U21 Report: Saints 2-1 Spurs

Strong and direct attacking play from Saints saw them exploit space in behind their opponents, which helped them take the lead through Romeo Akachukwu, fresh from an appearance off the bench for the first team at Cardiff on Wednesday night.

Spurs levelled just before half time, but Saints regained their lead and took the three points thanks to Princewill Ehibhatiomhan’s winner.

It was the visitors who had the first opportunity of the game on 15 minutes though, when a low cross was cut back to Callum Olusesi whose effort bent narrowly wide of the far post.

Saints timed one of their runs in behind to perfection as Akachukwu broke through on the right and squared across goal for Ehibhatiomhan, but his close-range shot was well blocked by goalkeeper Luca Gunter.

The game had opened up and both sides looked capable of breaking the deadlock; Spurs striker Jaden Williams had a big chance from close range after an intricate move, but Jayden Moore got back on the line well to block.

With 25 minutes played, Saints finally took the lead and once again it was a measured ball over the top that created the chance.

Will Armitage picked his pass well to bend the ball into the path of Akachukwu, who did the rest by holding off a Spurs challenge and finishing expertly across goal.

Romeo Akachukwu capped off a memorable week with a goal. (Photos: Craig Hobbs)

The opening goal gave the hosts a further boost and they almost found a second goal, when Brandon Charles’ low ball to the front post area was fired over the crossbar by Ehibhatiomhan.

The opportunities continued for both sides and, after Jay Robinson and Jaden Williams had placed shots wide in quick succession, Spurs levelled when pressure from Olusesi allowed him to slot calmly past Adli Mohamed.

Into the second half, Saints began brightly as Ehibhatiomhan swivelled on a loose ball on the area and fired just wide.

A good spell of possession for the visitors followed and they were inches away from snatching the lead when a ball flew across goal and evaded goalscorer Olusesi on the goal line.

However, Saints saw out the pressure and regained the lead themselves.

Derrick Abu’s swerving strike from long range proved too hot to handle for visiting goalkeeper Gunter, and the lively Ehibhatiomhan was on hand to turn home the rebound.

Princewill Ehibhatiomhan celebrates his second goal in three games.

The game continued to be free flowing and Spurs kept probing for a way through; Yusuf Akhamrich saw a shot fly wide after cutting in off the right, and substitute Oliver Irow struck an effort straight at Mohamed.

Saints stuck to their task well and produced two big chances to kill the game off in the closing minutes, but Ehibhatiomhan and Akachukwu couldn't add to their tallies.

Strong resilience at the back saw Saints hold on to claim a second win of the season from their first three Premier League 2 fixtures.

Saints are back in action again on Friday 13th September when they travel to face West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League Cup, with kick off set for 7pm.

Saints: Mohamed, Abu, Reeves, Moore, Armitage, Rohart-Brown (Myers 79), Charles (Lett 66), O'Brien-Whitmarsh (c), Ehibhatiomhan, Akachukwu, Robinson.

Subs not used: Shombe, Hewlett.

Goals: Akachukwu 25, Ehibhatiomhan 61.

Yellow Cards: Rohart-Brown.

Spurs: Gunter, McKnight, King (Linton 79), Cassanova (c), Andiyapan Hall, Akhamrich, Olusesi, Williams, Ajayi (Kyerematen 76), Moore (Irow 62).

Subs not used: Maguie, Baptiste.

Goals: Olusesi 41.

Yellow Cards: Olusesi.