FA PREMIER ACADEMY LEAGUE (GROUP B)
SATURDAY 28TH FEBRUARY, 2009
COVENTRY U-18S 1(1) SPURS U-18S 2(1)

Spurs scorers:-
Butcher, 10
Smith, 90

Spurs team (4-4-2) - Jansson; Smith, Byrne, Livermore(Kasim 46), Caulker, Butcher, M'Poku, Cox, Oyenuga(Nicholson 80), Mason(Bostock 39), Townsend.

Ray Lo sent us these notes regarding the game:-

Due to a mix-up over the start time for this re-arranged fixture I managed to miss most of it. From what I have managed to piece together I can give a brief report - I'm sure a longer one will be on the Spurs official site next week. Spurs maintained their position at the top of the group with a late late winner to finish 2-1.

Looking at the team I believe that Caulker and Butcher started at the back with Smith on the right and Byrne on the left. A start for Livermore in the centre of midfield alongside Cox with M'Poku on the right and Townsend on the left. Mason would have started in support of Oyenuga up front.

Coventry scored in the 3rd minute and Spurs replied in the 10th minute with a goal from Butcher. Mason was replaced by Bostock in the first half and Livermore was only given 45 minutes after his long lay-off. Kasim took up his place in the centre of the midfield.

Both sides had periods of good play and the home side were pressing for a winner in the latter part of the second half. Inglethorpe took off Oyenuga to play Nicholson in a more defensive role moving M'Poku up front. There were a few stoppages after I arrived for players to have treatment which helped prolong the game.

Bostock had a couple of low drives from the edge of the area which the keeper saved comfortably before Jansson had to make a good save blocking a strong drive from 10yds out. It looked like Spurs were holding out for the draw, when, Smith overlapped down the right and with the full back holding off he was able to curl the ball into the far post from outside the area. The keeper was un-sighted as he reacted too late to prevent it going in. Smith was caught late just after as he was clearing the ball and had a slight limp for the rest of the added time played.

Next Saturday the under-18s will be playing Reading away with a 2pm kick-off. Before that, of course, they have the home quarter final tie with Arsenal next Thursday night.

Ray