Spurs crowned Premier League 2 champions

Tottenham Hotspur striker Will Lankshear crowned a sensational season with two goals as Spurs beat Sunderland 3-1 to become Premier League 2 champions in Sunday's playoff final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Lankshear, who was named Premier League 2 Player of the Season 2023/24, had netted 30 goals across all competitions prior to the final.

He was quick to add to his tally against Sunderland, sweeping home the opening goal in the first half after George Abbott won back possession and combined with Jude Soonsup-Bell, who picked Lankshear out in the penalty area.

Sunderland's Harrison Jones rattled the woodwork, while Spurs goalkeeper Luca Gunter produced a good save from Tommy Watson, who also hit the post, as the visitors pressed for an equaliser.

But Soonsup-Bell, with his second assist of the match, helped double Spurs' lead after the break, this time linking up with Jamie Donley on the right before pulling the ball back for Lankshear to beat goalkeeper Adam Richardson with aplomb.

Abbott added a third goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time, rifling home from close range, and although Sunderland pulled one back with a thumping finish from Timur Tuterov, it was Spurs who comfortably saw out the match to claim victory.

Sunday's win wrapped up a superb season for Wayne Burnett's side, who had remained unbeaten in all competitions against Under-21 opposition until February. Their 11 consecutive Premier League 2 victories from the start of the season helped Spurs to finish top of the table in the league phase of the campaign.

"I’m so proud of the players," said Burnett. "They’ve given everything this season.

"We finished top of the table and went into a new format with the knockout stage, but we deserved to be in the final.

"We’ve had some really tough games but we’ve come through them and I’m just so pleased that we’ve managed to have one final push and do what we set out to do.”