Tottenham Under-18s finish training camp in Ireland with a narrow defeat to Cork City
The young Tottenham stars had spent the week training in Ireland before taking on Cork City Under-19s.
The match, which took place on 21 July, ended 1-0 in favour of the hosts and was played in front of a strong crowd, with over 900 people in attendance, which included members of the Official Supporters Club at Bishoptown Stadium.
Cork’s Alex Kelliher scored inside the opening 12 minutes and Spurs were never able to recover from this goal, although would have taken plenty of valuable learning and experience away from the match.
Many of the club’s brightest academy talents were on display including Damola Ajayi, who has recently been spotted training with the first team, and Mikey Moore, the talented 15-year-old who has committed his future to the club by penning a new deal.
Cork keeper Daniel Moynihan, who has played with the Irish side’s first team, was in inspired form and kept Spurs’ youngsters out, most noticeably during an impressive spell for the visitors at the end of the first half.
Moore and Callum Olusesi both saw chances denied by Moynihan at the near post and the keeper once again made a spectacular save in the 39th minute, clawing away Ajayi’s header.
Teenager Yusuf Akhamrich, 17, tried his luck from 18 yards in stoppage time as Spurs searched for a late equaliser but the winger saw his shot saved and Cork were able to see out the win.
Despite the defeat, the match would have still been incredibly important for Spurs’ young stars as they get used to playing against teams overseas and get some minutes and match fitness under their belt ahead of a new season.
Many of the players on display against Cork will have aspirations of kicking on and moving up the ranks next season and games like this will only help those aspirations.
In other Tottenham news, Alfie Dorrington is one youngster who could soon be making the step up himself.