Cambridge United played host to Tottenham Hotspur in the opening Academy Stadium game of the 2017/18 season, with the visitors taking the spoils 1-3 on the night.
United stayed strong during the early stages, with a string of superb saves from the U’s goalkeeper keeping the score line unblemished for a large period of the first half against a lively Spurs outfit.
However, the deadlock was broken six minutes before the break when a Tottenham free kick was initially blocked by the U’s wall before the rebound was smashed convincingly into the bottom right corner.
Spurs doubled their lead soon after half time from a corner which was bundled in, but the young U’s side continued to show good fight in the second period and managed to gain a foothold in the game against their Premier League opponents.
Their character was rewarded ten minutes before the full time whistle when a well-placed cross from the right hand side was slid into the Spurs net to pull a deserved goal back.
However, Tottenham had the final say with a mid-range effort which squirmed its way into the bottom right corner. However, it was a performance and experience to be proud of for all concerned in Amber and Black.
Youth Development Phase Lead Coach, Luke Chadwick commented: “It was obviously a hugely positive evening, to have our Under 16’s play in front of a crowd of nearly 700 people against a side like Tottenham Hotspur.
“It’s an incredible life experience for all of the boys involved tonight. Regardless of what they go on to achieve, it’s a memory they will be able to take into the rest of their lives, which is fantastic.
“The result isn’t the be all and end all at this particular age group, we are looking more at the development of each player both personally and from a football perspective. And there is no doubting this evening is a huge success in that regard.”
Attendance | 678