Tottenham Spurs in History

They Played for Spurs and Watford

2012-01-27T07:21:00.000Z

Two Spurs 'Legends' are linked with Watford. Spurs signed Pat Jennings from Watford in 1964 when former Tottenham captain, Ronnie Burgess was manager of the club. At least twenty eight players have connections with both clubs at some time in their careers but only two have joined Spurs from Watford. The other transfers have been in the opposite direction with a number of players moving on loan including Andros Townsend who spent time at Vicarage Road last season.

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Pat Jennings

Pat Jennings was a young, inexperienced goalkeeper when Bill Nicholson signed him from Watford in June, 1964 for £27,000. The Northern Ireland international had just won his first two caps and had played only 48 League games for Watford in his year with the club when Nicholson decided to buy him. He had cost Watford £6,000 when he joined from Newry Town in 1963.

Nicholson was looking to rebuild his team following the demise of the 'Double' team and as he had done the previous year with Watford, Jennings stepped straight into the Spurs team in place of Bill Brown. His debut was in a 2 - 0 win over Sheffield United on the opening day of season 1964-65.

Initially, Nicholson must have had doubts about Jennings as he took time to settle and during his first two seasons he shared goalkeeping duties with Brown. By the start of 1966-67 Jennings had made the position his own and after a few months Brown was allowed to join Northampton Town. For the next eleven seasons Jennings was first choice goalkeeper at White Hart Lane. He helped the club to win the FA Cup in 1967, the League Cup in 1971 and 1973 and the UEFA Cup of 1974. His total of almost 600 League and Cup appearances is littered with numerous match winning performances and a goal having scored in the 1967 Charity Shield game against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

He will always be remembered for the size of his hands which enabled him to come out to catch a cross using only one hand. His two penalty saves at Anfield as Spurs earned a 1 - 1 draw in 1973 are part of Spurs legend and after a UEFA Cup game in Switzerland Spurs returned with a resounding 5 - 1 victory over Grasshopper Zurich but it was Jennings who received all the plaudits for his performance that evening.

It was only in his last season that Jennings was troubled by injury and as Spurs were relegated manager Keith Burkinshaw made the unbelievable decision to release Jennings in favour of his young understudy, Barry Daines. Jennings moved to Arsenal and gave them years of outstanding service before returning to Spurs to keep fit for the 1986 World Cup Finals. He retired on his forty first birthday as Northern Ireland were eliminated from the competition by Brazil.

On retiring he took on the role of goalkeeping coach and is still involved with the club in their corporate facilities. Pat Jennings was recently honoured by UEFA for winning over 100 international caps for Northern Ireland.

The manager of Watford at the time of Jennings' transfer to Spurs was Ronnie Burgess who had joined in 1936 and played over 450 League and Cup games as well as being captain of the 'Push and Run' side which won the 2nd Division and 1st Division titles in consecutive seasons from 1949 to 1951. He joined Swansea in 1954 and moved to Watford as manager in 1959.

Tommy Harmer, was known as 'The Charmer' and as a player he spanned the years between the 'Push and Run' team of the 1950s and 'The Double' side of the 1960s but missed out on both. He joined Spurs as an amateur in 1948 and made his debut in September, 1951 against Bolton. He played 222 League and Cup games before signing for Watford in October, 1960 having lost his place in the first team to John White. He was loved by supporters with supreme tricks and skills on the ball. Lightly built in the rugged midfield battle of those days he was frequently the inspiration for Spurs best performances having taken over from Eddie Baily as the creative influence in the team. He was at his best in Bill Nicholson's first game as manager, when the new manager restored him to the team. He was the creator behind the 10 - 4 win over Everton and even managed a goal for himself. At first, Nicholson tried to play both Harmer and White in his team but eventually opted for the Scot.

In the book about the late John White, 'The Ghost of White Hart Lane', Harmer is described as, 'though he was small, he was a giant' and Julian Holland wrote, 'Harmer was a truly great player. His tragedy was that his gifts were never fully suited to the type of play current at Tottenham. Under Rowe he was too static. Under Anderson he was denied colleagues quick and responsive enough to turn his genius into Champion-ship winning football. Under Nicholson he lacked the mobility that the new manager looked for. Nor could he supply rapid improvisational touches that Nicholson knew were necessary to overcome planned, coherent defences in 1961.'

Harmer spent two years with Watford before moving to Chelsea as a player/coach and helped them win promotion.

Dennis Bond was a young midfield player who made his name with Watford making over 100 appearances before signing for Spurs in March, 1967 for £20,000. He had made his debut for the Vicarage Road club at the age of seventeen when Burgess was manger. He failed to make an impact with Spurs and only made 26 League and Cup appearances in three seasons, scoring once. He then joined Charlton for £25,000 where he became a regular for three seasons and returned to Watford and made another 200 appearances for the club.

Roy Low has a place in Tottenham record books as the first player to appear for the club as a substitute. It was on 11th September, 1965 when he replaced the injured Derek Possee against Arsenal at White Hart Lane. Low was a wing half but he only made eight appearances and scored one goal in his three years at the club. He joined Watford in February, 1967.

Many well known Spurs players have played for Watford after leaving Spurs. Gerry Armstrong, while not making any great impression in his five years at Spurs, signed for Watford in November, 1980 and went on to greater things in Spain and with Northern Ireland.

Mark Falco enjoyed greater success at Tottenham having come through the youth system and was a member of the UEFA Cup winning team of 1984. He joined Watford in October, 1986 and later played for Glasgow Rangers, Queen's Park Rangers and Millwall. Falco scored 90 League and Cup goals for Spurs and was one of the successful penalty takers in the UEFA Cup Final shoot-out.

From the same era, Paul Miller had developed as an apprentice with Spurs and spent over twelve years at the club before moving to Charlton Athletic in February, 1987. He played over 200 League games and was a regular in the successful Keith Burkinshaw teams of the early 1980s contributing the away goal against Anderlecht in the UEFA Cup Final.

Steve Hodge who had a short time with Spurs in the mid-80s, having joined from Aston Villa in December, 1986, returned to his first club, Nottingham Forest, in the summer of 1988. He later played for Watford towards the end of his career.

Tim Sherwood started his career with Watford and after playing for Norwich City and Blackburn, captaining them to the Premiership title, he joined Spurs in February, 1999. He spent four years with the club, making 93 League appearances, before moving to Portsmouth. He is currently in charge of Spurs Development squad.

The first player to play for both Spurs and Watford was Bill Lane. He was a centre forward who spent less than three years with the club from 1924 but only made 29 appearances before joining Leicester City. He later played for Watford from 1932 to 1936.

Another player from the 1920s who played for both teams was Jack Elkes. He joined Spurs from Southampton in 1922 and was a forward who could also play at centre half. He made over 200 League and Cup appearances for the club and moved to Middlesbrough in 1929. He joined Watford in 1933 spending one season with the club.

John Moran was a full back who had one season with Tottenham, playing twelve matches and then became the first player to be transferred directly between the two clubs by joining Watford in 1932 where he spent four years.

