Match Review: Boro U21s 1 Tottenham Hotspur U21s 2

A late goal denied Boro a deserved point against league leaders Tottenham Hotspur at the Riverside.

Mark Tinkler’s youngsters recovered from conceding early and had chances to win the game, but Spurs stole the points with a winner two minutes from time.

The game was barely two minutes old when the visitors took the lead, courtesy of a Will Lankshear strike, and that paved the way for an entertaining contest with chances falling at both ends.

Sonny Finch was denied an immediate reply by a good defensive block and he also headed wide from close range after a Pharrell Willis cross.

Yacoub Traore also sent a shot over the top after good work by Law McCabe.

Tottenham had a couple of opportunities – Shea O’Connor denying Nile John – and Willis also tested the visiting goalkeeper.

Connor was called into action again to thwart both Tyrese Hall and Lankshear while Willis and Traore were denied at the other end.

The leveller came in the second minute of stoppage time when Gitau converted, following good work by Ajay Matthews.

The visitors had an opportunity to restore their lead early in the second half when George Abbot fired wide from the tightest of angles, and when Willis crossed for Finch, the Boro man shot wide from close range.

Finch was also denied by the keeper as Boro looked to take the advantage in the contest.

Yago Santiago had an opportunity for Spurs with 15 minutes left, but he couldn’t apply the finishing touch and it was Boro who looked to finish with a flourish by grabbing a winner.

Matthews and Luke Woolston shot wide while Sam Collins tested the goalkeeper, but it was Tottenham who nicked the points with two minutes remaining courtesy of Damola Ajayi goal.

Six added minutes gave Boro hope, and Finch and Woolston both had efforts saved, but there was to be no way back.