VICTORIA ROAD ROBBERY: TEN-MAN SPURS STUNG BY HAMMERS
By Barry "The Brick" Bazza – Checking the rulebook for "daylight robbery"
WEST HAM UNITED U23 2 - 1 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR U23
Scorers: Moor (18, 68); Boast (64)
If you want a definition of "footballing injustice," look no further than our Under-23s' trip to Victoria Road on Wednesday. Our lads didn't just turn up; they dominated. They had 15 shots to West Ham’s 8. They had 11 on target to West Ham’s 5. They even had more possession despite playing nearly the entire second half with ten men. Yet, somehow, we’re coming back across London with nothing but a bitter taste in our mouths and a very angry Tim Brown.
DEBUTS AND DISASTERS
It was a fresh-faced Spurs side with Aaron Maguire, Alfie Devine, Jamie Donley, and Ollie Boast all making their bows. We started like a house on fire. Within two minutes, Devine forced a world-class save from Finley Herrick—who, unfortunately for us, decided to have the game of his life.
Then came the sucker punch. In the 18th minute, after a soft free-kick was awarded, West Ham’s S_Moor spotted Maguire slightly off his line and lobbed him from distance. 1-0. Totally against the run of play, but that’s the "Spursy" way, isn't it?
RED MIST AND RESILIENCE
Just as we were building momentum for an equalizer, disaster struck in the 49th minute. Alfie Devine, perhaps showing a bit too much "debut enthusiasm," flew into a challenge on N_C-Philips. The ref didn't even hesitate—straight red.
Down to ten men, away from home, and a goal down. Most teams would fold. Not this lot. Tim Brown threw on Ellis Lehane to partner Ollie Boast, and the tactical shift worked wonders. In the 64th minute, Lehane played a peach of a ball through to Boast. The debutant kept his head, looked Herrick in the eye, and nutmegged him to draw us level. The away end went mental. For five minutes, it looked like the greatest comeback since Lazarus.
THE "GHOST" GOAL
But the football gods weren't done messing with us. In the 68th minute, Moor struck again. His shot hammered off the bar and hit the line. From my angle—and the angle of every Spurs fan in the ground—it didn't cross. But the referee had a long chat with his assistant and gave it. 2-1.
We threw everything at them in the final twenty minutes. Jamie Donley was pulling strings, and Boast was an absolute menace, finishing the game with seven attempts on goal. Herrick made save after save, including a point-blank stop from a Tariq Hinds header. We finished the game camped in their box, but the whistle blew before we could find the justice we deserved.
SPURS U23 PLAYER RATINGS
Aaron Maguire (GK) – 5.5: A tough debut. Caught out for the first goal and arguably could have done more for the second. Redeemed himself slightly with a big save from Woodburn late on.
Aaron Crabtree (DF) – 6.5: Solid as a rock until he was subbed late on. Made a crucial sliding tackle in the 26th minute that was timed to perfection.
Tariq Hinds (DF) – 7.0: Strong in the air and even showed some flair with a nutmeg on Wooster. Nearly scored with a header in the 68th minute.
Maxwell Hardy (DF) – 5.0: Got a yellow card for a "butt" on NC-Philips. Needs to keep his cool. His distribution was good (4 key passes), but his discipline let him down.
Charlie Sayers (DF) – 6.5: Unlucky not to be booked for a late tackle, but he defended stoutly and mopped up several West Ham breaks.
Cayan Hanson (DF) – 6.0: Had a decent crack at goal early on and linked up well with Boast before making way for Lehane.
Pape Matar-Sarr (MF) – 7.0: The engine room. He covered every blade of grass and forced a decent save from Herrick in the first half.
Billy Middlemas (MF) – 6.0: A quiet but efficient game. Unlucky to see a deflected shot drift just wide in the 26th minute.
Alfie Devine (MF) – 4.0: The villain of the piece. A red card on your debut is never the plan. He’ll learn, but it cost us dearly today.
Jamie Donley (AM) – 7.5: Pure class. Three key passes and a constant threat. He was the most creative player on the pitch by a mile.
Ollie Boast (FW) – 8.5 (SPURS MOTM): What a debut! Seven shots, one goal, and a constant nightmare for the West Ham defense. If he plays like this every week, he’ll be in the first team by Christmas.
SUBS:
Ellis Lehane (FW) – 7.5: The perfect sub. Came on, provided the assist for Boast’s goal, and looked a real threat.
Theo Adelusi (DF) – 6.0: Came on late to shore things up. Did his job.
FANZINE MAN OF THE MATCH: OLLIE BOAST
Usually, I’d give it to the creative midfielder, but Boast was a one-man army up front. To have seven shots in a game where your team is down to ten men is an incredible shift. He’s a proper "number nine" in the making.
Bazza’s Parting Shot: "The ref needs an eye test and Alfie Devine needs a cold shower. But keep an eye on Boast—the lad is the real deal!"
The Young Cockerels
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Timbro
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Re: The Young Cockerels
BOAST ON FIRE: SPURS CRUSH THE EAGLES IN FOUR-GOAL FRENZY
By Barry "The Brick" Bazza – Humming "Glory Glory" all the way to the chippy
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR U23 4 - 0 CRYSTAL PALACE U23
Scorers:
Boast (29, 58 pen); Dudik (70); Lehane (83)
Now that is more like it! After the daylight robbery at West Ham, Tim Brown’s young guns returned to home soil and delivered a performance so clinical it should have come with a medical license. We didn't just beat Crystal Palace; we dismantled them.
The big news before kick-off was the return of Jonathan de Bie between the sticks, along with starts for Theo Adelusi, Dante Cassanova, Tynan Thompson, and Ellis Lehane. Brown clearly wanted energy, and by goodness, he got it.
THE OLLIE BOAST SHOW CONTINUES
If there were any doubts that Ollie Boast’s debut goal last week was a fluke, he silenced them within half an hour. After a few early sights of goal from Billy Middlemas (who was unlucky not to win a penalty in the 7th minute), Boast took center stage.
In the 29th minute, the lad showed a frightening burst of pace to leave Finley Cowin for dead, rose like a skyscraper, and powered a header past B_Noukeu. 1-0, and the stadium was rocking. Palace tried to respond, but De Bie showed exactly why he’s back in the side, producing two massive saves from Mateusz Bogusz to keep the lead intact at the break.
PENALTIES AND POACHERS
The second half was the "Ollie Boast and Friends" variety hour. In the 58th minute, Theo Adelusi—who had a busy afternoon involving a yellow card and some stout defending—played a lovely ball to Ellis Lehane. The Palace keeper panicked, wiped out Lehane, and the ref pointed straight to the spot.
Boast stepped up with the calmness of a man playing in his back garden and buried it. 2-0.
At this point, Palace threw the kitchen sink at us, making a triple substitution, but Tim Brown countered with his own tactical masterclass. He brought on Artem Dudik for the brace-hero Boast, and within seconds, the sub had made his mark. Charlie Hanson—who played like a seasoned pro today—spotted Dudik’s run, and the Ukrainian forward hammered a rocket into the net. 3-0. Game, set, and match.
THE CHERRY ON TOP
We weren't done. In the 83rd minute, the ever-reliable Pape Matar-Sarr (who finished with a staggering 84 points in the stats—pure engine room dominance) threaded a needle-point pass to Ellis Lehane. Lehane, who had worked his socks off all game, finally got the goal his performance deserved, picking out the top corner to make it four.
Four goals, a clean sheet, and a team playing with a swagger that’s been missing. If this is the future of Spurs, I might actually stop complaining for a week. (Don't hold me to that).
SPURS U23 PLAYER RATINGS
Jonathan de Bie (GK) – 8.5: An incredible return. Six saves, including a few worldies from Bogusz. He was a wall.
Theo Adelusi (DF) – 6.0: A mixed bag. Got a yellow for a desperate tackle on Emovon, but his pass led to the penalty.
Cayan Hanson (DF) – 8.0: Immense. Two key tackles, one beautiful assist for Dudik, and didn't let the Palace forwards breathe.
Aaron Crabtree (DF) – 6.5: Solid for the hour he played. Made a goal-saving tackle on Bogusz just before half-time.
Junai Byfield (DF) – 6.0: Kept things simple on the flank. Palace's Karatas gave him a few problems early on, but he settled well.
Dante Cassanova (MF) – 5.5: A bit of a quiet one for Dante. Did the dirty work in the middle before being replaced by Donley.
Billy Middlemas (MF) – 7.0: Was everywhere in the first half. Unlucky not to score or win a penalty.
Tynan Thompson (MF) – 6.5: Kept the ball moving beautifully. His distribution allowed Matar-Sarr to roam.
Pape Matar-Sarr (MF) – 9.0: (THE ARCHITECT). Three key passes, one assist, and dominated the midfield. He’s far too good for this level, isn't he?
Ellis Lehane (FW) – 8.0: A constant nuisance. Won the penalty and scored a cracking goal late on.