A number of players from the 1950s turned out for both clubs - Bobby Cook, Dennis Uphill, Chris Adams, Johnny Gavin, Alfie Stokes and John Ryden. Ryden, a centre half, had captained Spurs for a season in the mid-50s but the arrival of Maurice Norman and Dave Mackay reduced his opportunity for first team appearances. Stokes scored 40 goals in 65 League appearances but was allowed to join Fulham in 1959 as Bill Nicholson put together his new team.

The 1990s also throws up numerous players who spent time at White Hart Lane and Vicarage Road - Mark Robson and Danny Hill, Darren Caskey, all on loan, Ronnie Rosenthal, Espen Baardsen, Allan Nielsen, Ramon Vega and Stephen Kelly and Andros Townsend (both on loan).

Mark Yeates, a former Tottenham player who came through the youth system, is currently in the Watford team. He made his debut for Spurs on the closing day of the season in May, 2004 setting up a goal for Robbie Keane. He made three League appearances and after a series of loan periods he joined Colchester United in 2007. After two seasons he joined Middlesbrough and then moved to Sheffield United. He joined Watford last summer and has scored three League goals this season from midfield.

Tottenham's Cup Record against Watford

2012-01-26T07:09:00.000Z

Tottenham's visit to Vicarage Road to play Watford in the FA Cup 4th Round tie is the first occasion that Watford have had home advantage over Spurs in the FA Cup. The clubs have met previously on three occasions at White Hart Lane and at a neutral venue for a semi-final clash. Spurs have played at Watford in the League Cup in three matches. A further FA Cup tie was played at Spurs' old Northumberland Park ground when Watford were known as West Herts.

Carling Cup 5th Round
Spurs last game at Watford was in the Carling Cup in December, 2008 at the 5th Round stage. They progressed to a semi-final tie against Burnley with a 2 - 1 success through goals from Roman Pavlyuchenko and Darren Bent.

Spurs found themselves a goal behind within fifteen minutes as Watford mounted sustained early pressure. They drew level on the stroke of half-time with a Pavlyuchenko penalty following a foul on Jermaine Jenas. Spurs scored the winner with fifteen minutes remaining when substitute Bent latched on to a ball from Pavlyuchenko to score with a low shot.

FA Cup 3rd Round
The last meeting between the two clubs in the FA Cup was in January, 1999 when Spurs won 5 - 2 at White Hart Lane. Watford who were in the 1st Division at the time took the lead in the opening minute. Steffan Iversen equalised on ten minutes as Spurs scored three times in seven minutes. Three minutes later Darren Anderton scored with a penalty for handball following a free-kick awarded for a foul on David Ginola and then Iversen added his second on seventeen minutes. Watford showed spirit and pulled a goal back after half and hour but Allan Neilsen restored Spurs two goal advantage three minutes before the interval.

It was not until four minutes from time that Ruel Fox completed the scoring with Spurs' fifth. Two former Spurs players were included among the Watford substitutes that day, goalkeeper Chris Day and Ronnie Rosenthal. Rosenthal came on at half-time, receiving a warm welcome from the Tottenham faithful.

League Cup (Coca Cola Cup) 2nd Round
This tie was played over two legs with the first game at Watford in September, 1994. It marked Jurgen Klinsmann's debut in Cup football in England and he didn't disappoint scoring a first half hat-trick on the ground where he had made his first Spurs appearance in a pre-season friendly the previous August.

Watford took the lead in the opening seconds but Darren Anderton levelled with a shot from the edge of the penalty area. Then Jurgen Klinsmann completed his hat-trick before half-time to give Ossie Ardiles' attacking team the advantage. After half-time Watford pulled a goal back before Teddy Sheringham restored their three goal lead. Ian Walker then conceded a penalty but saved it before Ilie Dumitrescu scored Spurs sixth, only for Watford to pull another goal back through a Gary Mabbutt own goal.

The second leg at White Hart Lane a fortnight later in October, 1994 was just as exhilerating as Watford came out victorious by 3 - 2. Spurs, however, progressed to the next round with an aggregate win of 8 - 5. Watford went ahead after fifteen minutes but Nicky Barmby who missed the first match equalised after half an hour. Watford regained the lead early in the second half but Klinsmann again drew Spurs level only for the visitors to score the winner fifteen minutes from time. This was Spurs fourth consecutive home defeat and Ardiles was under increasing pressure.

FA Cup Semi-Final
Spurs were progressing serenely towards the Wembley Final when they met Watford at the FA Cup semi-final stage at Villa Park in April, 1987. The match proved remarkably easy for Spurs who were facing a Watford side who had to find emergency goalkeeping cover due to injury. The 4-1 victory did not flatter Spurs as David Pleat’s side continued their good form and won through goals from Steve Hodge (2), Clive Allen and Paul Allen. Coventry City were their unexpected opponents in the Final and unfortunately that match didn't go as expected.

League Cup 2nd Round
In September, 1975 Spurs visited Vicarage Road for a Cup match for the first time. They won against the 4th Division side through the only goal scored by Chris Jones. Having avoided relegation with victory over Leeds United in the last game of the previous season, Terry Neill's team, in his only full season in charge of the club, progressed to the semi-final stage where they lost out to Newcastle United.

FA Cup 3rd Round
In January, 1939 Spurs were playing in the 2nd Division while Watford were in the 3rd Division (South). An emphatic win at White Hart Lane saw Spurs create another 'first' to include in their record books. It was the first time that numbers were worn on the players' shirts, something which the Spurs directors had been campaigning for over a considerable period of time.

The Spurs goals were scored by Ralph Ward (pen), Fred Sargent, Willie Hall (2), Andy Duncan, Les Miller (2).

FA Cup 2nd Round
Spurs were the Cup holders when the clubs met in January, 1922 with Spurs in the 1st Division and Watford in the 3rd Division (South). Tottenham had overcome Brentford in the 1st Round and a Bert Bliss goal at White Hart Lane was sufficient to see them progress on this occasion. Their defence of the FA Cup came to an end in the semi-finals when they lost to Preston North End in controversial circumstances.

Spurs first FA Cup tie was in October, 1894 when they met West Herts at their old Northumberland Park ground. Four years later, in 1898, West Herts and Watford St. Mary's merged to form Watford FC. Spurs won 3 - 2 with goals from Peter Hunter and Donald Goodall (2) and Tottenham's experience with the FA Cup had commenced.

Spurs First FA Cup Tie v West Herts (Watford) in 1894

2012-01-25T07:36:00.001Z

Spurs travel to Watford for their FA Cup 4th Round match on Friday evening. Their first FA Cup game was a home match in 1894 against West Herts who later became Watford. Following a 3 - 2 victory Tottenham met Clapton in the next round.

First FA Cup

13th October, 1894

Spurs 3 West Herts 2 F.A.Cup 1st Qualifying Round

This was Spurs’ debut in the F.A. Cup against the team who would become known as Watford. Spurs first F.A. Cup goal was scored by Peter Hunter. The other two goals came from Donald Goodall. The match played at the club’s old Northumberland Park ground was watched by a crowd of 2,000. Spurs progressed to the fourth Qualifying Round before losing in a replay to Luton Town.

