In a gripping encounter at the EV Charger Points Stadium, Cheltenham pulled off an unexpected triumph against Tottenham Hotspur U21, winning 3-1 in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 2-2 draw at the end of extra time in the EFL Trophy on October 28, 2025. This result was not only a morale booster for Cheltenham, sitting in third place with 2 points in Group D, but it also deepened the woes of the Spurs, who remain stuck at the bottom with 2 points and no wins in the tournament.
The match started with a bang as Josh Martin put Cheltenham ahead just 5 minutes in, sending a powerful signal that they were there to compete. The early lead seemed to energize the home side, who had recently secured back-to-back victories in League Two, showcasing their potential to build on this momentum. However, the joy was short-lived. O. Irow equalized for Tottenham in the 25th minute, showing that the Spurs U21s were not going to be easily subdued despite their recent struggles.
The back-and-forth nature of the match continued, with Tom Taylor restoring Cheltenham's lead in the 67th minute, demonstrating their resilience and tactical discipline. Yet, just as it appeared that Cheltenham might secure the victory, R. Kyerematen struck for Tottenham in the 89th minute, netting a late equalizer that sent the match into extra time.
As the game reached its final moments, both teams were clearly fatigued, but the stakes were still high. When the match ended after 120 minutes at 2-2, the fate of the teams hinged on the penalty shootout. Cheltenham displayed nerves of steel, converting all three of their penalties. The home crowd erupted in celebration as Tottenham faltered, scoring just one of their attempts, sealing a dramatic victory for the Robins.
Looking back at my pre-match preview, I predicted a tactical battle where Cheltenham could potentially stifle Jun'ai Byfield and utilize Luke Young effectively. In hindsight, it was indeed the tactical discipline and tenacity of Cheltenham that shone through, more than their ability to control the midfield as I had anticipated. This result not only shifts the trajectory for Cheltenham, rekindling hope in their EFL Trophy campaign, but it also raises questions for Tottenham U21, who have now lost all three of their matches in this competition.
As both teams head back to their respective leagues, the implications of this match are significant. For Cheltenham, there is newfound confidence to carry into their upcoming matches, while Tottenham Hotspur U21 must regroup and find a way to break their losing streak before frustration sets in further. With each team grappling for form, the path ahead remains fraught with challenges and opportunities.