U’s U16S DRAW 2-2 WITH SPURS IN FRONT OF BUMPER HOME CROWD
Cambridge United’s U15s/16s held Tottenham Hotspur to a 2-2 draw in front of superb 1,067 supporters at the Cambs Glass Stadium for the first showcase Academy game of the 2016/17 season.
Twice the U’s led in the match before being pegged back by their higher ranked opponents in a highly competitive fixture.
United, clearly buoyed by the sizeable home crowd were quick out the blocks, snatching the lead after just four minutes off the back of a blistering counter attacking move.
The visitors equalised soon after the break from the penalty spot, but United responded by converting a penalty of their own minutes later to restore their one goal advantage.
However, Spurs registered once more from the penalty spot to level the game seven minutes from time to complete a 2-2 score line.
Cambridge United Youth Development Phase Lead Coach Tom Pell commented after the game: “We are really pleased with the performance, especially with the way the boys reacted in the second half, following what we had discussed at half time.
“We may be a little unfortunate not to win the game in the second half with the chances that we created, but on reflection the creativity that Tottenham produced in the first half meant it was the right result.
“In the first half we perhaps showed them a little too much respect. But ultimately the boys had a really good go in the final 45 minutes and were it not for some slightly more clinical finishing at times and a slice of luck, we go home with the win.
“Overall it was a great experience for them that they will hopefully be able to take into many weeks, months and years ahead.”
Discussing the fantastic turnout for the fixture, Pell added: “We can’t thank all the supporters who came out tonight to support the boys enough, because it makes the experience so much more valuable.
“It gives them all something to aspire to going forward as well as also giving the boys within the Academy at younger age groups to look forward to taking part in future years.”
Cambridge United’s Under 18s are in action at the Cambs Glass Stadium on Tuesday 1st November (Kick off 7:00pm) against Beaconsfield SYCOB in FA Youth Cup Action. Tickets are available online here.