Young Spurs XI passed Daggers test - Ugo

Ugo Ehiogu praised the defence as our Spurs XI team overcame League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge 2-1 on Saturday.

A goal in each half from Jon Obika and Cristian Cebellos secured a hard-fought friendly win at Victoria Road.

We had the better of the first half and were denied on numerous occasions by home goalkeeper Liam O’Brien but the Daggers responded in the second half, pulled a goal back on 72 minutes through Christian Doidge and pushed for an equaliser.

“It was a real test of League Two attributes, it was physical, they had pace, good old-fashioned play and we matched it well,” said coach Ugo, a centre-half capped by England during his career.

“We only had two natural defenders in the team so to only concede one goal, the back four were superb.

“It’s a big learning curve for these lads as well, to see out the game under the onslaught of crosses, balls in behind, pace down the sides. Dagenham had a real go so it was a good test.

“Dominic Ball was outstanding, just coming back from a long-term injury. Alex McQueen was also very good defensively and we saw it out well.

“I thought at times we turned down passing opportunities to get into pockets in the final third but on the whole, we were pleased.

“Their goalkeeper made three or four great saves and we were very good in-between both penalty areas, but we have to be more clinical with our finishing.”

The Spurs XI team now prepare for Tuesday night’s friendly against Cambridge United at the R Costings Abbey Stadium, kick-off 7.45pm.