Manchester United travelled to Stevenage FC’s home, the Lamex Stadium, where Tottenham house many of their PL2 games. Spurs had enjoyed their last PL2 game here on Monday when they ran out as 5-1 winners over a 9th placed Wolves U23 side.
United, usually known for their prestigious academy, were languishing in 16th place, the last position in the table that qualifies for when the league enters its new, swiss-style format, where the top 16 head into a knockout tournament after 20 league games to battle it out for the title.
U23’s manager, Wayne Burnett, opted to keep his side the same from their last fixture, and after just sixteen minutes, just like they have most of the season, Spurs’ opened the scoring.
It will be of little shock to anyone that the prolific Will Lankshear turned in the ball to collect his 16th goal of the campaign, as well as handing Spurs the lead. Although, the goal was just as much about Donley and Soonsup-Bell as it was about Lankshear.
Wayne Burnett spoke in a club interview in midweek stating how he believes Jude Soonsup-Bell is ‘clever enough to play off the right’ despite originally arriving at the club ‘as a nine’ (Spurs Academy on X).
The goal reflected such an observation as well. Donley initially put in a wicked cross which just surpassed Lankshear, but Soonsup-Bell, perhaps due to his striker’s instinct, half-volleyed the ball back across the box where he knew his striker would be lurking.
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It was a move that exemplified the attacking talent that Tottenham’s academy currently holds at the moment with three of some of England’s hottest talents all combining in a fast-paced attacking move.
Spurs who have so often cruised to victory this season as soon as they score, switched off from straight after their goal. A long ball forward seconds after the restart appeared to take the Tottenham defence by surprise as Rio Kyerematen could only head the ball as far as to Dante Cassanova who didn’t have time to deal with the poor header.
Ethan Williams helped the loose ball onto Ruben Curley, whose long-range effort was superb and well out of reach for Luca Gunter in the Tottenham net.
Tottenham did reply also to United’s equaliser within minutes as Rio Kyerematen stroked the ball into the corner, but the goal was immediately chalked off as offside due to the ball bouncing off of Soonsup-Bell in the build-up, who was illegally behind the defensive line.
In the 24th minute, Tottenham went behind in a game for the first time since their defeat to Everton back in early March. Ethan Williams picked up another assist his low cross couldn’t be stopped by either Abbott or Kyerematen. Striker, Gabriel Biancheri, then smartly drifted towards the back post to tap home the cross and make it 2-1 to the visitors.
Jamie Donley did pull a goal back before halftime for Spurs as the 19-year-old lofted a ball in behind the defence for Yago Santiago. Man United’s goalkeeper, Dermot Mee, did manage to meet the ball, punching it away and leaving Santiago on the deck as collateral damage.
The ball wasn’t out of danger yet though for the Red Devils as Tyrese Hall cut the loose ball back to Donley who delicately lifted a shot over the entire Manchester United backline and goalkeeper.
United were certainly not pleased with the goal standing after their goalkeeper fell over the hurt, but offside, Yago Santiago, who remained on the deck, but Donley’s finish was so spectacular it was almost guaranteed the goalkeeper wouldn’t have denied the Spurs attacking midfielder.
After the break both sides continued to relentlessly attack, but to no reward. Manchester United may have had the higher volume of chances, with various players taking long shots and coming close, but the opportunities with the most quality fell to Spurs.
Jude Soonsup-Bell appeared to be bewildered about how he missed a one-on-one opportunity towards the end of the game. Spurs’ other big chance was courtesy of the familiar suspect, Jamie Donley, who played a first-time ball on the turn from deep into the on-running Yago Santiago.
Yago chose to try and lift the ball over the top of the goalkeeper but the oncoming Dermot Mee predicted the Spaniard thinking perfectly as he raised a hand, denying Santiago and Tottenham of a potential winner.
Spurs had to settle for the 2-2 draw, now turning their attention towards Friday where they will play a third-placed Fulham side in the penultimate game of the league season before the knockout stages.
Tottenham U21 Player Ratings
Luca Gunter – 7
Often recovered under hit passes with his anticipation and cannot be blamed for either of the visitor’s goals.
Tyrell Ashcroft – 6.5
Performed his role with no errors and often overlapped Soonsup-Bell to good effect, delivering numerous dangerous crosses, although he had a tough time dealing with Ethan Williams who impressed.
Dante Cassanova – 6
Had a tricky game dealing with the lively Gabriel Biancheri and played a part in giving United their opener.
Charlie Sayers – 7.5
An impressive display as he diligently went about his defensive duties, but in the second half also offered something offensively, frequently driving out of defence with the ball and seeking to either invite pressure or create chances, much like Cristian Romero.
George Abbott – 6.5
Much like Ashcroft, went about his duties and performed them to a good standard, winning multiple fouls and holding on the ball impressively for such a young player.
Tyrese Hall – 7.5
His dribbling and quick-thinking was once again a valuable asset to Tottenham’s play. Was a key role in Tottenham’s second, choosing to quickly cut back the ball for Donley rather than wait or go for goal himself.
Yago Santiago – 6.5
As usual, his individual ability shone through, worrying the Manchester United full-backs every time the ball was at his feet, but will be frustrated to miss the chance to win the game
Jude Soonsup-Bell – 7
Like Santiago, will be annoyed to miss a chance to win the game, as was reflected on his face when substituted in the closing minutes, but his overall performance was commendable, his cross for Lankshear’s goal was crucial to the goal and often beat his man and caused a chance.
Jamie Donley – 9 (MOTM)
A very impressive display from the 19-year-old. Donley at times was both Tottenham’s creative source as well as their finisher. His goal spoke to his creativity and inventiveness as a player, the sheer volume of chances he creates was enough to get the man of the match in itself, let alone his goal.
Will Lankshear – 8
Was perhaps unlucky that more chances didn’t fall to him, always looks a threat inside the box, rarely missing big chances, and got on the scoresheet yet again. His constant pressure upon both the defence, and often the linesman/referee, often adds a bit to his own game as well as the team, offering a bit of bite that some youth teams can lack.
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