From: 'All Those Cup Finals' by wlhatwhl

Spurs’ first FA Cup tie was played at their Northumberland Park home on 13th October, 1894 against West Herts in the 1st Qualifying Round. West Herts was a former name of Watford and they were experienced Cup performers having played in the competition for the previous eight seasons. Spurs, however, won 3-2, in what ‘The Weekly Herald’ for 19th October, 1894 described as ‘a very hard struggle.’ Spurs scored twice in the first half through centre forward, Peter Hunter and Don Goodall. West Herts levelled after half-time before Goodall scored his second to put Spurs through.

Further in ‘The Weekly Herald’ it was reported that after Hunter scored, ‘Spurs attacked almost continuously from now to half time.’ Reviewing the game at half time, the paper expected that ‘Having had four-fifths of the game with the slope against them it was naturally expected that the ‘Spurs would be the superior lot in the second half. But how often does the unexpected happen. Whether they had been dosed with some wonderful physic during the interval, I can’t say, but, West Herts now played with the utmost vigour. A corner was obtained directly after the restart, and Wright directed the ball into the net, cheers from the visitors supporters – of whom, by the bye, there were several – greeting such a successful recommencement.’ In the latter stages of the game, after Spurs had regained the lead, it was reported that, ‘Eccles tried his luck, and it appeared that the ball went under the cross-bar, but the referee ruled otherwise. The visitors, although trying hard, failed to equalise and so the ‘Spurs won by 3 goals to 2.’

The names of that first FA Cup team will be known by only the most fanatical of Tottenham Hotspur supporters but are worth recording as they were the players who set Spurs off on the road to their wonderful history of success in the competition.

Team: Monk; Jull, Welham: Shepherd, Briggs, Julian; Cubberley, Goodall, Hunter, Eccles, Payne.

Of those players, full-back Jack Jull is the only one who has any connection with the club’s earliest days. He was one of the founders of the club and was one of the best players at that time, playing for them for fourteen years from 1883 until 1897. He was made club President in 1895 in recognition of his great service to the club.

Two other players of note are half-back Stanley Briggs and winger Ernie Payne.

Ernie Payne is regarded as the catalyst which brought Spurs into the world of professional football to which Stanley Briggs was so opposed. In 1893, eleven years after their formation Spurs drew 0-0 in a 1st Round London Senior Cup tie against Old St Marks. For that game, a new name, ‘Burton’, appeared on the team sheet, to play on the left wing for Spurs. This was in fact, Ernie Payne who was on Fulham’s books but being unable to get into their team, he had accepted an invitation to play for Spurs. However, when he arrived at Tottenham he had no kit. Spurs provided him with shirt, shorts and socks but were unable to find boots to fit him. They gave him a loan of ten shillings (50p) to buy a pair of boots on the understanding that they would belong to Spurs. When Fulham heard about this they accused Spurs of ‘poaching’ their player and ‘professionalism’. Spurs were immediately called before the London Football Association to answer these charges. The charge of poaching was dismissed but the charge of inducing a player and professionalism was upheld. The penalty imposed on Spurs was harsh – their ground at Northumberland Park was closed for two weeks, Spurs were suspended for a similar period and Ernie Payne was suspended for a week even though he had repaid the money to Spurs. An appeal was lodged but it was unsuccessful, the London F.A. being strongly opposed to anything suggesting of professionalism, a view that was holding back the development of football in London. This matter became known as the ‘Ernie Payne Boots Affair’ and while Payne continued to play for Spurs, he is best remembered for the longer term consequence of the matter in that Spurs within a short period of time decided to turn professional.

Stanley Briggs was one of the best known amateur footballers in London at that time. He helped to establish Spurs as a top amateur club and captained the side. However, he was totally opposed to the decision of the club to turn professional in December, 1895 and preferring to retain his amateur status, he did not play as often for the club and went to play for other amateur clubs in London.

In that initial season in the F.A. Cup, having defeated West Herts, Spurs progressed to the 4th Qualifying Round before losing to Luton Town in a replay. While Spurs were still amateurs, Luton Town had adopted professionalism four years earlier.

3rd November (2nd Qual. Round) v Wolverton (h) Won 5-3 Goodall, Hunter (2), Payne (2)
24th November (3rd Qual. Round) v Clapton (a) Won 4-0 Eccles (2), Hunter, Goodall
15th December (4th Qual. Round) v Luton Town (h) Draw 2-2 Eccles, Cubberley
19th December (4th Qual. Round Replay) v Luton Town (a) Lost 0-4

West Herts merged with Watford St. Mary's in 1898 to form Watford FC.

Tottenham and the FA Cup (4th Round)

2012-01-24T12:21:00.000Z

Spurs and the FA Cup 4th Round

Spurs - A Stepping Stone on the Road to Wembley

(Article first appeared on Topspurs)

Les Allen

Many of the FA Cup ties that linger on the memory are associated with the 3rd Round or the Semi-Final or Final while the games in the intervening rounds tend to merge into one, as the 4th, 5th and 6th Rounds become indistinguishable as part of the journey, which one hopes will lead to success. As always, there are exceptions with the double spring spectaculars in 1985 at Southampton and Anfield.

Having overcome Cheltenham Town in the 3rd Round, Spurs have been rewarded with a 4th Round trip to Watford. This 4th Round tie will probably be consigned to join the many games that are overlooked in history unless it becomes memorable for all the ‘wrong’ reasons in that the Championship side gain an unexpected victory or hopefully the game has some spectacular goals which make it a step towards a Spurs’ victory in the Final in May.

Following fast on th eheels of last weekend's disappointment against Manchester City in the League, it is for the ‘wrong’ reasons that a recent 4th Round game is remembered. It was in February, 2004 that supporters were left reeling after Spurs managed to lose a three goal half-time advantage to ten-man City. At half-time supporters were contemplating a 5th Round game at Old Trafford – Spurs were three ahead and City had just had a player sent off - nothing could be more straight forward. City, however, staged the most unexpected of come-backs to win the replay 4-3. The lowest point in a very low season as Spurs with David Pleat as caretaker manager, waited patiently for a new manager to replace Glenn Hoddle.

Unfortunately, even the greatest of managers can suffer the ignominy of such defeats. In 1973, with less than ten minutes to play, Bill Nicholson’s side were 3-1 ahead in the 4th Round Replay against Derby County at White Hart Lane. Spurs’ goals had come from Martin Chivers, Alan Gilzean and a Mike England penalty but then the Derby centre forward, Roger Davies came to life and scored twice to take the game into extra time. He then scored a third as Derby completed a remarkable recovery to win 5-3 in front of 53,000 disbelieving spectators.

In 1966 a visiting centre forward who also scored a hat-trick in a 4th Round tie was less fortunate. Willie Irvine, a Northern Ireland international scored three for Burnley in a seven goal thriller but went home on the losing side when Alan Gilzean matched his hat-trick and Frank Saul added a fourth for Spurs who had been two down early on and were trailing 2-3 with only minutes remaining.

The repercussions from a shock defeat can sometimes be very unexpected. In 1970 Spurs were knocked out of the Cup by Crystal Palace in a 4th Round Replay. Only a few weeks earlier Spurs had comfortably completed a League double over their London rivals and so must have assumed that progress to the next round of the Cup would be reasonably straight-forward. Palace, however, achieved a scoreless draw at White Hart Lane and a single goal was enough in the replay. Manager Bill Nicholson was frustrated with the disappointing performance of his players and for the next game made wholesale changes. Dropped from the team were Alan Gilzean, Joe Kinnear, Cyril Knowles, Steve Perryman and Jimmy Greaves. Through time four players managed to regain their places but the other, Spurs’ leading goal scorer, Jimmy Greaves, never played for Spurs again. By mid-March he had been transferred to West Ham United as part of the deal to bring Martin Peters to Tottenham. Those supporters present at Selhurst Park that night in January didn’t realise that they were witnessing the demise and swan-song of Spurs’ greatest goal scorer – Jimmy Greaves’ last appearance in a white Spurs’ shirt.