Ollie Boast (FW) – 9.5 (SPURS MOTM): Three goals in two games now. Two clinical finishes today and led the line like a veteran. The kid is special.
THE SUBS:
Artem Dudik (FW) – 7.5: Talk about an impact! Scored within a minute of coming on and nearly had a second shortly after.
Jamie Donley (AM) – 6.5: Brought his usual class to the final half-hour.
Tariq Hinds (DF) – 6.0: Came on to shore up the backline and did exactly that.
Malachi Hardy (DF) – 6.0: Replaced Crabtree and kept the clean sheet intact.
FANZINE MAN OF THE MATCH: OLLIE BOAST
It has to be the lad with the brace. He’s got that "knack" for being in the right place at the right time, and his penalty was ice-cold. Two games, two MOTM awards. Ollie, take a bow.
Bazza’s Parting Shot: "4-0! Palace sent back to South London with their tails between their legs. Tim Brown, you might just know what you're doing after all!"
By Barry "The Brick" Bazza – Humming "Glory Glory" all the way to the chippy
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR U23 4 - 0 CRYSTAL PALACE U23
Scorers:
Boast (29, 58 pen); Dudik (70); Lehane (83)
Now that is more like it! After the daylight robbery at West Ham, Tim Brown’s young guns returned to home soil and delivered a performance so clinical it should have come with a medical license. We didn't just beat Crystal Palace; we dismantled them.
The big news before kick-off was the return of Jonathan de Bie between the sticks, along with starts for Theo Adelusi, Dante Cassanova, Tynan Thompson, and Ellis Lehane. Brown clearly wanted energy, and by goodness, he got it.
THE OLLIE BOAST SHOW CONTINUES
If there were any doubts that Ollie Boast’s debut goal last week was a fluke, he silenced them within half an hour. After a few early sights of goal from Billy Middlemas (who was unlucky not to win a penalty in the 7th minute), Boast took center stage.
In the 29th minute, the lad showed a frightening burst of pace to leave Finley Cowin for dead, rose like a skyscraper, and powered a header past B_Noukeu. 1-0, and the stadium was rocking. Palace tried to respond, but De Bie showed exactly why he’s back in the side, producing two massive saves from Mateusz Bogusz to keep the lead intact at the break.
PENALTIES AND POACHERS
The second half was the "Ollie Boast and Friends" variety hour. In the 58th minute, Theo Adelusi—who had a busy afternoon involving a yellow card and some stout defending—played a lovely ball to Ellis Lehane. The Palace keeper panicked, wiped out Lehane, and the ref pointed straight to the spot.
Boast stepped up with the calmness of a man playing in his back garden and buried it. 2-0.
At this point, Palace threw the kitchen sink at us, making a triple substitution, but Tim Brown countered with his own tactical masterclass. He brought on Artem Dudik for the brace-hero Boast, and within seconds, the sub had made his mark. Charlie Hanson—who played like a seasoned pro today—spotted Dudik’s run, and the Ukrainian forward hammered a rocket into the net. 3-0. Game, set, and match.
THE CHERRY ON TOP
We weren't done. In the 83rd minute, the ever-reliable Pape Matar-Sarr (who finished with a staggering 84 points in the stats—pure engine room dominance) threaded a needle-point pass to Ellis Lehane. Lehane, who had worked his socks off all game, finally got the goal his performance deserved, picking out the top corner to make it four.
Four goals, a clean sheet, and a team playing with a swagger that’s been missing. If this is the future of Spurs, I might actually stop complaining for a week. (Don't hold me to that).
SPURS U23 PLAYER RATINGS
Jonathan de Bie (GK) – 8.5: An incredible return. Six saves, including a few worldies from Bogusz. He was a wall.
Theo Adelusi (DF) – 6.0: A mixed bag. Got a yellow for a desperate tackle on Emovon, but his pass led to the penalty.
Cayan Hanson (DF) – 8.0: Immense. Two key tackles, one beautiful assist for Dudik, and didn't let the Palace forwards breathe.
Aaron Crabtree (DF) – 6.5: Solid for the hour he played. Made a goal-saving tackle on Bogusz just before half-time.
Junai Byfield (DF) – 6.0: Kept things simple on the flank. Palace's Karatas gave him a few problems early on, but he settled well.
Dante Cassanova (MF) – 5.5: A bit of a quiet one for Dante. Did the dirty work in the middle before being replaced by Donley.
Billy Middlemas (MF) – 7.0: Was everywhere in the first half. Unlucky not to score or win a penalty.
Tynan Thompson (MF) – 6.5: Kept the ball moving beautifully. His distribution allowed Matar-Sarr to roam.
Pape Matar-Sarr (MF) – 9.0: (THE ARCHITECT). Three key passes, one assist, and dominated the midfield. He’s far too good for this level, isn't he?
Ellis Lehane (FW) – 8.0: A constant nuisance. Won the penalty and scored a cracking goal late on.
Ollie Boast (FW) – 9.5 (SPURS MOTM): Three goals in two games now. Two clinical finishes today and led the line like a veteran. The kid is special.
THE SUBS:
Artem Dudik (FW) – 7.5: Talk about an impact! Scored within a minute of coming on and nearly had a second shortly after.
Jamie Donley (AM) – 6.5: Brought his usual class to the final half-hour.
Tariq Hinds (DF) – 6.0: Came on to shore up the backline and did exactly that.
Malachi Hardy (DF) – 6.0: Replaced Crabtree and kept the clean sheet intact.
FANZINE MAN OF THE MATCH: OLLIE BOAST
It has to be the lad with the brace. He’s got that "knack" for being in the right place at the right time, and his penalty was ice-cold. Two games, two MOTM awards. Ollie, take a bow.
Bazza’s Parting Shot: "4-0! Palace sent back to South London with their tails between their legs. Tim Brown, you might just know what you're doing after all!"
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Timbro
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Re: The Young Cockerels
CASSANOVA REIGNITES THE SPARK: UNDER-23s STUN THE CHERRIES
By Barry "The Brick" Bazza – Checking the price of flights to Bournemouth
BOURNEMOUTH U23 0 - 3 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR U23
Scorers: Cassanova (16), Lehane (44), Dudik (75)
If you’d told me on Wednesday morning that we were heading down to the South Coast to face one of the heavyweights of FMFA, I’d have told you to pack a blindfold. We are the only Division Two side in this League Cup group, stuck in with the likes of Sunderland and Brighton. Most of the "experts" had us pegged as the group’s whipping boys before a ball was even kicked.
Instead, Tim Brown’s young guns produced a performance so clinical it left the Bournemouth faithful staring into their coastal breezes in disbelief. We set up with a sturdy five-man backline, but it was the inclusion of Dante Cassanova in the engine room that truly turned the tide.
DANTE’S INFERNO
Cassanova didn’t just start; he dominated. In the 16th minute, Tariq Hinds—who had a monster of a game providing the width—saw his shot deflected into Cassanova’s path. Dante didn't hesitate, smashing a drive that forced the keeper into a fumble and trickled over the line. 1-0 to the "underdogs."
Bournemouth tried to claw their way back, with J_Day missing a couple of sitters that would have made a Sunday League striker blush, but our defense held firm. Jonathan de Bie was a mountain in goal, commanding his area and making sure the Cherries got nothing for free.
LEHANE AND DUDIK SEAL THE DEAL
Just before the halftime whistle, Ellis Lehane doubled the misery for the hosts. He rose highest to meet a cross, thumping a header off the bar and in to give us a 2-0 cushion at the break. You could see the Bournemouth players looking at each other, wondering how the "little guys" from Division Two were bossing the park.
The second half was a masterclass in game management. The cherry on top (pardon the pun) came in the 75th minute. Ollie Boast turned provider, spotting the substitute Anton Dudik, who unleashed a sensational overhead kick that was so good, even a few of the home fans started clapping.
We finished the game with 56% possession and seven shots on target against a supposedly "superior" top-tier side. If this is what we do to the big boys, the rest of Group 4 should be very, very worried.
POST-MATCH INTERVIEWS
Tim Brown (Spurs U23 Manager):
"I'm immensely proud. We talked all week about respect but not fear. People looked at our division and wrote us off, but these boys have quality. Dante [Cassanova] was immense today—he's waited for his chance and he took it with both hands. To come here and keep a clean sheet while scoring three? That's the standard now. We aren't here to make up the numbers; we're here to win the group."
Dante Cassanova (Man of the Match):
"The gaffer told me to just go out there and disrupt them, but I felt good today. When the ball fell to me for the goal, I didn't think, I just hit it. We knew Bournemouth were a big club, but we've got a brotherhood in this dressing room. Seeing Anton [Dudik] put that overhead kick away... that sums us up. We're having fun, but we're clinical."
