TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR U18 2 MK DONS U18 3

Academy director Mike Dove was thrilled with the performance of his Under-18s after they registered their first league win of the season against Premier League Spurs.

In their first game back following the Academy winter break, Mike's youngsters produced an excellent display at Spurs Lodge - holding off a spirited Tottenham fightback to secure a well-deserved three points.

Having seen their scheduled home game against Aston Villa postponed the week before and this game relocated from a weather-affected Woughton, it was a hungry young Dons side that took to the pitch in Chigwell.

And, with skipper Tom Flanagan making his first appearance since the opening day, they were as close to full strength as they have been all year.

"With the exception of Hayden Carter and Jason Lane, it was the first time in a long time that we've been that strong," Mike told mkdons.com.

"The winter break has served us well in the last couple of years, with the second half of seasons seeing some much better performances. Hopefully this can be the start of something similar because the lads were tremendous, I was chuffed to bits with them.

"We asked them to play a certain way in a certain system and their response was first rate. They listened to what we asked of them and showed a fantastic work ethic to match the technical ability we know they have."

Mike Dove was delighted with his side's return from the Academy winter break.

Highly-rated full-back Adam Chicksen gave them the perfect start after just six minutes - rifling home a free-kick after Igor Coronado had been fouled outside the box.

And 10 minutes before the break, leading scorer Charlie Collins completed a flowing move when he swept home a Martel Powell pass to double the advantage.

Kudus Oyenuga produced an excellent strike from range to pull a goal back before the break, before Harry Kane mustered an equaliser for the hosts just after the hour mark.

But undeterred, the Dons reacted superbly within five minutes as Troy Farden's excellent ball was controlled expertly by Collins, who rounded the 'keeper to score his 12th goal of the season.

"We looked old and mature enough on Saturday and we've managed to beat one of the best side's in the division as a result," Mike added.

"It's our first win so I'm obviously delighted, but it's important the boys build on this now and step it up to the next level.

"It's an important time coming up, especially for the second years, so we're looking forward to what the second half of the season can bring."

Dons (4-3-3): Harrison; Williams, Flanagan (c) (Browne 46), Milton, Chicksen; Farden (Baldock 77), King, Dowling; Coronado, M. Powell (Lee 80), Collins.

Subs not used: Glass, McGovern.