However, games worthy of more favourable mention, include the 2nd Round tie back in 1901, when no-one could accuse Spurs of having an easy ride in the FA Cup. Having removed 1st Division Preston from the competition in the previous round, they were drawn against Bury, the FA Cup holders. In the previous year’s Final Bury had brushed aside Southampton, Spurs’ rivals from the Southern League. Spurs had home advantage but 1st Division Bury took the lead within two minutes, before some of the record crowd of 20,250 had taken their places inside White Hart Lane. Bury then dominated the game putting Spurs’ defence under constant pressure but after half an hour Spurs managed to score – very much against the run of play. From a rare foray into the Bury half, winger Tom Smith centred from the right and Sandy Brown scored the goal that completely changed the game. Spurs were filled with confidence and in the second half were a different team. Brown scored a second goal and while Bury recovered to fight back in an effort to retrieve the situation, it was Spurs, the non-League side, who were playing the cultured football and deservedly progressed to the next round.

In 1921, the next occasion that Spurs won the FA Cup, their early progress was quite straight-forward. It had been expected that their 1st Division rivals, Bradford City would provide stiffer opposition than Spurs had experienced in the previous round but despite their defensive display holding Spurs in the first half, they were swept aside after half-time as Spurs scored four goals without reply. Jimmy Seed was the star, scoring twice in two minutes early in the second half. He controlled the game for Spurs and completed his hat-trick with a shot from twenty five yards, after winger, Jimmy Banks had scored the third. It was Jimmy Seed who received the rave reviews in the newspaper reports for his performance and his goals.

In 1961 Spurs had a home 4th Round tie against the side they had met at the same stage of the competition twelve months earlier. Then Spurs had been drawn away and were relieved to come away from Gresty Road with a 2-2 draw after Crewe Alexandra had twice pulled back from being a goal behind and only a magnificent save from Bill Brown prevented Spurs becoming the victim of a Cup upset. Les Allen and Cliff Jones scored in the first game and both maintained their scoring in the replay, being responsible for eight of the thirteen goals that Spurs scored that night. At half-time Spurs were 10-1 ahead and added three more in the second half to record their highest win, 13-2. Allen scored 5, Bobby Smith got 4, Jones scored 3 and Tommy Harmer completed the scoring. It is said that Crewe left London Euston from Platform 13 and arrived in Crewe at Platform 2.

A year later, Crewe determined not to suffer another heavy defeat gave a credible account of themselves before losing 5-1 to the Spurs team that was well on the way to recording the first League and Cup ‘double’ of the twentieth century. Crewe must have feared the worst when Terry Dyson put Spurs ahead after four minutes but their goalkeeper, put in an outstanding performance. Smith scored Spurs’ second but three minutes later Crewe pulled a goal back. Dave Mackay scored a third before the interval and second half goals from Jones and Allen completed Spurs’ victory.

The 4th Round draw in 1962 took Spurs on the long journey to Plymouth who were in the 2nd Division. Spurs won 5-1 with goals from Terry Medwin, John White, Jimmy Greaves (2) and Cliff Jones.

The 1967 4th Round game saw Portsmouth as the visitors to Tottenham. In the 2nd Division, Portsmouth held Spurs through the first half in spite of early Spurs’ chances and pressure. It was two goals inside a minute from Alan Gilzean early in the second half that changed the game. Greaves added a third before Portsmouth scored their consolation goal.

The 100th F.A. Cup competition in 1981 saw Spurs with a home tie in the Fourth Round against Third Division strugglers, Hull City. Going into this game, Spurs were in a period of impressive form with Archibald and Crooks taking the chances created by a midfield including Hoddle, Ardiles and Galvin, so the result should have been a formality. Hull, however, gave Spurs a scare and the deadlock was only broken when substitute Garry Brooke, who had replaced Ardiles, scored with seven minutes remaining. Brooke then forced another save from the Hull keeper and set up Steve Archibald’s last minute goal. It was with relief that Spurs progressed to the next round.

The following year Spurs faced 1st Division opposition in a home game with Leeds United. As in the previous round against Arsenal, it was a very tight game and it was Garth Crooks who again provided the goal which took Spurs through to the next round for their third game against 1st Division opposition, Aston Villa.

The 1991 FA Cup triumph was achieved amid the financial difficulties encountered by the club and the events off the pitch were a major distraction. Paul Gascoigne, however, managed to single-handedly turn everyone’s thoughts back to the football with his outstanding performances in the Cup games, in spite of needing a hernia operation. It was hoped that he could be nursed through to the end of the season and against Oxford United he showed no ill effects from the problem by scoring twice to give Spurs a comfortable passage to the next round. The other goals in a 4-2 win were scored by Gary Mabbutt and Gary Lineker.

While Terry Venables masterminded Spurs’ FA Cup success in 1991, his first three seasons at White Hart Lane were not so distinguished. Spurs were knocked out in the early rounds, showing none of their traditional Cup winning characteristics, including a 4th Round exit in 1988 to Port Vale. The 3rd Division side, fifty two places below Spurs were two goals ahead after twenty five minutes. When Spurs wakened up after half-time they scored through central defender Neil Ruddock mid-way through the half but it was too little too late and their humiliation was complete – from finalists at Wembley the previous May to Cup fodder for lowly opposition eight months later – the FA Cup is no respecter of anyone’s reputation.

Spurs’ progress in January, 1979 was proving problematic. They had the good fortune to receive a home tie in both of the opening rounds but after being taken to a replay by non-league Altrincham, Wrexham also managed to earn a draw at White Hart Lane in the 4th Round. The replay win over Altrincham had been Spurs’ first FA Cup success for six seasons, since defeating another non-League side, Margate, in 1973 which had been Bill Nicholson’s last FA Cup win as manager. Spurs and Wrexham shared six goals in the first game with Glenn Hoddle, Chris Jones and an own goal accounting for Spurs’ quota. Wrexham were deserving of the replay and Spurs were grateful to a hat-trick in successive rounds with centre forward Chris Jones providing the much needed goals to see Spurs through by 3-2 after extra time.

A memorable game from recent times when Spurs’ FA Cup success has been minimal was back in 2001. Spurs were drawn away to fellow Premiership side Charlton who had won the earlier league game by a solitary goal and had earned a scoreless draw at Tottenham a few days earlier. Spurs found themselves two goals behind early in the second half but staged a remarkable comeback to score three goals inside six minutes to change the game. Gary Doherty, Darren Anderton and Oyvind Leonhardsen got the goals while a late strike from Sergei Rebrov sealed the victory.

In 2010, a home tie against Leeds United who had knocked out Manchester United at Old Trafford in the previous round proved more difficult that expected. A late penalty gave Leeds a 2 - 2 draw and a replay at Elland Road. Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko scored the goals at White Hart lane but it was a Jermain Defoe hat-trick which saw Spurs through the replay with a 3 - 0 success and into the next round.