SPURS U23 PLAYER RATINGS
Jonathan de Bie (GK) – 8.0: A clean sheet away at Bournemouth? Gold dust. That save in the 79th minute was pure class.
Tariq Hinds (DF) – 7.5: Provided the assist for the opener and was a constant outlet on the wing.
Malachi Hardy (DF) – 6.5: Kept his head while the Cherries tried to turn the screw.
Aaron Crabtree (DF) – 7.0: Made a vital clearance in the 2nd minute. Solid as a rock.
Charlie Sayers (DF) – 6.5: A no-nonsense performance. If the ball was there, he hit it.
Jack Thompson (DF) – 6.0: Did a job for the hour he was on.
Dante Cassanova (MF) – 9.5 (MOTM): A goal, three key tackles, and he ran the midfield. Best debut I've seen in years.
Jamie Donley (MF) – 6.0: Kept the tempo high and linked play well.
Tynan Thompson (MF) – 6.5: The silent engine. Did the dirty work so the flashy kids could play.
Ellis Lehane (FW) – 8.0: Scored a thumping header and didn't give their center-backs a minute's peace.
Ollie Boast (FW) – 7.0: No goal today, but his assist for Dudik was top-tier.
THE SUBS:
Anton Dudik (FW) – 8.5: Only played 24 minutes and scored a bicycle kick. Absolute madman.
Jun'ai Byfield (DF) – 5.5: Picked up a yellow and looked a bit shaky against the late pace.
Ben Middlemas (AM) – 6.0: Came on to shore up the midfield.
Cayon Hanson (DF) – 6.0: Helped see out the clean sheet.
FANZINE MAN OF THE MATCH: DANTE CASSANOVA
In a game where we needed someone to stand up to the "Big Club" bullies, Dante didn't just stand up—he took their lunch money.
Bazza’s Parting Shot: "Top of the group! Send the Brighton and Sunderland lot down here, we're ready for 'em!"
By Barry "The Brick" Bazza – Checking the price of flights to Bournemouth
BOURNEMOUTH U23 0 - 3 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR U23
Scorers: Cassanova (16), Lehane (44), Dudik (75)
If you’d told me on Wednesday morning that we were heading down to the South Coast to face one of the heavyweights of FMFA, I’d have told you to pack a blindfold. We are the only Division Two side in this League Cup group, stuck in with the likes of Sunderland and Brighton. Most of the "experts" had us pegged as the group’s whipping boys before a ball was even kicked.
Instead, Tim Brown’s young guns produced a performance so clinical it left the Bournemouth faithful staring into their coastal breezes in disbelief. We set up with a sturdy five-man backline, but it was the inclusion of Dante Cassanova in the engine room that truly turned the tide.
DANTE’S INFERNO
Cassanova didn’t just start; he dominated. In the 16th minute, Tariq Hinds—who had a monster of a game providing the width—saw his shot deflected into Cassanova’s path. Dante didn't hesitate, smashing a drive that forced the keeper into a fumble and trickled over the line. 1-0 to the "underdogs."
Bournemouth tried to claw their way back, with J_Day missing a couple of sitters that would have made a Sunday League striker blush, but our defense held firm. Jonathan de Bie was a mountain in goal, commanding his area and making sure the Cherries got nothing for free.
LEHANE AND DUDIK SEAL THE DEAL
Just before the halftime whistle, Ellis Lehane doubled the misery for the hosts. He rose highest to meet a cross, thumping a header off the bar and in to give us a 2-0 cushion at the break. You could see the Bournemouth players looking at each other, wondering how the "little guys" from Division Two were bossing the park.
The second half was a masterclass in game management. The cherry on top (pardon the pun) came in the 75th minute. Ollie Boast turned provider, spotting the substitute Anton Dudik, who unleashed a sensational overhead kick that was so good, even a few of the home fans started clapping.
We finished the game with 56% possession and seven shots on target against a supposedly "superior" top-tier side. If this is what we do to the big boys, the rest of Group 4 should be very, very worried.
POST-MATCH INTERVIEWS
Tim Brown (Spurs U23 Manager):
"I'm immensely proud. We talked all week about respect but not fear. People looked at our division and wrote us off, but these boys have quality. Dante [Cassanova] was immense today—he's waited for his chance and he took it with both hands. To come here and keep a clean sheet while scoring three? That's the standard now. We aren't here to make up the numbers; we're here to win the group."
Dante Cassanova (Man of the Match):
"The gaffer told me to just go out there and disrupt them, but I felt good today. When the ball fell to me for the goal, I didn't think, I just hit it. We knew Bournemouth were a big club, but we've got a brotherhood in this dressing room. Seeing Anton [Dudik] put that overhead kick away... that sums us up. We're having fun, but we're clinical."
SPURS U23 PLAYER RATINGS
Jonathan de Bie (GK) – 8.0: A clean sheet away at Bournemouth? Gold dust. That save in the 79th minute was pure class.
Tariq Hinds (DF) – 7.5: Provided the assist for the opener and was a constant outlet on the wing.
Malachi Hardy (DF) – 6.5: Kept his head while the Cherries tried to turn the screw.
Aaron Crabtree (DF) – 7.0: Made a vital clearance in the 2nd minute. Solid as a rock.
Charlie Sayers (DF) – 6.5: A no-nonsense performance. If the ball was there, he hit it.
Jack Thompson (DF) – 6.0: Did a job for the hour he was on.
Dante Cassanova (MF) – 9.5 (MOTM): A goal, three key tackles, and he ran the midfield. Best debut I've seen in years.
Jamie Donley (MF) – 6.0: Kept the tempo high and linked play well.
Tynan Thompson (MF) – 6.5: The silent engine. Did the dirty work so the flashy kids could play.
Ellis Lehane (FW) – 8.0: Scored a thumping header and didn't give their center-backs a minute's peace.
Ollie Boast (FW) – 7.0: No goal today, but his assist for Dudik was top-tier.
THE SUBS:
Anton Dudik (FW) – 8.5: Only played 24 minutes and scored a bicycle kick. Absolute madman.
Jun'ai Byfield (DF) – 5.5: Picked up a yellow and looked a bit shaky against the late pace.
Ben Middlemas (AM) – 6.0: Came on to shore up the midfield.
Cayon Hanson (DF) – 6.0: Helped see out the clean sheet.
FANZINE MAN OF THE MATCH: DANTE CASSANOVA
In a game where we needed someone to stand up to the "Big Club" bullies, Dante didn't just stand up—he took their lunch money.
Bazza’s Parting Shot: "Top of the group! Send the Brighton and Sunderland lot down here, we're ready for 'em!"
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Timbro
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Re: The Young Cockerels
BRIGHTON BEATEN: LEHANE LATE SHOW LIGHTS UP HOTSPUR WAY
By Barry "The Brick" Bazza – Thinking of putting a fiver on the kids to win the lot
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR U23 1 - 0 BRIGHTON U23
Scorer: Lehane (78)
Hold onto your hats, folks, because these U23s are doing it again! After dismantling Bournemouth, Tim Brown’s young guns welcomed Brighton to Hotspur Way for another massive Group 4 clash. We might be the Division Two underdogs in this cup, but you wouldn’t have known it today. We bossed the park with 62% possession and finished the match having hammered 16 attempts at the Brighton goal.
THE DEVINE RETURN
The big news was the return of Alfie Devine from his "naughty step" suspension. He slotted back into a five-man midfield that looked as solid as a North London brick wall. With Ollie Boast leading the line alone up front, the plan was clear: frustrate the Seagulls and hit them where it hurts. The first half was a frustrating affair of "what ifs." Ollie Boast actually found the back of the net in the 6th minute after latching onto a deflected Tariq Hinds shot, but the ref spotted something—presumably a ghost—and disallowed it . Jamie Donley forced a superb tip-around-the-post from C_Mandas, and Devine himself tested the keeper with a low drive that had the Brighton bench sweating.
LEHANE SEALS THE DEAL
As the clock ticked down and my Bovril went cold, Brown decided to shake things up. He pulled off the tireless Dante Cassanova—who had another busy afternoon—and threw on Ellis Lehane to partner Boast up top. It was a masterstroke. In the 78th minute, the breakthrough finally came. Jamie Donley—who was the best player on the pitch by a country mile today—pounced on a slip by a Brighton defender and fed the ball to Lehane. Ellis Lehane didn't need a second invitation, smashing a shot that rattled off the bar and crossed the line. The ref had a quick word with his assistant, the goal was given, and Hotspur Way erupted. Brighton tried to find a way back, but Jonathan de Bie was impenetrable in goal, and the defense, led by the rock-solid Cayon Hanson and Charlie Sayers, never looked like buckling.
POST-MATCH INTERVIEWS
Tim Brown (Spurs U23 Manager):"Total dominance. That’s the only way to describe it. We had sixteen shots to their five. We kept the ball, we moved them around, and even when the goal didn't come early, the boys stayed patient. Jamie [Donley] was world-class today, and Ellis [Lehane] showed exactly why he’s so valuable to this squad. Two wins from two in a group of 'big' clubs... I think people are starting to realize we aren't just here for the scenery."
