offs last term, tasted their first defeat of the season against Newcastle United at Stevenage's Lamex Stadium on Sunday, as they fell on the wrong side of a narrow defeat.

As for the Under 18s, they beat Fulham in a goal-heavy contest to make it two wins from two at the start of their Premier League season

Under 21s - Tottenham 0-1 Newcastle

The Development Team fell behind due to an early strike from Magpies forward Ben Parkinson, after captain George Abbott was caught in possession in the middle of the park. The versatile Englishman - who made his first-team debut in a 1-4 victory at Leeds United in May 2023 - attempted to turn away from his marker but was dispossessed leading to a chance for Parkinson to go one-on-one, and he slotted past the onrushing Jack Keeley.

Last season's champions dominated the majority of the first half, with Damola Ajayi having the first chance of the game three minutes before the Young Lilywhites went behind. Despite trailing, the opportunities continued to flow and Leo Black tested Newcastle goalkeeper Aidan Harris in the 24th minute.

Following this, midfielder Callum Olusesi thought he had equalised shortly before the half-hour mark, but was denied by an offside from the assistant referee.

Plenty more chances fell Tottenham's way throughout the remainder of the match - Jaden Williams and Leo Black failed to capitalise in the first half, prior to half-time substitute Jahziah Linton coming agonisingly close just six minutes into his cameo.

Late on, Oliver Irow headed wide and then couldn't find the back of the net after Rio Kyerematen's inch-perfect through ball, meaning a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal cost the Under 21s from picking up a result at the Lamex.

Speaking to SPURSPLAY after the full-time whistle, Head Coach Wayne Burnett was 'disappointed', and said that his side "have to find a way and be better" after wasting several fine chances throughout the ninety.

Under 18s - Fulham 1-5 Tottenham

Another manic goal-fest followed the Under 18s 6-4 opening weekend victory against Crystal Palace, this time as they beat Fulham in a 6-goal thriller away from home.

Spurs travelled to Motspur Park, which has been an unhappy stomping ground in recent seasons, with a young side that included many first-year scholars. Two changes were made, with former Manchester City defender Romeo Egan-Riley and Ronny Moncur, grandson of John Moncur, displacing the suspended Malachi Hardy and Tynan Thompson.

Ellis Lehane had put Stuart Lewis' side ahead in the opening 45 minutes with his third goal in two games, but a goal from Basmil Lubega levelled the game up ahead of the interval.

After the break, we pulled away from the hosts, with a quickfire double from Moncur and Williams-Barnett, before further strikes from attackers Herbie James and George Feeney - his first Spurs goal - rounded off the scoring.

A brilliant victory away from home, with the Young Lilywhites now sitting top of their Under 18 Premier League South division, having scored eleven goals in just 180 minutes of football.

Young Lilywhites on loan

Tottenham have three youngsters who are plying their trade up and down the English football pyramid on loan - here's how they got on with their respective sides over the weekend.

Jamie Donley - Leyton Orient

The 19-year-old's home debut came against recently relegated Birmingham City, and saw the midfielder go up against former Spurs Senior Assistant Coach Chris Davies.

Donley completed the full ninety, creating three chances and making three recoveries, but was on the end of a 1-2 loss at Brisbane Road.

Matthew Craig - Barnsley

The Tottenham loanee was not involved in the squad as The Tykes drew 2-2 with Northampton Town.

Carey Bloedorn - Aveley

Goalkeeper Bloedorn was not involved in either of Aveley's losses against Eastbourne Borough and Slough Town, as The Millers played two games in three days on Bank Holiday weekend.

Up next

The Under 18s are next in action, hosting Leeds United at Hotspur Way on Tuesday 27th August.

Meanwhile, Wayne Burnett's Under 21 team will make the trip to Southampton's Staplewood training base on Friday, with league action under the lights awaiting them in a 19:00 kick-off (BST).

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