A defeat in the 4th Round of the FA Cup often signals an early ‘end’ to the season. This year Spurs, however, have their ambitions at the top of the Premier League to maintain interest in their season. Defeat at Watford, however, is not a prospect that anyone at White Hart Lane would want to contemplate and whatever team Spurs send out, the players must be prepared to dig deep and produce the required effort and application to keep alive the hope that it will be another stepping stone on the road to Wembley.

Manchester City 3 Tottenham Hotspur 2

2012-01-22T17:02:00.002Z

Spurs came back from conceding two goals in three minutes in the second half to draw level within six and in the second minute of added time were inches away from winning the game only for City to be awarded a match winning penalty with fifteen seconds remaining. So nearly a great day for Spurs - a performance to be proud of but ultimately they are now eight points behind City in the title race.

City Make Spurs Pay the Penalty

Manchester City 3 Tottenham Hotspur 2

Scorers: Nasri, Lescott, Balotelli (p) Defoe, Bale

Team: Friedel; Walker, Kaboul, King, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon (Pienaar), Parker, Modric, Bale; Van der Vaart (Livermore), Defoe Subs: (unused) Cudicini, Bassong, Dawson, Kranjcar, Pavlyuchenko

Jermain Defoe

With the match in added time my prediction that Spurs could win against Manchester City was within inches of becoming a reality only for Jermain Defoe to knock the ball wide of the far post as he stretched to reach a cross from Gareth Bale. Then with fifteen seconds remaining Ledley King gave away Tottenham's first penalty of the season for City to win the game and increase their lead at the top of the Premier League.

Spurs had shown remarkable powers of recovery to come back from the shock of conceding two quick goals with half an hour remaining but had drawn level within six minutes and from then on looked comfortable and capable of taking all three points.

Spurs had started the game with King in central defence and Defoe replacing the ineligible Emmanuel Adebayor and throughout the first half contained City who were defending a 100% home record this season in the Premier League, having conceded only four goals. The first half was fairly even with City quick to confront any Tottenham forward movement while Spurs tended to allow City to run with the ball before cutting out the danger as they closed in on the penalty area. Brad Friedel was quick to come out to meet any dangerous through ball and in this game was taking more responsibility for meeting crosses and corners - punching them clear to relieve the danger. City had spells of possession but Spurs stood up to the threat and with patience were dangerous through the pace of Bale, Aaron Lennon and Kyle Walker. Defoe worked hard up front on his own but the team did miss the ability of Adebayor to compete for high balls and hold up possession until support arrived.

At the interval Spurs would have been the happier of the two teams although their attacking threat had been minimal but they had coped with any threat City had created. The first fifteen minutes of the second progressed in a similar fashion but then the game came to life just before the hour. On fifty six minutes City had possession just inside the Spurs half and this time were given too much time to pick out a pass as Silva found Nasri who had come in from the wing ahead of Walker to hammer a shot past Friedel.

City suddenly came to life and three minutes later from a corner they reacted quicker to a ball that had been flicked on with Lescott being stronger than Scott Parker as he bundled the ball over the line. Suddenly, memories of the game at White Hart Lane in August were resurfacing but a minute later Spurs were back in the game.

Younes Kaboul played a high ball forward out of defence and Savic misdirected his defensive header allowing Defoe to run on into the area and as Hart came out he played it past him to score from a tight angle.

Spurs belief had been restored and they were level within five minutes as Lennon held up the ball on the left and played it across for Bale to strike a beautiful curved shot past Hart from twenty yards. In five minutes Spurs had increased the number of goals City have conceded at home in ten games this season by 50%. It was now time for City to have doubts.

The game continued from end to end but neither goalkeeper had a save to make and a draw looked the most likely outcome until those final agonising moments in added time.

Spurs had been keeping possession well and in the second minute of added time hassled City into a mistake which allowed Bale to run at the defence with Defoe free to his right. Bale put in a cross which beat the defender and goalkeeper but as Defoe stretched to reach it at the far post he could only knock it just outside the goal. Spurs had missed a golden opportunity to take all three points.

The match was drawing to a close but with fifteen seconds left City got the ball forward to Balotelli in the penalty area and as King challenged for the ball both players went down. The referee could only award a penalty - the first Spurs have conceded this season. Balotelli scored and City had the three points.

What an unfortunate way to lose - especially after being so close to winning. What an unfortunate time to concede the first penalty of the season - especially for Ledley King who had played so well in his first game back after injury and brings such authority to the Spurs defence.

A disappointing result but Spurs know that they can compete with the best and there will be many more good days through the rest of the season.

They Played for Spurs and Manchester City

2012-01-22T09:28:00.002Z

Paul Stewart who scored a goal for Spurs in the 1991 FA Cup Final signed from Manchester City as a striker but became a very useful midfield player at White Hart Lane, going on to play three games for England. Bert Sproston is one of the more unusual transfers between the two clubs in the season leading up to the Second World War.

Emmanuel Adebayor's loan transfer from Manchester City to Tottenham last August is the first time that Spurs have signed a player from City since Paul Stewart moved from Maine Road to White Hart Lane in 1988. The last player to move in the opposite direction was Chris Jones who joined City in September, 1982.

Emmanuel Adebayor joined City from Arsenal in 2009 after three years in North London but spent the second half of last season, on loan, at Real Madrid where he scored twice as he helped the Spanish club knock Spurs out of the Champions League. These added to his eight goals in nine north London derbies. He failed to score for City in three games against Spurs and redeemed himself somewhat, in the eyes of Spurs supporters, by scoring on his Spurs debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers and twice on his home debut against Liverpool. He is currently the club's leading goal scorer with 9 goals in the Premier League. Being on loan, he is ineligible for the match at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.

Paul Stewart 1991 FA Cup Final

Paul Stewart started his career with Blackpool, and joined Manchester City in March, 1987. He scored 26 League goals for City and fifteen months later joined Spurs for £1.7 million. Stewart made his debut for Spurs on 1st October 1988, as a substitute in a 2-2 draw at home to Manchester United but missed a penalty. Bought as a striker he scored 12 goals in his first League season with Spurs but when his goals dried up, he was successfully converted to a midfield role. He was part of the Tottenham midfield which won the FA Cup in 1991, scoring Spurs' equalizing goal in that game. His conversion to midfield came about almost by accident as Spurs, already a goal down, had to adjust when they were reduced to nine men against Luton Town and Stewart moved back into midfield where he showed an unexpected talent in the position, scoring both goals as Spurs won 2 - 1. In the summer of 1992 he moved to Liverpool, having expressed the desire to return north but it was an unsuccessful period at Anfield. He made 131 League appearances for Tottenham, scoring 28 goals.