Jamie Donley (Man of the Match):"It felt great out there. We knew Brighton would be tough, but the gaffer’s plan worked perfectly. I just tried to find the pockets of space and create openings. When I saw the defender slip, I knew Ellis would be on his bike. It’s a massive result for us and puts us in a great position to top the group."
SPURS U23 PLAYER RATINGS
Jonathan de Bie (GK) – 8.0: Another clean sheet. Produced a 'save of the game' in the 64th minute to deny Parons. Reliable as ever.
Aaron Crabtree (DF) – 6.5: Solid for the 81 minutes he played. Did his job with no fuss before making way for Adelusi.
Tariq Hinds (DF) – 7.5: Two key tackles and constant energy on the flank. His hand-ball in the 34th minute went unpunished—we’ll take it!
Charlie Sayers (DF) – 7.0: Part of a backline that didn't give Brighton a sniff. Professional performance.
Cayon Hanson (DF) – 7.5: One key tackle and absolute composure at the back. He’s becoming a real leader in this defense.
Dante Cassanova (MF) – 7.0: Followed up his MOTM performance with another energetic display before being subbed for the goal-scorer.
Pape Matar-Sarr (MF) – 7.5: Controlled the tempo and provided two key passes. He’s the engine that makes this team purr.
Ben Middlemas (MF) – 6.5: Busy, if a bit erratic. Got a yellow for a bad challenge but kept the pressure on the Seagulls' midfield.
Alfie Devine (MF) – 7.5: Great to have him back. Forced a couple of saves and showed no signs of rustiness.
Jamie Donley (MF) – 9.5 (MOTM): Sensational. Three key passes, an assist, and he dictated everything. Man of the Match, no contest.
Ollie Boast (FW) – 6.5: Frustrated to have a goal disallowed, but his movement kept the Brighton defenders occupied all day.
THE SUBS:
Ellis Lehane (FW) – 8.5: The match-winner. Came on, hit four shots, and scored the decisive goal. Clinical.
Theo Adelusi (DF) – 6.0: Came on for the final ten minutes to help see out the win.
Anton Dudik (FW) – 6.0: A 28-minute cameo but couldn't quite find the space to repeat his overhead-kick heroics.
FANZINE MAN OF THE MATCH: JAMIE DONLEY
In a team of stars, Donley was the brightest. He was everywhere, making things happen and eventually providing the spark that led to the winner.Bazza’s Parting Shot: "Six points, zero goals conceded. Is it too early to book the open-top bus for the U23 Cup final?"
By Barry "The Brick" Bazza – Thinking of putting a fiver on the kids to win the lot
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR U23 1 - 0 BRIGHTON U23
Scorer: Lehane (78)
Hold onto your hats, folks, because these U23s are doing it again! After dismantling Bournemouth, Tim Brown’s young guns welcomed Brighton to Hotspur Way for another massive Group 4 clash. We might be the Division Two underdogs in this cup, but you wouldn’t have known it today. We bossed the park with 62% possession and finished the match having hammered 16 attempts at the Brighton goal.
THE DEVINE RETURN
The big news was the return of Alfie Devine from his "naughty step" suspension. He slotted back into a five-man midfield that looked as solid as a North London brick wall. With Ollie Boast leading the line alone up front, the plan was clear: frustrate the Seagulls and hit them where it hurts. The first half was a frustrating affair of "what ifs." Ollie Boast actually found the back of the net in the 6th minute after latching onto a deflected Tariq Hinds shot, but the ref spotted something—presumably a ghost—and disallowed it . Jamie Donley forced a superb tip-around-the-post from C_Mandas, and Devine himself tested the keeper with a low drive that had the Brighton bench sweating.
LEHANE SEALS THE DEAL
As the clock ticked down and my Bovril went cold, Brown decided to shake things up. He pulled off the tireless Dante Cassanova—who had another busy afternoon—and threw on Ellis Lehane to partner Boast up top. It was a masterstroke. In the 78th minute, the breakthrough finally came. Jamie Donley—who was the best player on the pitch by a country mile today—pounced on a slip by a Brighton defender and fed the ball to Lehane. Ellis Lehane didn't need a second invitation, smashing a shot that rattled off the bar and crossed the line. The ref had a quick word with his assistant, the goal was given, and Hotspur Way erupted. Brighton tried to find a way back, but Jonathan de Bie was impenetrable in goal, and the defense, led by the rock-solid Cayon Hanson and Charlie Sayers, never looked like buckling.
POST-MATCH INTERVIEWS
Tim Brown (Spurs U23 Manager):"Total dominance. That’s the only way to describe it. We had sixteen shots to their five. We kept the ball, we moved them around, and even when the goal didn't come early, the boys stayed patient. Jamie [Donley] was world-class today, and Ellis [Lehane] showed exactly why he’s so valuable to this squad. Two wins from two in a group of 'big' clubs... I think people are starting to realize we aren't just here for the scenery."
Jamie Donley (Man of the Match):"It felt great out there. We knew Brighton would be tough, but the gaffer’s plan worked perfectly. I just tried to find the pockets of space and create openings. When I saw the defender slip, I knew Ellis would be on his bike. It’s a massive result for us and puts us in a great position to top the group."
SPURS U23 PLAYER RATINGS
Jonathan de Bie (GK) – 8.0: Another clean sheet. Produced a 'save of the game' in the 64th minute to deny Parons. Reliable as ever.
Aaron Crabtree (DF) – 6.5: Solid for the 81 minutes he played. Did his job with no fuss before making way for Adelusi.
Tariq Hinds (DF) – 7.5: Two key tackles and constant energy on the flank. His hand-ball in the 34th minute went unpunished—we’ll take it!
Charlie Sayers (DF) – 7.0: Part of a backline that didn't give Brighton a sniff. Professional performance.
Cayon Hanson (DF) – 7.5: One key tackle and absolute composure at the back. He’s becoming a real leader in this defense.
Dante Cassanova (MF) – 7.0: Followed up his MOTM performance with another energetic display before being subbed for the goal-scorer.
Pape Matar-Sarr (MF) – 7.5: Controlled the tempo and provided two key passes. He’s the engine that makes this team purr.
Ben Middlemas (MF) – 6.5: Busy, if a bit erratic. Got a yellow for a bad challenge but kept the pressure on the Seagulls' midfield.
Alfie Devine (MF) – 7.5: Great to have him back. Forced a couple of saves and showed no signs of rustiness.
Jamie Donley (MF) – 9.5 (MOTM): Sensational. Three key passes, an assist, and he dictated everything. Man of the Match, no contest.
Ollie Boast (FW) – 6.5: Frustrated to have a goal disallowed, but his movement kept the Brighton defenders occupied all day.
THE SUBS:
Ellis Lehane (FW) – 8.5: The match-winner. Came on, hit four shots, and scored the decisive goal. Clinical.
Theo Adelusi (DF) – 6.0: Came on for the final ten minutes to help see out the win.
Anton Dudik (FW) – 6.0: A 28-minute cameo but couldn't quite find the space to repeat his overhead-kick heroics.
FANZINE MAN OF THE MATCH: JAMIE DONLEY
In a team of stars, Donley was the brightest. He was everywhere, making things happen and eventually providing the spark that led to the winner.Bazza’s Parting Shot: "Six points, zero goals conceded. Is it too early to book the open-top bus for the U23 Cup final?"
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Timbro
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Re: The Young Cockerels
DUDIK LATE SHOW DESTROYS TEN-MAN BLUES IN COBBY DERBY
By Barry "The Brick" Bazza – Toasting a double-bubble at the local
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR U23 2 - 1 CHELSEA U23
Scorers: Dudik (62, 90); D_Washington (80 pen)
You can keep your multi-million-pound senior primadonnas, because Tim Brown’s Under-23s are where the real entertainment is at. Fresh off back-to-back clean sheets, the young lads welcomed West London rivals Chelsea to Hotspur Way for a proper, old-school bruising derby. By the time the final whistle blew, we’d seen a straight red card, a controversial penalty, and a 90th-minute winner that sent my pint flying into the sky. The big talking point before kick-off was Sam Lewis dropping down from the senior squad to get some much-needed minutes between the sticks. He had a bit of a shaky start, letting a Deji Ezenwata shot slide right through his legs in the 3rd minute, but thankfully the footballing gods were smiling and it drifted inches wide.
