Spurs 5-2 WBA U21s - Paul's verdict

Coach Paul Brush hailed the “great attitude” of our Under-21s as they cruised to a 5-2 victory against West Bromwich Albion.

A first half brace from Harry Kane added to earlier strikes from Kenny McEvoy and Connor Ogilvie, before Shaq Coulthirst rounded off the scoring in the second period at the Training Centre on Monday.

Reflecting on a dominant performance, Paul was particularly impressed with the way the lads responded to conceding – both Kemar Roofe’s goals for the visitors were swiftly cancelled out as we struck back at the other end on each occasion.

“It’s never pleasing to concede a goal but we weren’t affected and it didn’t change the way we played,” said Paul. “We did concede one in each half, but we carried on playing the way we wanted to.

“It was a very pleasing first half with quality movement and a great attitude throughout.

“It was good that we didn’t let it drop too much in the second half. It was a bit more difficult playing with the wind against us and we probably didn’t have as many shots and efforts at goal in the second half as we’d have liked.

“But it was a professional display and there were some really good individual performances by some young players who obviously we feel have got a great deal of promise.”

One of said youngsters was Connor Ogilvie, one of the stars of our successful Under-18s side who was once again promoted to the Under-21s set-up for the game.

Marking only his third appearance at the higher level, the left-footed defender got himself on the scoresheet with a fine right-footed finish from inside the area – something that drew praise from Paul afterwards.

“It was such a good finish I wasn’t sure it was him with his right foot!” Paul joked. “But the boy has made tremendous strides this year in the youth side and he has scored a couple of goals getting forward, but to slot in with his right foot into the bottom corner did make him look like a forward.

“The young youth team players just looked that little bit more comfortable today. It’s the second or third time they’ve played in this team and they showed a great deal of promise. They’ve got great attributes but they blended in today and we’re really pleased with the way it’s gone.”