Chris Jones grew up through the Spurs youth system and made his progression to the League team in August, 1974. In total he made 185 League and Cup appearances, scoring 42 goals in his nine seasons with the club. He was a skilful player but was unlucky player in that he often got into good goal scoring positions but couldn't quite turn them into goals. He helped Spurs to avoid relegation in his first season and was a regular for much of the following season. He was part of the team which was relegated the next year but played his part as Spurs then won promotion. He scored 18 League and Cup goals in the next two seasons in the 1st Division but the arrival of Steve Archibald and Garth Crooks saw his first team opportunities diminish. His best goal scoring performance for Tottenham was an FA Cup 4th Round replay at Wrexham in 1979 where his hat-trick enabled Spurs to progress to the next round with a 3 - 2 win after extra time. He joined City for £110,000 in September, 1982 but after only three games in two months joined Crystal Palace. He also played for Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient.

Bert Sproston was an England international full back who joined Spurs from Leeds United in June, 1938 for £9,500, a big fee at the time. Then the following November he was involved in a very unusual transfer. Having played nine games for Spurs, he was selected to play against Manchester City at Maine Road but on the day preceding the match he was transferred to City for £10,000 and played for them as Spurs lost 0 - 2. He had found it difficult to settle in London and remained with City until 1950.

Alex Steel was with City for eighteen months prior to joining Spurs in the summer of 1908. He was a half-back but only made one appearance for Spurs but that game has put him into the Tottenham record books. On that day in January, 1910 against Bradford City he became the third member of the Steel family to play for Spurs. He joined his brothers, Danny and Bobby, in the team, the only occasion when three brothers have played together for Spurs in a League game.

Alex Young who had a long, successful career with Everton joined Spurs in June, 1911 and scored on his debut. After three goals in his first two games he failed to score in the next three and was omitted from the team. He immediately demanded a transfer and went to City in November but was only there until the end of the season.

Bill Felton was a full-back who spent three years with Manchester City before joining Spurs in March, 1932. He played regularly in the team and captained the side to promotion in 1933 but lost his place midway through the next season and moved to Altrincham in the summer of 1934.

Neil McNab came to Spurs from Morton in 1974 at the age of sixteen for a fee of £40,000, signing as an amateur. He turned professional in the summer but had already made his League debut against Chelsea as a substitute in April, 1974 which, at the time, made him the youngest player to appear for Spurs in the League. Over the next number of seasons he played occasionally but in Spurs promotion season he played every game. The arrival of Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa in 1978 saw him lose his place following the 0 - 7 defeat at Anfield and he moved to Bolton in November, 1978. After being with a number of clubs he joined City in July, 1983 and had seven good years at Maine Road, playing probably his best football and helping them to promotion in 1989. He joined Tranmere Rovers in 1990 for two seasons.

Clive Allen, the son of Les Allen, is one of Harry Redknapp's backroom staff and had two and a half seasons at City after returning from a year in France with Bordeaux. He had joined Spurs from QPR in 1984 and scored twice on his debut against Everton but injury restricted him during his first two seasons. In 1986-87 season he set a new Tottenham record by scoring 49 goals including the first in the 1987 FA Cup Final defeat to Coventry City. That season, he was voted 'Player of the Year' by the PFA and Football Writers Association. He moved to France in March, 1988.

Clive Wilson, Bobby Mimms and Michael Brown played for City early in their careers and later joined Spurs but Paul Walsh who joined Spurs from Liverpool later joined City.

Tottenham Can WIN against Manchester City

2012-01-21T15:27:00.000Z

Tottenham face a formidable task as they meet Premier League leaders, Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow afternoon. Last August it would have seemed unthinkable that Spurs would be only five points behind City following the Manchester's club overwhelming win at White Hart Lane.

Let's be positive because, let's face it, if we can't be no-one else will be. Spurs can beat Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. In August I wrote an article suggesting that Spurs could win at Old Trafford but that proved ill-founded. United's win, I thought, was not as impressive as the media made out at the time as Spurs had matched them for an hour.

Perhaps I just made an error over the site of Spurs' success in Manchester this season just as I did in 1966 when throughout the World Cup I was certain that Jimmy Greaves would score a hat-trick in the Final only for his replacement, Geoff Hurst, to snatch the glory.

The match on Sunday can't be classified as the 'winner takes all' scenario that the games in Manchester against City have been in the past two seasons but Spurs must take something from the match to prevent City from opening an eight advantage over them at the top of the Premier League table. City have a formidable home record in the Premier League this season. They have won all ten of their home games, scoring 31 goals with only four conceded. City have however, lost both of their last two home games to United and Liverpool in the Cup competitions. It is City, however, who are probably under more pressure to succeed as the expectations for them are so high.

Reasons for Spurs to be Positive:

Setting aside the game at White Hart Lane in August when City had started the season at a pace while Spurs were still in the starting stalls, encouragement can be taken from the fact that since that game Spurs have taken more points, 46, than any other club in the Premier League. City had a nine point advantage then but that has been reduced to five.

Encouragement can be taken from Tottenham's Premier League record at City's various stadia.

P 14 W 9 D 2 L 3 For 19 Ag 13

In the Premier League era we can also add two League Cup successes (1 - 0 in 1982, 2 - 0 in 2007), an FA Cup triumph (4 - 2 in 1993) and a draw (1 - 1 in 2004) in the same competition.

The past two seasons have seen Spurs play City at the end of the season with a Champions League place up for grabs. No-one will forget Peter Crouch's goal in May, 2010 which provided Spurs with their passage to Europe's top club competition. On the night Spurs deservedly took the spoils. A year later while Crouch's own goal handed the Champions League place to City, it was Spurs who finished the stronger and City fans who were relieved to hear the final whistle. In that game City had already put together much of the team which Spurs will face tomorrow while Spurs are considerably stronger with the introduction of Scott Parker, Brad Friedel and Kyle Walker. The team will also include Gareth Bale who was injured at the end of last and Ledley King is rumoured to be ready for this weekend's game.

If Ledley King is available to play he brings a much needed assurance to the defence and whoever partners him in central defence, Younes Kaboul or Michael Dawson, will be much more confident and reliable in their play. King brings with him a record of success to the side - he has not appeared in a losing team in the Premier League since August, 2010 when Spurs lost unexpectedly to Wigan Athletic at White Hart Lane. He has played in 17 games since then in all competitions and has remained undefeated with 14 wins and three draws. His last appearance was against Chelsea when Spurs drew 1 - 1.

Spurs will be without Emmanuel Adebayor who can't play as he is on loan at Spurs from City. City, however, will be without a number of key players - Vincent Kompany who is suspended while Yaya and Kolo Toure are playing in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. The absence of Adebayor will be a chance for Jermain Defoe to show that he is the striker with a goal scoring instinct that the team has lacked in previous games. For all their creative, skilful football Spurs have failed to take opportunities which have presented themselves and so victories have been hard-earned against lesser opposition. This game would be a perfect time to find that clinical goal scoring touch.

The game against City will be an interesting test for Spurs and an opportunity to gauge how far they have progressed as a team when faced with top opposition. For Spurs to succeed they will need to be secure in defence while being clinical when any goal scoring opportunities arise.

Equally, it will be test for City to face the pace and attacking skills of Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon and Kyle Walker, while Rafael Van der Vaart can usually be relied upon to raise his game in a match of this importance. A win for Spurs would increase their belief for their prospects for the season, a result would restrict City's progress while a defeat would make life more difficult for Tottenham but would not bring an end to what, so far, has been a fantastic season.

'Come On You Spurs!'

