- Ryan Longman scores a brace
- Stefan Ljubicic also on scoresheet for Seagulls
- Phoenix Patterson nets a hat-trick for Spurs
- Result leaves Albion ninth in the U18 Premier League South table
Brighton & Hove Albion’s under-18s fell to a 6-3 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at the American Express Elite Performance Centre on Saturday.
A Ryan Longman double with a goal in either half, as well as a Stefan Ljubicic strike in the second period, were not enough for Mark Beard and Mikey Harris’s side to take something from the contest against the north London side.
In a game of nine goals, the first went the way of the visiting side after 18 minutes. Tariq Hinds found Tottenham’s Phoenix Patterson, who in turn laid it on for Rodel Richards to steer home from a tight angle and put the north Londoners into the lead.
But the Seagulls were soon back on level terms through Longman, who got his first of two goals in the contest, curling in a right-footed effort into the far corner from the edge of the area.
Spurs retook the lead when Patterson converted a free-kick, and despite the best efforts of Tom McGill in the Albion goal, the away side had restored their advantage.
Albion once again showed good character to get themselves back on level terms six minutes before the interval, when Hayden Roberts crossed to allow striker Ljubicic to head home and meant the teams went in all square at the break.
After the break it was Tottenham who went back in front in an entertaining game courtesy of a double from forward Reo Griffiths. His first goal of the game came from Patterson’s assist 3-2, before some hesitant Albion defending allowed Griffiths to grab his second eight minutes later.
Patterson scored his second and Tottenham's fifth goal just after the hour mark, before Longman doubled his tally for the afternoon to make it 5-3.
But it was Tottenham who would complete the scoring and seal the win through Patterson , who finished from close range on 78 minutes, and despite Albion’s best efforts through substitute Hamish Morrison late on, they couldn’t muster another fightback.
ALBION: McGill, Morris, Weaire (Kone 69), Clark-Eden, Roberts, Ljubicic, Onen (Fornah 69), Cochrane, Cahsman (Ibeh 88), Longman, Shihab.
SUBS NOT USED: Bentley (GK), Tutt.