WASHINGTON SEES RED
Spurs dominated the first half, completely bossing possession with 62% of the ball over the 90 minutes. Tariq Hinds was a man possessed down the wing, completely tearing his marker to pieces. In the 9th minute, Hinds broke clean through on goal and looked certain to open the scoring, only to be absolutely hauled down by Chelsea's M_Washington. The ref brandished a yellow card, but Washington didn't learn his lesson. Just twelve minutes later, Ben Middlemas swung a crisp pass out toward Ollie Boast. Washington, apparently forgetting what sport he was playing, went in with another wild, lunging tackle. TWANG. Second yellow, followed immediately by the red. Off you go, son, early bath. Despite playing against ten men, the Blues sat deep and made life frustrating. Ellis Lehane and Ollie Boast both had chances before the break, but Chelsea’s keeper Tony Bell was matching everything we threw at him.
THE ANTON DUDIK VARIETY HOUR
With the game locked at 0-0 on the hour mark, Tim Brown made the executive decision to haul off Boast and bring on our resident super-sub, Anton Dudik. It took the Ukrainian forward exactly two minutes to blow the game wide open. Sidestepping his marker on the edge of the area, Dudik unleashed an absolute rocket that clipped the inside of the post and flew into the back of the net. 1-0 Spurs, and the fanzine section went absolutely mental. But because we are Tottenham, we never make it easy for ourselves. In the 80th minute, Ellis Lehane—who had been warned multiple times for his over-enthusiastic tackling—gave away a silly penalty in the box. D_Washington stepped up for the Blues and coolly sent Sam Lewis the wrong way to make it 1-1 against the absolute run of play.
90th-MINUTE BEDLAM
At 1-1, I was ready to start drafting a very angry letter to the editor. But Dante Cassanova and Anton Dudik had other ideas. As the clock ticked into the final minute of normal time, Cassanova picked up a loose ball in midfield and spotted Dudik making a clever darting run into the box. He threaded a perfect ball through, and Dudik hit it first time, completely beating Tony Bell to secure a sensational, deserved 2-1 victory. Three wins on the bounce for the academy boys!
POST-MATCH INTERVIEWS
Tim Brown (Spurs U23 Manager):"Anton [Dudik] is a special talent. He comes off the bench and just completely alters the geometry of our attack. We should have put the game to bed much earlier after the red card, and the penalty we gave away was completely avoidable. But the character to keep going and find that winner in the 90th minute? That's what builds title-winning teams. Imprinted with pride today."
Anton Dudik (Man of the Match):"When the gaffer puts me on, I only have one thing in my mind: score goals. The first one felt great, but that late winner... wow. Dante [Cassanova] gave me an incredible pass. We knew it was a derby and we had to win it for the supporters. The dressing room is bouncing right now."
SPURS U23 PLAYER RATINGS
Sam Lewis (GK) – 6.0: A mixed bag. Lucky not to concede early after a bad slip, and couldn't do much about the penalty. Did his job otherwise.
Tariq Hinds (DF) – 7.5: Absolute engine down the flank. His blistering pace got Chelsea’s defender sent off in the first half. Subbed out on 67 minutes.
Malachi Hardy (DF) – 7.0: Played with real composure. Had a little chip shot well-saved in the second half.
Cayon Hanson (DF) – 6.5: Solid enough at the back, though hooked on 67 minutes as Brown shifted to a more attacking shape.
Theo Adelusi (DF) – 7.0: Put in two key tackles and assisted several forward movements with long diagonal balls.
Pape Matar-Sarr (MF) – 6.5: Kept things ticking over nicely in the first half before being rotated around the hour mark.
Ben Middlemas (MF) – 8.0: An absolute workhorse in the middle. Recorded five key passes and was unlucky not to score with a couple of driven efforts.
Dante Cassanova (MF) – 8.5: Continues his unbelievable run of form. Provided three key passes, including that stunning 90th-minute assist for the winner.
Jamie Donley (MF) – 7.5: Dictated the tempo and created multiple opportunities for Lehane and Middlemas.
Ellis Lehane (FW) – 6.0: Worked tirelessly up top but blighted his copybook by giving away the late penalty that briefly cost us our lead.
Ollie Boast (FW) – 6.5: Chased a lot of lost causes and dragged defenders out of position before making way for Dudik.
THE SUBS:
Anton Dudik (FW) – 10 (SPURS MOTM): 32 minutes on the pitch, two goals, and an absolute derby masterclass. Give the lad a permanent starting spot, Tim!
A_Muslika (MF) – 6.0: Replaced Matar-Sarr and brought some heavy grit to the central midfield battles.
Jun'ai Byfield (DF) – 6.5: Came on to shore up the left flank for the final half-hour.
Charlie Sayers (DF) – 6.5: Slotted into the backline flawlessly to secure the win late on.
FANZINE MAN OF THE MATCH:
ANTON DUDIK
Who else? To come off the bench in a heated London derby and score two completely different, top-drawer finishes to steal all three points is proper legendary stuff. The kid has ice in his veins.
Bazza’s Parting Shot: "Top of the league, beating Chelsea, and the academy looks brilliant. Can we just swap these lads out for the seniors next Saturday?"
By Barry "The Brick" Bazza – Toasting a double-bubble at the local
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR U23 2 - 1 CHELSEA U23
Scorers: Dudik (62, 90); D_Washington (80 pen)
You can keep your multi-million-pound senior primadonnas, because Tim Brown’s Under-23s are where the real entertainment is at. Fresh off back-to-back clean sheets, the young lads welcomed West London rivals Chelsea to Hotspur Way for a proper, old-school bruising derby. By the time the final whistle blew, we’d seen a straight red card, a controversial penalty, and a 90th-minute winner that sent my pint flying into the sky. The big talking point before kick-off was Sam Lewis dropping down from the senior squad to get some much-needed minutes between the sticks. He had a bit of a shaky start, letting a Deji Ezenwata shot slide right through his legs in the 3rd minute, but thankfully the footballing gods were smiling and it drifted inches wide.
WASHINGTON SEES RED
Spurs dominated the first half, completely bossing possession with 62% of the ball over the 90 minutes. Tariq Hinds was a man possessed down the wing, completely tearing his marker to pieces. In the 9th minute, Hinds broke clean through on goal and looked certain to open the scoring, only to be absolutely hauled down by Chelsea's M_Washington. The ref brandished a yellow card, but Washington didn't learn his lesson. Just twelve minutes later, Ben Middlemas swung a crisp pass out toward Ollie Boast. Washington, apparently forgetting what sport he was playing, went in with another wild, lunging tackle. TWANG. Second yellow, followed immediately by the red. Off you go, son, early bath. Despite playing against ten men, the Blues sat deep and made life frustrating. Ellis Lehane and Ollie Boast both had chances before the break, but Chelsea’s keeper Tony Bell was matching everything we threw at him.
THE ANTON DUDIK VARIETY HOUR
With the game locked at 0-0 on the hour mark, Tim Brown made the executive decision to haul off Boast and bring on our resident super-sub, Anton Dudik. It took the Ukrainian forward exactly two minutes to blow the game wide open. Sidestepping his marker on the edge of the area, Dudik unleashed an absolute rocket that clipped the inside of the post and flew into the back of the net. 1-0 Spurs, and the fanzine section went absolutely mental. But because we are Tottenham, we never make it easy for ourselves. In the 80th minute, Ellis Lehane—who had been warned multiple times for his over-enthusiastic tackling—gave away a silly penalty in the box. D_Washington stepped up for the Blues and coolly sent Sam Lewis the wrong way to make it 1-1 against the absolute run of play.
90th-MINUTE BEDLAM
At 1-1, I was ready to start drafting a very angry letter to the editor. But Dante Cassanova and Anton Dudik had other ideas. As the clock ticked into the final minute of normal time, Cassanova picked up a loose ball in midfield and spotted Dudik making a clever darting run into the box. He threaded a perfect ball through, and Dudik hit it first time, completely beating Tony Bell to secure a sensational, deserved 2-1 victory. Three wins on the bounce for the academy boys!
POST-MATCH INTERVIEWS
Tim Brown (Spurs U23 Manager):"Anton [Dudik] is a special talent. He comes off the bench and just completely alters the geometry of our attack. We should have put the game to bed much earlier after the red card, and the penalty we gave away was completely avoidable. But the character to keep going and find that winner in the 90th minute? That's what builds title-winning teams. Imprinted with pride today."
Anton Dudik (Man of the Match):"When the gaffer puts me on, I only have one thing in my mind: score goals. The first one felt great, but that late winner... wow. Dante [Cassanova] gave me an incredible pass. We knew it was a derby and we had to win it for the supporters. The dressing room is bouncing right now."
SPURS U23 PLAYER RATINGS
Sam Lewis (GK) – 6.0: A mixed bag. Lucky not to concede early after a bad slip, and couldn't do much about the penalty. Did his job otherwise.
Tariq Hinds (DF) – 7.5: Absolute engine down the flank. His blistering pace got Chelsea’s defender sent off in the first half. Subbed out on 67 minutes.
Malachi Hardy (DF) – 7.0: Played with real composure. Had a little chip shot well-saved in the second half.
Cayon Hanson (DF) – 6.5: Solid enough at the back, though hooked on 67 minutes as Brown shifted to a more attacking shape.
