With momentum firmly in their favour, West Ham continued to press Spurs back, dictating the tempo and keeping them pinned in their own half.
However, Tottenham almost regained the lead against the run of play in the 72nd minute. Substitute Reiss Elliot-Parris held the ball up, drawing the attention of two defenders, before threading a perfect pass to Oliver. One-on-one with Awesu, Oliver looked destined to score, but the West Ham goalkeeper produced an outstanding save with his legs to deny him. Moments later, Awesu was called into action again, thwarting Elliot-Parris in another one-on-one situation to keep his side on level terms.
Spurs were then handed a golden opportunity to seal the three points when George Feeney won a penalty after drawing a foul from Hargan. Substitute Tye Hall stepped up but could only watch as his effort crashed against the crossbar.
The closing stages were end-to-end, with both sides pushing for a winner, but defences stood firm, and the final whistle confirmed a point apiece.
West Ham United U18s: Awesu, Ebho (Chigwada 82), Scanlon (Beckford 63), Medine, Oyebade ©, Kamara, Unwin (Onyeka-Fejokwu 87), Hargan, Landers, Sowunmi, Dike (Balogun 82)
Sub not used: Hooper (GK)
Goal: Ebho 49
Booked: Unwin, Oyebade
Tottenham Hotspur U18s: Archer ©, Hardy, Byrne, Byfield, Upson, Moncur (Batty 79), Adewole, Bangura (Feeney 54), Lehane (Elliot-Parris 71), Oliver, Thompson (Hall 79)
Sub not used: Irow (GK)
Goal: Lehane 37
Booked: Feeney
Coggin: We’re starting to see more characters emerging from the group
Returning from international duty where he helped England U17s secure their spot at the U17 European championships, goalkeeper Lanre Awesu showed exactly why he is so highly thought of in the Young Lions set up, making three incredible saves to make sure the U18s didn’t leave Tottenham empty handed.
“To see Lanre [Awesu] represent his country, alongside Chinaza [Nwosu], was fantastic,” Coggin reflected. “The number of players we've had called up to international squads in recent seasons is a real testament to the work being done here at the Academy. Lanre’s come back and put in another outstanding performance today, which has earned us a deserved point. It’s a brilliant day for everyone.”
Facing the highest scoring team in the division in Tottenham Hotspur, Coggin’s side held Spurs to just one goal thanks to a solid collective performance from the back line and an outstanding game from Awesu between the sticks.
“We knew Tottenham would offer a strong attacking threat, and we spoke before the game about needing to suffer in certain moments We did that as a collective today. It’s so important for this group to go through those moments together and earn a point that reflects their hard work. On the flip side, we created big moments for ourselves. It’s where we can be a little bit critical, those key moments in the final pass or final action.”
Coggin was also pleased with the maturity shown by his youthful squad, which featured three U16s and seven first-year scholars, including players operating in unfamiliar roles.
“Managing momentum is something we've spoken about a lot, especially with the young group we’ve got and players playing out of position," he said. "Aaron Kamara, for example, was outstanding at centre-half today. We’re starting to see more characters emerging from the group, players taking more responsibility which is exactly what we’re after. Managing those moments has been crucial for us.”
Continuing his impressive form, U16s wing-back Riley Ebho netted his first goal for the U18s having registered assists in each of his last two games.
“I think it’s been a long time coming for Riley,” he smiled. “Maybe he could’ve had one more today! But the way he approached the game, his athleticism, his ability in one-on-one situations, and his improvements defensively, was fantastic.”