Wednesday, March 27, 2013

West Brom U-21s v Spurs U-21s, 25.03.13 - Spurs Oddysey

This match was due to be played at the training ground but was moved due to the bad weather yesterday. The Hawthorns pitch was cleared of snow but, because the surrounding areas were still covered in snow, no spectators were allowed to watch. I joined the scouts in Executive boxes in the East stand which gave a good view but it was hard to identfy the home players in their striped shirts. I apologise for any mistakes in the home side as my eyes are not as sharp as they used to be.

Spurs lined up with Hall and Fryers at the back with Fredericks at right back and Byrne on the left. Huddlestone anchored the midfield with Bentaleb and Luongo while Parrett again led the line with McEvoy on his right and Ceballos on his left.

Spurs kicked off attacking the south end and their quick passing game soon had them on top of the home side. Ceballos cut in from the left and fired over. with Parrett sent through just after to drive over as well. Switching wings, Ceballos cut inside and drew a save from Daniels before he sent Fredericks away down the right to cross for Parrett to head over.

Ceballos was the player being found by Spurs most often and he forced another save from Daniels. Against the run of play Albion almost scored when Roofe crossed from the right and Nabi drove his effort from the edge of the area forcing Miles into a reflex save that rebounded into the path of Sawyers. Miles was up quickly to push the second effort away for a corner.

A minute later, Spurs were in front when Parrett sent Ceballos away down the right and his cross was headed home by Bentaleb. It did not take the visitors long to increase their lead when Ceballos robbed Jones to play in Parrett who scored past the unprotected keeper.

Another break ended when Hall blocked Sawyer's effort before McEvoy found himself running onto a loose ball with only the keeper to beat. Unfortunately Daniels got a hand to his low effort to concede a corner. Ceballos dribbled into the area before being tripped by Atkinson. The referee allowed the advantage at first but when Daniels blocked Parrett's effort he awarded the penalty. Ceballos stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way to increase the visitors' lead. The young Spaniard almost got another goal when his low drive from the edge of the area hit the left goalpost.

There were no changes for the second half which saw Spurs continue to dominate the game. Daniels saved a free kick from Ceballos before conceding another goal. Ceballos got down the right and crossed to the far post where Bentaleb directed his header over the keeper for his second and Spurs' fourth.

With the game won Spurs made three substitutions with Dombaxe replacing Luongo in midfield, Gallifuoco replaced Byrne at the back with Fryers moving to left back, and Parrett was replaced by Michael-Percil who went to the right side with McEvoy moving into the middle.

Ceballos cut in from the left only to be foiled by Daniels diving at his feet. Nabi got his head to a cross but saw it fly wide of the far post. Fryers got down the left and played in Bentaleb for a chance that was saved. Another cross looped up from Ceballos onto the roof of the net. With Spurs looking to see out the game O'Neil saw his long range effort saved by Miles who also saved a header by centre back Daniels from a free kick.

This was a very one-sided match with Spurs so much on top that if they had reached double figures it would not have been a surprise. They repeated their 4-0 scoreline from the home game as they stretched their lead at the top of the group to seven points from second placed Manchester United and eight points from Liverpool who they play next Monday at Anfield.

More Info: Unión Española - Iquique - Chilean Primera División

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