A first-half brace from Kazaiah Sterling did the trick as our Under-18s won 2-1 at Swansea City in the Barclays Under-18 Premier League on Saturday (February 6).

The front man was to the fore as we stormed out of the blocks at the Swans’ Landore Training Ground and took a two-goal lead inside 20 minutes.

The hosts did manage to pull a goal back with just under a quarter-of-an-hour left, but we saw out the closing stages to complete a well-earned victory.

After an overnight stay in south Wales we came out firing on all cylinders and grabbed the lead just two minutes in, Sterling combining well with Jack Roles before finishing well past Swansea goalkeeper Lewis Thomas.

It could have been 2-0 moments later but Marcus Edwards volleyed wide, with midfield colleague Dylan Duncan also seeing a couple of chances go begging – the first going into the side netting and the second flying over the top – as we kept the pressure on.

Thomas made a couple of important stops, but he could do nothing to keep out Sterling’s effort on 20 minutes. Joe Muscatt’s cross from the right was headed down by Duncan and Sterling duly doubled his tally from inside the box.

Liam Cullen saw a shot blocked for Swansea, but we went in at half-time deservedly ahead.

The second period was a tighter affair and the home side almost pulled a goal back straight after the restart when substitute Jordan Garrick raced through, but goalkeeper Tom McDermott was equal to his effort.

Keanan Bennetts was denied by Thomas on the hour mark before McDermott intervened once more, diving to tip Cullen’s header behind.

Edwards shot over for us before Swansea’s Aaron Lewis made it 2-1 in the 76th minute with a 22-yard free-kick which went up and over the wall before dipping into the corner.

However, we stayed strong at the back to ensure we held onto our advantage until full-time.

Spurs U18s: McDermott, Muscatt, Tsaroulla, Owens, Mukena, Maghoma (c), Edwards, Roles (Marsh 72), Sterling (Loft 61), Duncan, Bennetts (Tracey 61). Substitute (not used): Whiteman (GK).



Above: Joy Mukena on the ball (pics: James Snaith/Swansea City AFC).

Elsewhere, Samuel Shashoua scored for England Under-17s as they drew 1-1 with Portugal in their first game at the Algarve Tournament on Friday (February 5). Samuel, who started for the Young Lions alongside club team-mates Japhet Tanganga and Jaden Brown, struck early in the second half to secure a share of the spoils for his side. England next take on Germany on Sunday afternoon.