Gareth Bale in UEFA.com 'Team of Year'

2012-01-19T13:05:00.001Z

Gareth Bale, the Tottenham Hotspur and Wales international and current PFA Footballer of the Year has received another accolade by being named in the prestigious UEFA.com's 'Team of the Year'. He described being included in the team as a 'special honour'.

Gareth Bale - Tottenham's Super Star

Gareth Bale - selected in UEFA.com 'Team of the Year' for 2011

Liverpool have Steven Gerrard, Manchester United have Wayne Rooney but it's been a long time since Spurs have had a player of such stature who is capable of turning a game with a moment of brilliance. Now, however, they have Gareth Bale's and his inclusion in the UEFA.com 'Team of the Year' is another step in the remarkable turnaround for the young player since his arrival at Tottenham. A little over two years ago there were rumours and suggestions of him leaving Spurs as he struggled to live up to the high praise which accompanied his transfer from Southampton in May, 2007.

Bale, then eighteen years of age, was another player from the successful Southampton Academy to make the step up to a Premier League club and cost Spurs £5 million with the potential to double with appearances and success. His initial appearances in Martin Jol's side were encouraging. He made his debut in August, 2007 at Manchester United in a single goal defeat and a week later scored his first Tottenham goal in a 3 - 3 draw at Fulham when he received the ball from Robbie Keane to race down the left wing and score - a sight which through time would become the norm for watching Spurs fans and opposing defenders. He scored with a free-kick in the north London derby with Arsenal and then scored in a Carling Cup tie against Middlesbrough giving him three goals in the first four matches he had started for the club.

Spurs' overall results, however, were poor and Juande Ramos replaced Jol in October but in only his second game for the new manager Bale was injured in a Premier League game against Birmingham in December and was to miss the rest of the season.

At the start of the next season Bale alternated between left back and the left side of midfield but the team was struggling and Bale's performance at Stoke in October, 2008 summed up perfectly his own time with Spurs and the club's situation at the time. The club were bottom of the Premier League with two points and the 1 - 2 defeat in their eighth League match was to be Ramos' last game in charge in a Premier League match. In the seventeenth minute, playing at left back, Bale gave the ball away with a poor pass out of defence and as he tried to retrieve the situation he committed a foul to concede a penalty and was dismissed as Stoke scored their opening goal from the penalty spot.

As Bale started his three match suspension, a new manager came in and Bale found it difficult to reclaim his place as Harry Redknapp's team battled to avoid relegation with Benoit Assou-Ekotto playing regularly at left back for the rest of the season.

As season 2009-10 commenced Bale was recovering from surgery during the summer and had an unenviable record weighing heavily on his young shoulders - he had never played on a winning Spurs' team in his two years at the club. That burden was eventually lifted at the end of September, 2009 when he appeared as a late substitute in Spurs' 5 - 0 win over Burnley - after a record twenty four Premier League matches without a win.

Assou-Ekotto continued to hold the left back position and there was talk that Bale might go out on loan while some clubs were considering putting in a bid for the young player during the January transfer window. However, an injury to Assou-Ekotto was to give Bale his opportunity for an extended run in the team. When Assou-Ekotto returned to fitness after a two month absence, Bale moved to left midfield with Luka Modric playing a more central and as the end of the season approached with Spurs looking to grab a Champions League place, Bale scored in consecutive wins at home over Arsenal and Chelsea.

Gareth Bale was now an established member of the Spurs team which played in last season's Champions League and he had established a good understanding with Assou-Ekotto on the left wing. In the first Premier League away game at the Brittania Stadium Bale had a point to prove and did so in style with the two goals which earned Spurs the three points. He set aside the ghost of his previous problems at Stoke and provided the winning goal with a wonderful left foot volley.

It was at the San Siro Stadium against Inter Milan that Bale announced himself on the world stage. With Spurs Champions League campaign looking doomed as they faced a four goal deficit with only ten men after thirty five minutes it was Bale who restored some pride for the team with a second half hat-trick with goals of unbelievable quality. He ran at the Inter defenders with pace and left them floundering on three different occasions as Spurs staged a remarkable comeback to lose by only one goal to the reigning Champions. By the end it was the Inter fans who were baying for the final whistle.

In the return game a fortnight later as Spurs won 3 - 1, the lasting memory is of Bale once again racing from his own half, down the left wing as chants of "Taxi for Maicon" rang from the White Hart Lane stands with the Inter defender lying prostrate on the ground. The Inter defender and his colleagues failed to prevent Bale putting in a perfect cross for Roman Pavlyuchenko to score Spurs' third goal of the evening in the final minute. Then, he had just repeated what he had done less than thirty minutes earlier when Peter Crouch had scored the second goal.

There was now no way that Bale would be leaving White Hart Lane - he was a vital part of the team that Harry Redknapp was developing to challenge the top four teams in the country. It wasn't easy for Bale as defenders looked for ways to prevent him having an influence on the game and at times he was subject to heavy tackles and finding two or three defenders waiting in his way.

As last season drew to a close the high expectations and number of matches took their toll on all the players and Bale was finding it more difficult to be as effective as he struggled with niggling injuries. His season finished early following a heavy challenge against Blackpool but refreshed at the start of this season he has shown added qualities in his game by playing from the right as well as the left and by having more freedom to play across midfield. This was best illustrated against Norwich City over the Christmas period when he scored the two goals which kept up Tottenham's title challenge. The first came as he supported Emmanuel Adebayor almost as a second striker in the penalty area and the second was the result of a powerful run from the halfway line to out pace the defenders and lift the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.

At present, much of what is good about Spurs often centres around Gareth Bale. He has scored seven goals this season and has numerous assists as the team have risen to third position in the Premier League with 46 points from their last 19 matches.

Bale appears to be a very settled young man and he is always the last Tottenham player to leave the pitch at White Hart lane as he acknowledges the supporters on all sides of the ground before leaving the field.

Gareth Bale has played a leading role in the revival of the Wales international team and it is widely expected that he will appear in the Great Britain football team in the London Olympics later in the year.

UEFA.com 'Team of the Year'
It is the first time a Spurs player has made it into the Team of the Year since its inception in 2001 and Bale is the only Premier League player in the 2011 team and becomes the first Welshman to named.
He was up agains the likes of Lille's Edin Hazard, Manchester United's Ashley Young and Chelsea'a Juan Mata for the left midfield position.

Gareth Bale was quick to praise his team mates at Tottenham for the part they played in him receiving this accolade. Luka Modric was also on the shortlist in central midfield and Gareth is one of only three players not based in Spain's La Liga to make the cut.

Tottenham 1 Wolves 1

2012-01-15T14:59:00.000Z

With four home games in January in the Premier League it was always likely to happen that Spurs would slip up somewhere through the month and so it proved against Wolves who battled well for their point, assisted once again by some basic refereeing mistakes.

Tottenham Hotspur 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1

Scorers: Modric Fletcher

Team: Friedel; Walker, Dawson, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto (Rose); Lennon (Defoe), Parker, Modric, Bale; Van der Vaart, Adebayor Subs (unused): Cudicini, Kranjcar, Bassong, Liveremore, Pavlyuchenko

Luka Modric

Disappointment, annoyance and frustration are the main feelings following Spurs home draw with Wolves. Disappointment that two points were dropped against a team that Spurs should have beaten, annoyance that once again Spurs have lost points due to basic refereeing mistakes and frustration that those dropped points have prevented Spurs from sitting joint top of the League level on points with Manchester City and United.

