U18 Report: Saints 3-3 Spurs

Spurs held a two-goal lead at half time after goals from Tynan Thompson and Ellis Lehane, but Saints hit back with an early goal in the second half from Korban McMullan.

A frantic end to the game saw Saints equalise through Sufianu Silllah Dibaga, before Spurs regained the lead in their next attack. However, a late rebounded penalty in stoppage time from Nick Oyekunle gave Saints a point for their efforts.

A bright start from Calum McFarlane's side saw them put the pressure on Spurs early, and Oyekunle was inches away from an opening goal when he stretched to make contact with Abdul Okonola-Matthews’ excellent cross.

Spurs responded with some positive football of their own and their first shot of the afternoon, from Luca Williams-Barnett, was blocked away for a corner.

The visitors then went closer when left back Harry Byrne’s low free kick was deflected narrowly over in a very open first half hour.

Sillah Dibaga's driving run and through pass created a close range opportunity for Harry Gathercole that was blocked, before Spurs' Harry Byrne went close once again with a fizzed, long-range strike.

Saints tussled with Spurs in a lively start. (Photos: Craig Hobbs)

Eventually the deadlock was broken and it was Spurs who opened the scoring, as Thompson seized upon a chance in the penalty area and fired low into the net.

Saints ended the half with a good chance for McMullan, but a breakaway goal finished by Lehane chipped effort ensured a two-goal advantage going into the break.

Saints would have been looking for a quick response after the break, and that's just what they got on 55 minutes after working an opportunity for McMullan to squeeze home.

They were then almost level when Oyekunle worked himself room for a left footed shot on the right side of the box, but his effort curled just over the joint of post and crossbar.

Saints' striker went close again as his side mounted more pressure in the final 15 minutes, when his skidding effort from just outside the area was tipped wide by Spurs’ Archer in goal.

Spurs got the ideal opportunity to confirm their win late on when they were awarded a penalty for a tangle just inside the Saints area, but it was wasted by Luca Williams-Barnett as he lofted his spot-kick over the bar.

The game opened up once again with the next goal being crucial in deciding the final result; Oyekunle went close when he scooped over at the near post before Williams-Barnett almost made amends for his missed penalty with a fierce strike.

Saints stuck to their task well though, and duly got their equaliser with four minutes remaining as Sillah Dibaga received the ball on the edge of the area and smashed home high into the net.

Despite this, Spurs hit back immediately and retook the lead in the next attack, when Herbie James tucked home from close range.

The late drama was not done there, as Saints earned a penalty of their own when substitute Leo Rodella was tripped just inside the box.

After seeing his initial spot-kick saved, Oyekunle turned home the rebound to level the tie and seal a dramatic point.

Saints are in action again on Saturday 28th September when they travel away to face Norwich City in the Under-18 Premier League, with kick off set for 11am.

Saints: Abbotson, Okonola-Matthews (Rodella 71), Dobson-Ventura (c), Sewell, Sesay, McMullan, Gathercole, Daley, Oyekunle, Martin (Newman 71), Sillah Dibaga.

Subs not used: Upstell, Pitts, Goremusandu.

Goals: McMullan 55, Sillah Dibaga 86, Oyekunle 90+4.

Yellow Cards: Sewell, Oyekunle, Daley.

Spurs: Archer (c), Adewole, Byrne, Byfield, Hardy, Beggs, Moncur (James 66), Feeney, Lehane (Elliot-Parris 53), Williams-Barnett (Bangura 90), Thompson (89)

Subs not used: Logan.

Goals: Thompson 35, Lehane 45+2, James 87.

Yellow Cards: James, Byrne.