Spurs 2-2 Fulham U18s - John's verdict

John McDermott saluted our Under-18s for the way they recovered from a slow start to draw 2-2 against league leaders Fulham.

A brace from Daniel Akindayini saw us overturn a 1-0 deficit in the Barclays Under-18 Premier League on Saturday, but we conceded an equaliser just before half-time with the points ultimately being shared.

Academy Manager John spoke afterwards about how his displeasure at our opening to the game was tempered by a much improved display from the mid-way point of the first half onwards.

“I was really disappointed with our first 15 or 20 minutes when we were sluggish and a little bit lethargic,” he began. “But saying that, I thought our reaction to going 1-0 down was excellent, although I was a little bit disappointed with their second goal.

“I was really pleased with our second half performance and I thought we edged it on chances and on style. We were a little bit unfortunate not to get a penalty and we hit the woodwork.

“It was a good game in horribly windy conditions but we saw a really good spectacle from both sides. I’m really pleased with how we played for the last 70 minutes.”

John lauded the defensive partnership of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Connor Ogilvie after they helped keep the Cottagers contained in the second period – while Akindayini’s double goalscoring performance also drew his praise.

“I thought Cameron Carter-Vickers and Connor Ogilvie were excellent at the back, Luke Amos passed the test in the last 70 minutes, Josh Onomah, Harry Winks and Filip Lesniak were excellent and I was pleased for Daniel Akindayini to get his goal,” John added.

“I’ll watch the game again and while it would have been nice to get the three points and that third goal, I thought there were some very, very good players on the pitch.”