Theo Adelusi (DF) – 7.0: Put in two key tackles and assisted several forward movements with long diagonal balls.
Pape Matar-Sarr (MF) – 6.5: Kept things ticking over nicely in the first half before being rotated around the hour mark.
Ben Middlemas (MF) – 8.0: An absolute workhorse in the middle. Recorded five key passes and was unlucky not to score with a couple of driven efforts.
Dante Cassanova (MF) – 8.5: Continues his unbelievable run of form. Provided three key passes, including that stunning 90th-minute assist for the winner.
Jamie Donley (MF) – 7.5: Dictated the tempo and created multiple opportunities for Lehane and Middlemas.
Ellis Lehane (FW) – 6.0: Worked tirelessly up top but blighted his copybook by giving away the late penalty that briefly cost us our lead.
Ollie Boast (FW) – 6.5: Chased a lot of lost causes and dragged defenders out of position before making way for Dudik.
THE SUBS:
Anton Dudik (FW) – 10 (SPURS MOTM): 32 minutes on the pitch, two goals, and an absolute derby masterclass. Give the lad a permanent starting spot, Tim!
A_Muslika (MF) – 6.0: Replaced Matar-Sarr and brought some heavy grit to the central midfield battles.
Jun'ai Byfield (DF) – 6.5: Came on to shore up the left flank for the final half-hour.
Charlie Sayers (DF) – 6.5: Slotted into the backline flawlessly to secure the win late on.
FANZINE MAN OF THE MATCH:
ANTON DUDIK
Who else? To come off the bench in a heated London derby and score two completely different, top-drawer finishes to steal all three points is proper legendary stuff. The kid has ice in his veins.
Bazza’s Parting Shot: "Top of the league, beating Chelsea, and the academy looks brilliant. Can we just swap these lads out for the seniors next Saturday?"
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Timbro
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Re: The Young Cockerels
BLACK CATS BURST THE BUBBLE: TEN-MAN SPURS STUNG BY LATE SUCKER PUNCH
By Barry "The Brick" Bazza – Sobbing into my hot pot at Hotspur Way
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR U23 1 - 2 SUNDERLAND U23Scorers:
Donley (72); Whittaker (31), Waters (80)
Well, it was fun while it lasted, wasn’t it? After completely bossing the opening two group games in the League Cup, our Under-23s were finally given a harsh reality check by a top-tier Sunderland side. We knew this group stage would be a massive ask—considering we are the only Division Two side stuck in this section—and the Black Cats showed exactly why there's a divisional gap between us. We didn't just lose a football match today; we lost our discipline, we lost our shape, and we lost our absolute minds. Sunderland thoroughly deserved the points, completely suffocating us with 61% possession and peppering 18 attempts at our goal. Frankly, if Sam Lewis hadn’t put in a performance that mirrored a brick wall with gloves, this could have been five or six.
SQUANDERED CHANCES AND A SUNDERLAND SMASH
The infuriating part is that we actually started with a bit of purpose. Ollie Boast—who was a constant bundle of energy despite zero service—grazed the post in the 2nd minute and then somehow managed to bungle a point-blank rebound wide after J_Jonus spilled a header. Sunderland didn't need a second invitation to show us how it's done. After forcing Sam Lewis into a string of fine saves , the visitors took the lead in the 31st minute. J_Whittaker picked up a pass, looked up from distance, and unleashed a dipping effort that went straight over Lewis and into the net. 1-0 to the Black Cats, and the fanzine section fell completely silent.
THE DUDIK DISASTER AND DONLEY DRAMA
Tim Brown tried to change the geometry of the match at halftime, and on the 50th minute, he threw on our usual super-sub Anton Dudik to try and spark a comeback. What did Anton do? He lasted exactly six minutes. In the 56th minute, Dudik completely lost his head, lashed out at F_Gorman, and was shown a straight red card. Absolute madness, son. Down to ten men against a Premier League outfit—cheers for that. Yet, because these kids have massive cojones, we actually found a lifeline. In the 72nd minute, Jamie Donley—who had come off the bench to replace Ben Middlemas—showed why he’s a class above. He cut through the Black Cats' defense like a hot knife through butter and smashed home a brilliant equalizer. 1-1! Ten men, level against the big boys, and Hotspur Way was absolutely bouncing.
THE HEARTBREAK BLOW
But the footballing gods are cruel mistresses. Just as we started dreaming of a heroic point, the defensive structure crumbled. In the 80th minute, Sunderland sub J_Waters found a pocket of space and hit a drive. It hit a defender, completely wrong-footed Sam Lewis, struck his back, and trickled over the line. It was an incredibly lucky way to concede, but that's what happens when you let a superior team camp inside your half. We drop our first points of the cup campaign, but we aren't dead yet. We just need to ensure we leave the red cards at home for the next outing.
POST-MATCH INTERVIEWS
Tim Brown (Spurs U23 Manager):"The red card is the story of the game, plain and simple. Anton knows he let his teammates down because at eleven versus eleven, we were well in the contest. I have to praise Jamie [Donley] for a world-class goal to pull us level, but playing with ten men for nearly forty minutes against a side from the division above will always drain your legs. We take our medicine and we move on." Jamie Donley (Spurs Goalscorer):"It's devastating to lose it like that at the end. When I scored, I genuinely thought we could hold out for a draw or maybe even nick a win on the break. But the deflection for their second goal was just pure bad luck. We've proven we can compete with the Premier League academies, but we need to stay disciplined."
SPURS U23 PLAYER RATINGS
Sam Lewis (GK) – 8.5: An absolute mountain between the sticks. Made a staggering 12 saves to keep the scoreline respectable. Utterly blameless for both goals, especially the unlucky deflection for the winner.
Tariq Hinds (DF) – 6.5: Had a massive job tracing Sunderland's overlapping wingers. Put in a solid shift but spent most of the match on the back foot.
Charlie Sayers (DF) – 7.0: Made a brilliant sliding tackle to deny Moore in the second half. One of the few who looked comfortable under the aerial assault.
Cayon Hanson (DF) – 5.5: Picked up a late yellow card for a rash challenge on Waters. Looked ragged by the end as the ten men ran out of gas.
Malachi Hardy (DF) – 6.5: Put in an identical performance to Sayers, reading the line well before being subbed on 62 minutes for Adelusi.
Tynan Thompson (MF) – 6.0: Provided a beautiful early pass to Boast but the physical midfield battle completely passed him by before he was rotated.
Pape Matar-Sarr (MF) – 6.0: A very quiet afternoon by his exceptionally high standards. Struggled to dictate the tempo as the Black Cats swarmed the middle.
Ben Middlemas (MF) – 6.5: Sprayed one nice ball to Devine but was hauled off on 65 minutes to give us more attacking impetus.
Alfie Devine (MF) – 7.0: Hit the woodwork with a spectacular first-half diving header that deserved a goal. He was our main outlet before the red card killed our attacking intent.
Ellis Lehane (FW) – 5.5: Missed a decent chance in the first half and completely shanked a late volley into orbit. Not his finest day at the office.
Ollie Boast (FW) – 6.0: Picked up a frustrating yellow card for a robust challenge. Missed a couple of gilt-edged early sitters that we desperately needed to convert.
THE SUBS:Anton Dudik (FW) – 0.0: Came on, got a straight red card six minutes later for kicking an opponent. Absolutely brainless behaviour that cost his team a point.
Jamie Donley (MF) – 8.0 (SPURS MOTM): Came on and instantly added premium quality. Scored a cracking solo goal to give us hope. Must start the next match.
Theo Adelusi (DF) – 5.5: Replaced Hardy and immediately picked up a booking for an ugly foul.
Dante Cassanova (MF) – 6.0: A 29-minute cameo but spent it chasing red shirts as we tried to survive with ten men.
FANZINE MAN OF THE MATCH:
JAMIE DONLEY
While Sam Lewis deserves a medal for his 12 saves , Donley provided the one true moment of quality that proved these Division Two kids belong on the same pitch as the Premier League big boys.
Bazza’s Parting Shot: "Dudik needs to be cleaning the senior squad's boots for a month after that red card. Let's bounce back in group game four, lads!"
By Barry "The Brick" Bazza – Sobbing into my hot pot at Hotspur Way
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR U23 1 - 2 SUNDERLAND U23Scorers:
Donley (72); Whittaker (31), Waters (80)
Well, it was fun while it lasted, wasn’t it? After completely bossing the opening two group games in the League Cup, our Under-23s were finally given a harsh reality check by a top-tier Sunderland side. We knew this group stage would be a massive ask—considering we are the only Division Two side stuck in this section—and the Black Cats showed exactly why there's a divisional gap between us. We didn't just lose a football match today; we lost our discipline, we lost our shape, and we lost our absolute minds. Sunderland thoroughly deserved the points, completely suffocating us with 61% possession and peppering 18 attempts at our goal. Frankly, if Sam Lewis hadn’t put in a performance that mirrored a brick wall with gloves, this could have been five or six.
