Lads suffer Auxerre defeat

Our Development Squad rued missed chances after succumbing to a 1-0 defeat to Auxerre in their final outing at the National Under-21 Tournament in France on Sunday.

Anton Walkes had an effort ruled out for off-side in the first half as we came out firing in Ploufragan, but a late chip from Nils Bouekou ensured it was Auxerre who claimed victory in one of several play-off matches taking place on the day.

Emmanuel Sonupe couldn’t apply the finishing touch after a good break forward as we made a lively start while Ruben Lameiras tried his luck from range, but it was comfortable for Auxerre goalkeeper Salhi.

Walkes had the ball in the net on 18 minutes but was denied by the linesman’s flag, before Will Miller set up Shaq Coulthirst to let fly – his effort well saved by the keeper.

Salhi was called into action again shortly afterwards, saving Miller’s effort from 12 yards, before Jon Obika clipped the ball just wide of the post.

We were eventually made to pay for our missed chances as Bouekou beat goalkeeper Harry Voss from the edge of the box in the dying moments to put his side in front.

Obika might have snatched a late equaliser, but Salhi remained alert and denied him in a one-on-one situation.

Spurs: Voss, Ball, Walker-Peters, Lesniak, Carter-Vickers, Walkes, Sonupe, Miller, Obika, Coulthirst, Lameiras.