Spurs U21s lose to Exeter City in Bristol St Motors trophy

On Tuesday evening, Wayne Burnett's Spurs U21 side fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of League One side Exeter City in their second game of the 24/25 Bristol St Motors trophy competition.

Burnett's side had beaten Bristol Rovers via a penalty shootout for an extra point in their first game, but plenty of players who played that night were not available. Will Lankshear and Mikey Moore are seen as senior players, whilst the skipper that night George Abbott is on loan at League Two side Notts County.

For the task at hand, Burnett went with a lineup of; Luca Gunter; Max Robson, Alfie Dorrington, Dante Cassanova (c), Maeson King; Oyindamola Ajayi, Callum Olusei, Leo Black; Yusuf Akhamrich, Jaden Williams, Oliver Irow.

Spurs U21s lose to Exeter City in Bristol St Motors trophy

Spurs failed to create chances in the first half, despite having 63% possession as their hosts were happy to bunker in and defend deep, whilst creating opportunities on the break. Irow went closest with an effort that went wide after 22 minutes.

The second half was a bit better performance-wise, but the hosts took the lead on 56 minutes and never let it go. After 64 minutes, Maxwell McKnight replaced Dorrington and Tyrese Hall replaced Irow in what seemed like a more forced substitution.

With ten minutes to go, Burnett introduced Jahziah Linton, William Andiyapan and Rio Kyerematen for Robson, King, and Olusei as he threw the kitchen sink at it. Williams hit the post from a corner with six minutes to go, as Spurs pushed for the equaliser. However, a goal from Jake Richards in injury time secured the win for Gary Caldwell's side.

With this result, Spurs find themselves second in the group, with two points from two points. However, Bristol Rovers face Swindon in a few weeks giving either side the opportunity to leapfrog Spurs into the second qualification spot for the knockout rounds of the competition.