SQUANDERED CHANCES AND A SUNDERLAND SMASH
The infuriating part is that we actually started with a bit of purpose. Ollie Boast—who was a constant bundle of energy despite zero service—grazed the post in the 2nd minute and then somehow managed to bungle a point-blank rebound wide after J_Jonus spilled a header. Sunderland didn't need a second invitation to show us how it's done. After forcing Sam Lewis into a string of fine saves , the visitors took the lead in the 31st minute. J_Whittaker picked up a pass, looked up from distance, and unleashed a dipping effort that went straight over Lewis and into the net. 1-0 to the Black Cats, and the fanzine section fell completely silent.
THE DUDIK DISASTER AND DONLEY DRAMA
Tim Brown tried to change the geometry of the match at halftime, and on the 50th minute, he threw on our usual super-sub Anton Dudik to try and spark a comeback. What did Anton do? He lasted exactly six minutes. In the 56th minute, Dudik completely lost his head, lashed out at F_Gorman, and was shown a straight red card. Absolute madness, son. Down to ten men against a Premier League outfit—cheers for that. Yet, because these kids have massive cojones, we actually found a lifeline. In the 72nd minute, Jamie Donley—who had come off the bench to replace Ben Middlemas—showed why he’s a class above. He cut through the Black Cats' defense like a hot knife through butter and smashed home a brilliant equalizer. 1-1! Ten men, level against the big boys, and Hotspur Way was absolutely bouncing.
THE HEARTBREAK BLOW
But the footballing gods are cruel mistresses. Just as we started dreaming of a heroic point, the defensive structure crumbled. In the 80th minute, Sunderland sub J_Waters found a pocket of space and hit a drive. It hit a defender, completely wrong-footed Sam Lewis, struck his back, and trickled over the line. It was an incredibly lucky way to concede, but that's what happens when you let a superior team camp inside your half. We drop our first points of the cup campaign, but we aren't dead yet. We just need to ensure we leave the red cards at home for the next outing.
POST-MATCH INTERVIEWS
Tim Brown (Spurs U23 Manager):"The red card is the story of the game, plain and simple. Anton knows he let his teammates down because at eleven versus eleven, we were well in the contest. I have to praise Jamie [Donley] for a world-class goal to pull us level, but playing with ten men for nearly forty minutes against a side from the division above will always drain your legs. We take our medicine and we move on." Jamie Donley (Spurs Goalscorer):"It's devastating to lose it like that at the end. When I scored, I genuinely thought we could hold out for a draw or maybe even nick a win on the break. But the deflection for their second goal was just pure bad luck. We've proven we can compete with the Premier League academies, but we need to stay disciplined."
SPURS U23 PLAYER RATINGS
Sam Lewis (GK) – 8.5: An absolute mountain between the sticks. Made a staggering 12 saves to keep the scoreline respectable. Utterly blameless for both goals, especially the unlucky deflection for the winner.
Tariq Hinds (DF) – 6.5: Had a massive job tracing Sunderland's overlapping wingers. Put in a solid shift but spent most of the match on the back foot.
Charlie Sayers (DF) – 7.0: Made a brilliant sliding tackle to deny Moore in the second half. One of the few who looked comfortable under the aerial assault.
Cayon Hanson (DF) – 5.5: Picked up a late yellow card for a rash challenge on Waters. Looked ragged by the end as the ten men ran out of gas.
Malachi Hardy (DF) – 6.5: Put in an identical performance to Sayers, reading the line well before being subbed on 62 minutes for Adelusi.
Tynan Thompson (MF) – 6.0: Provided a beautiful early pass to Boast but the physical midfield battle completely passed him by before he was rotated.
Pape Matar-Sarr (MF) – 6.0: A very quiet afternoon by his exceptionally high standards. Struggled to dictate the tempo as the Black Cats swarmed the middle.
Ben Middlemas (MF) – 6.5: Sprayed one nice ball to Devine but was hauled off on 65 minutes to give us more attacking impetus.
Alfie Devine (MF) – 7.0: Hit the woodwork with a spectacular first-half diving header that deserved a goal. He was our main outlet before the red card killed our attacking intent.
Ellis Lehane (FW) – 5.5: Missed a decent chance in the first half and completely shanked a late volley into orbit. Not his finest day at the office.
Ollie Boast (FW) – 6.0: Picked up a frustrating yellow card for a robust challenge. Missed a couple of gilt-edged early sitters that we desperately needed to convert.
THE SUBS:Anton Dudik (FW) – 0.0: Came on, got a straight red card six minutes later for kicking an opponent. Absolutely brainless behaviour that cost his team a point.
Jamie Donley (MF) – 8.0 (SPURS MOTM): Came on and instantly added premium quality. Scored a cracking solo goal to give us hope. Must start the next match.
Theo Adelusi (DF) – 5.5: Replaced Hardy and immediately picked up a booking for an ugly foul.
Dante Cassanova (MF) – 6.0: A 29-minute cameo but spent it chasing red shirts as we tried to survive with ten men.
FANZINE MAN OF THE MATCH:
JAMIE DONLEY
While Sam Lewis deserves a medal for his 12 saves , Donley provided the one true moment of quality that proved these Division Two kids belong on the same pitch as the Premier League big boys.
Bazza’s Parting Shot: "Dudik needs to be cleaning the senior squad's boots for a month after that red card. Let's bounce back in group game four, lads!"
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Timbro
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Re: The Young Cockerels
BOAST RED MIST BURNS SPURS AS LOPEZ SNATCHES LATE WINNER FOR BOURNEMOUTH
By Barry "The Brick" Bazza – Screaming into my pillow at Hotspur Way
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR U23 2 - 3 BOURNEMOUTH U23
Scorers: Hinds (1), T. Thompson (86); Stuttle (36, 69), F. Lopez (90)
You have got to be kidding me. I thought the senior squad was the only branch of this football club capable of giving me an ulcer, but the Under-23s have officially stepped up to the plate. We welcomed Bournemouth to Hotspur Way for group game four in the League Cup, knowing a win would leave us sitting pretty. Instead, we got a match that started with absolute ecstasy, dissolved into a discipline disaster, and ended with a 90th-minute sucker punch that has left me absolutely sick.
A SIXTY-SECOND DREAM... A SIX-MINUTE NIGHTMARE
The match kicked off and we were dreaming. Literally inside the first minute, Ben Middlemas took a quick throw-in and picked out Tariq Hinds, who rose like a salmon to power a header into the net . 1-0 Spurs! I hadn't even found my seat and the lads were in front. But if you think Tottenham Hotspur can keep a lead cleanly, you haven't been paying attention for the last thirty years. In the 3rd minute, Bournemouth's J_Stuttle broke through and Ollie Boast hauled him down for a yellow card . Did Boast take a deep breath and calm down? Did he heck. Just three minutes later, he flew into a completely reckless, clumsy challenge on J_Day . FLASH. Second yellow, followed by the inevitable red. Six minutes on the clock, down to ten men, and our main striker is walking down the tunnel. Absolute brain-melt of the highest order, son.
THE CHERRIES TURN THE SCREW
Playing with ten men for 84 minutes is a death sentence, even with a lead. Bournemouth began to camp in our half, dominating chunks of play. In the 36th minute, the pressure told. F_Lopez picked out Stuttle, whose shot slammed off the post, hit Sam Lewis directly on the back, and rolled in for a horribly unlucky equalizer . 1-1 at the break. Tim Brown shuffled his deck in the second half, throwing on Ellis Lehane and Dante Cassanova, but the extra legs weren't enough to stop the onslaught. In the 69th minute, Day played a slide-rule pass to Stuttle, who coolly slotted it past Lewis to make it 2-1 to the visitors.
LATE DRAMA AND ULTIMATE HEARTBREAK
Just when I was writing off the afternoon, these kids showed that trademark grit. In the 86th minute, Tynan Thompson pounced on a rare defensive lapse from the Cherries and thundered home a magnificent downward header to make it 2-2 ! It was pure bedlam on the touchline —ten men fighting back to snatch what looked like a heroic point. But the footballing gods weren't done torturing us. As the clock ticked into the 90th minute, our tired midfield completely ran out of gas. C_Stevens threaded a ball through to F. Lopez, who unleashed an absolute rocket into the back of the net to seal a 3-2 victory for Bournemouth . To concede a winner in the final minute of normal time after fighting so hard is devastating. We had 51% possession despite the red card, but individual errors and a total lack of discipline have cost us the top spot in the group today.
POST-MATCH INTERVIEWS
Tim Brown (Spurs U23 Manager):
"I am furious about the discipline, to be completely frank. To get a red card inside six minutes completely destroys any tactical shape we worked on all week. Ollie [Boast] knows he has let the entire squad down today. Despite that, the character to pull it back to 2-2 through Tynan [Thompson] was incredible. To concede in the 90th minute because we lacked concentration is a very bitter pill to swallow. We have to grow up quickly."
F. Lopez (Bournemouth U23 Match Winner):"Tottenham made it incredibly difficult for us, even with ten men. When they equalized late on, we thought the chance had gone. But the coach told us to keep pushing, and when the ball fell to me in the 90th minute, I just laced it. It’s a massive three points for our cup run."
SPURS U23 PLAYER RATINGS
Sam Lewis (GK) – 5.5: Incredibly unlucky with the first goal deflecting off his back , but looked a bit tentative dealing with Bournemouth's late long-range efforts.
Theo Adelusi (DF) – 6.5: Put in two solid tackles and a vital interception before being rested for Byfield.
Malachi Hardy (DF) – 7.0: Had a very busy afternoon. Recorded three shots, including a volley that grazed the post, and defended stoutly.
Cayon Hanson (DF) – 6.0: Kept the line together well enough but got caught ball-watching for Stuttle’s second goal.
Charlie Sayers (DF) – 6.5: Cleared one off the line early on and put in a massive physical shift.
Tariq Hinds (DF) – 7.5: Scored an absolute beauty of a header in the first minute to give us hope . Subbed off on 60 minutes.
Pape Matar-Sarr (MF) – 6.0: Completely overrun in the engine room due to the man disadvantage. Replaced by Cassanova.
Ben Middlemas (MF) – 8.0 (SPURS MOTM): Magnificent shift. Provided a brilliant assist for Hinds , made two key tackles, and didn't stop running for the full 96 minutes.
Alfie Devine (MF) – 5.5: A peripheral figure today. The red card meant he spent the day tracking back rather than creating.
Jamie Donley (MF) – 6.5: Tried his best to connect the midfield to the non-existent attack. One late shot went wide .
Ollie Boast (FW) – 0.0: Two yellow cards in six minutes. Absolutely brainless display that completely compromised his teammates. He needs a long look in the mirror.
THE SUBS:
Ellis Lehane (FW) – 6.5: Replaced Hinds and brought energy , hitting a late deflected effort wide .
Dante Cassanova (MF) – 6.0: Came on for Matar-Sarr to shore things up but couldn't prevent the late winner.
Tynan Thompson (MF) – 7.5: Talk about an impact! Came on and scored a thumping 86th-minute equalizer that should have won us a point.
Jun'ai Byfield (DF) – 6.0: Slotted into the back five for the final 30 minutes.
FANZINE MAN OF THE MATCH: BEN MIDDLEMAS
While the result is a disaster, Middlemas played with the heart of a lion. An assist, total defensive discipline, and he deserved to be on the winning side today.
Bazza’s Parting Shot: "Ollie Boast owes every traveling fan a formal apology. Let's leave the red mist behind for the next one, eh lads?"
By Barry "The Brick" Bazza – Screaming into my pillow at Hotspur Way
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR U23 2 - 3 BOURNEMOUTH U23
Scorers: Hinds (1), T. Thompson (86); Stuttle (36, 69), F. Lopez (90)
You have got to be kidding me. I thought the senior squad was the only branch of this football club capable of giving me an ulcer, but the Under-23s have officially stepped up to the plate. We welcomed Bournemouth to Hotspur Way for group game four in the League Cup, knowing a win would leave us sitting pretty. Instead, we got a match that started with absolute ecstasy, dissolved into a discipline disaster, and ended with a 90th-minute sucker punch that has left me absolutely sick.
A SIXTY-SECOND DREAM... A SIX-MINUTE NIGHTMARE
The match kicked off and we were dreaming. Literally inside the first minute, Ben Middlemas took a quick throw-in and picked out Tariq Hinds, who rose like a salmon to power a header into the net . 1-0 Spurs! I hadn't even found my seat and the lads were in front. But if you think Tottenham Hotspur can keep a lead cleanly, you haven't been paying attention for the last thirty years. In the 3rd minute, Bournemouth's J_Stuttle broke through and Ollie Boast hauled him down for a yellow card . Did Boast take a deep breath and calm down? Did he heck. Just three minutes later, he flew into a completely reckless, clumsy challenge on J_Day . FLASH. Second yellow, followed by the inevitable red. Six minutes on the clock, down to ten men, and our main striker is walking down the tunnel. Absolute brain-melt of the highest order, son.
THE CHERRIES TURN THE SCREW
Playing with ten men for 84 minutes is a death sentence, even with a lead. Bournemouth began to camp in our half, dominating chunks of play. In the 36th minute, the pressure told. F_Lopez picked out Stuttle, whose shot slammed off the post, hit Sam Lewis directly on the back, and rolled in for a horribly unlucky equalizer . 1-1 at the break. Tim Brown shuffled his deck in the second half, throwing on Ellis Lehane and Dante Cassanova, but the extra legs weren't enough to stop the onslaught. In the 69th minute, Day played a slide-rule pass to Stuttle, who coolly slotted it past Lewis to make it 2-1 to the visitors.
LATE DRAMA AND ULTIMATE HEARTBREAK
Just when I was writing off the afternoon, these kids showed that trademark grit. In the 86th minute, Tynan Thompson pounced on a rare defensive lapse from the Cherries and thundered home a magnificent downward header to make it 2-2 ! It was pure bedlam on the touchline —ten men fighting back to snatch what looked like a heroic point. But the footballing gods weren't done torturing us. As the clock ticked into the 90th minute, our tired midfield completely ran out of gas. C_Stevens threaded a ball through to F. Lopez, who unleashed an absolute rocket into the back of the net to seal a 3-2 victory for Bournemouth . To concede a winner in the final minute of normal time after fighting so hard is devastating. We had 51% possession despite the red card, but individual errors and a total lack of discipline have cost us the top spot in the group today.
POST-MATCH INTERVIEWS
Tim Brown (Spurs U23 Manager):
"I am furious about the discipline, to be completely frank. To get a red card inside six minutes completely destroys any tactical shape we worked on all week. Ollie [Boast] knows he has let the entire squad down today. Despite that, the character to pull it back to 2-2 through Tynan [Thompson] was incredible. To concede in the 90th minute because we lacked concentration is a very bitter pill to swallow. We have to grow up quickly."
F. Lopez (Bournemouth U23 Match Winner):"Tottenham made it incredibly difficult for us, even with ten men. When they equalized late on, we thought the chance had gone. But the coach told us to keep pushing, and when the ball fell to me in the 90th minute, I just laced it. It’s a massive three points for our cup run."
SPURS U23 PLAYER RATINGS
Sam Lewis (GK) – 5.5: Incredibly unlucky with the first goal deflecting off his back , but looked a bit tentative dealing with Bournemouth's late long-range efforts.
Theo Adelusi (DF) – 6.5: Put in two solid tackles and a vital interception before being rested for Byfield.
Malachi Hardy (DF) – 7.0: Had a very busy afternoon. Recorded three shots, including a volley that grazed the post, and defended stoutly.
Cayon Hanson (DF) – 6.0: Kept the line together well enough but got caught ball-watching for Stuttle’s second goal.
Charlie Sayers (DF) – 6.5: Cleared one off the line early on and put in a massive physical shift.
Tariq Hinds (DF) – 7.5: Scored an absolute beauty of a header in the first minute to give us hope . Subbed off on 60 minutes.
Pape Matar-Sarr (MF) – 6.0: Completely overrun in the engine room due to the man disadvantage. Replaced by Cassanova.
Ben Middlemas (MF) – 8.0 (SPURS MOTM): Magnificent shift. Provided a brilliant assist for Hinds , made two key tackles, and didn't stop running for the full 96 minutes.
Alfie Devine (MF) – 5.5: A peripheral figure today. The red card meant he spent the day tracking back rather than creating.
Jamie Donley (MF) – 6.5: Tried his best to connect the midfield to the non-existent attack. One late shot went wide .
Ollie Boast (FW) – 0.0: Two yellow cards in six minutes. Absolutely brainless display that completely compromised his teammates. He needs a long look in the mirror.
THE SUBS:
Ellis Lehane (FW) – 6.5: Replaced Hinds and brought energy , hitting a late deflected effort wide .
Dante Cassanova (MF) – 6.0: Came on for Matar-Sarr to shore things up but couldn't prevent the late winner.
Tynan Thompson (MF) – 7.5: Talk about an impact! Came on and scored a thumping 86th-minute equalizer that should have won us a point.
Jun'ai Byfield (DF) – 6.0: Slotted into the back five for the final 30 minutes.
FANZINE MAN OF THE MATCH: BEN MIDDLEMAS
While the result is a disaster, Middlemas played with the heart of a lion. An assist, total defensive discipline, and he deserved to be on the winning side today.
Bazza’s Parting Shot: "Ollie Boast owes every traveling fan a formal apology. Let's leave the red mist behind for the next one, eh lads?"