Scott Parker's return to the side after injury in place of Jake Livermore was the only change from the team that defeated Everton on Wednesday evening. Former Spurs schoolboy, Michael Kightly started his first League game of the season for Wolves after returning from a loan period with Watford.

Wolves showed their intent for hard work and endeavour from the start and Luka Modric also showed his early ambition of scoring a goal with a shot which passed just wide after four minutes. The move had started with a good cross-field pass from Rafael Van der Vaart to Aaron Lennon who interpassed with Kyle Walker to set up Modric on the edge of the box. As was to be expected Tottenham enjoyed the majority of the possession with Wolves working hard, high up the pitch, to deny them space and time. The visitors tactics were very effective but Younes Kaboul was taking the game to them with powerful surging runs out of defence towards the Wolves area and from one of these runs after seventeen minutes he set up Emmanuel Adebayor who took the ball to the bye-line and pulled it back to Modric but as he tried to get control a defender managed to knock the ball away.

A minute later a Gareth Bale shot was deflected over for a corner as Wolves tackled quickly but the visitors were finding it more difficult to get out of their half as Spurs hemmed them in and started to build up some pressure. On twenty minutes Modric again shot over following a good run by Lennon.

Then Wolves received just the boost their game plan needed. On twenty one minutes Wolves were awarded their first, and only, corner. Walker had carefully marshalled the ball out for a goal kick but the referee incorrectly gave them the corner. Wolves play lives on corners and free-kicks so the defenders came forward and with poor Spurs defending Johnston got a header on goal. Brad Friedel made a reflex save but it dropped to Steven Fletcher who poked the ball home from a few yards. Spurs defenders should have coped with the corner but the referee's decision had cost Spurs and to add insult to injury it was the 1000th Premier League goal Spurs have conceded, the first club to reach that unwanted landmark.

Taking the lead inspired Wolves to maintain their hard work and for a time Spurs showed their annoyance with increased efforts on goal. Two minutes later Modric found Bale in the centre but his shot went over. Following good play between Van der Vaart and Adebayor, Bale had another shot blocked. Van der Vaart had a long range effort deflected for another corner and then with over half an hour gone a Benoit Assou-Ekotto cross was headed out by a defender to Modric on the edge of the area but the goalkeeper saved his shot easily.

As Spurs pushed for a goal Wolves saw greater opportunities to counter attack and in the five minutes before half-time they had two goal scoring attempts - a shot wide and one over by Kightly. Spurs retaliated with a shot from Kaboul which was saved and a goal disallowed for offside. Bale had a shot which could possibly have been going in, touched into the net by Adebayor who was incorrectly given offside. This is the third occasion since early December that Adebayor has had goals incorrectly disallowed for off-side - at Stoke and against Chelsea.

The half ended with a free-kick from Van der Vaart being caught by the goalkeeper. Wolves had the interval lead when if the refereeing decisions had been correct Spurs would have been one goal to the good.

Spurs started the second half determined to get on level terms as Bale shot over but poor defending allowed Frampong a shot which Friedel saved. Then on fifty minutes Modric scored. It was a goal similar in creation to the one against West Brom. Van der Vaart received the ball in the area and passed out to Bale on the edge of the box and he played it across the area for Modric to score from twenty five yards.

Three minutes later the goalkeeper saved Wolves when stopping a shot from Modric and the follow up from Lennon. On the hour Bale headed a Assou-Ekotto cross over and then two minutes later he headed a Lennon cross towards the centre but neither Van der Vaart nor Adebayor could get a scoring touch. Van der Vaart put a free kick just wide as Spurs searched for the goal to put them ahead. Bale and Walker both shot over and then the goalkeeper saved with his feet from Jermain Defoe who had replaced Lennon with seventeen minutes remaining.

Spurs continued to press as Walker had a shot blocked and Modric shot over. The last opportunity to get a winner came in the final minute of added time but Bale's free-kick sailed over the bar.

Wolves deserved their point for their determined play and looked dangerous when they broke from defence but there is that annoying thought that Spurs were deprived of the three points by refereeing decisions going against them. All the papers today are focusing on the 'Spurs fall short' theme in their attempt to go level on points with City and United but overlooking the refereeing decisions. Similar decisions against Stoke City and Chelsea have now cost Spurs seven points.

The result now makes next weekend's match even more important for Spurs as they need to prevent City opening up an eight point gap, unless Wigan can do a 'Wolves' tomorrow evening.

They Played for Spurs and Wolves

2012-01-14T14:18:00.000Z

Jamie O'Hara was transferred from Spurs to Wolves last summer, having been on loan during last season. Others have played for both clubs but the last player to join Spurs from the Midlands side was goalkeeper Hans Segers in 1996.

Robbie Keane (Wolves & Spurs)

Robbie Keane, Dean Richards and Paul Stewart are three of the nineteen former Spurs players who have played for Wolves none of them were inviolved in a direct transfer between the two clubs.

Jamie O'Hara who is currently injured spent part of last season on loan with Wolves and joined the Molineux club last summer for a fee of £5 million. He had started his career with the Arsenal Academy before joining Tottenham. He made 34 League appearances for Spurs and scored twice in six years with the club. He had a period on loan with Portsmouth in 2010 and then a serious back injury required surgery at the start of the following season. He went to Wolves on loan in January, 2011 and helped them avoid relegation and then joined the club in a permanent deal.

Another player currently with Wolves started his career with Spurs but was released without making any senior appearances. He went to non-League football before returning to League football with the Midlands club. Michael Kightly was a schoolboy at Spurs but on being released worked his way back with Southend United and Gray's Athletic before joining Wolves in 2008 and helping them to promotion two years ago.

The last player to sign for Spurs from Wolves was goalkeeper, Hans Segers who joined the club in 1998. After a lengthy career with Nottingham Forest and Wimbledon, Segers joined Wolves as reserve in 1996. He then went to Woking before returning to Wolves and made 11 appearances. He joined Spurs as back-up and played one League game at Southampton in September, 1998. He then became Spurs goalkeeping coach and was with the club until 2007 and the departure of Martin Jol.

Stefan Iversen moved from Spurs to Wolves in 2003 after seven years at White Hart Lane. He had been part of the Worthington Cup winning team of 1999, scoring the semi-final goal against Wimbledon to secure Tottenham's place in the Final. He scored 41 goals in 138 League appearances for Spurs and it was his powerful run and centre late in the Final against Leicester City which created the goal for Allan Nielsen. One of his best Spurs' performances was at Sunderland when he scored a hat-trick in a 4 - 0 win in March, 1996. He had a year with Wolves before returning to Norway.

Allan Nielsen was also with Wolves, joining them for a loan period in 2000. He joined Spurs from Brondby in 1996 after the European championships. He received the 'Man of the Match' award after his winning goal performance at Wembley. After Euro 2000 he joined Watford for £2.5 million, having originally cost £1.65million. He made 97 League appearances, scoring 12 goals for Spurs.

Andy Sinton who was a substitute for the Worthington Cup Final also moved to Wolves. He had joined Spurs from Sheffield Wednesday in 1996, having also played for QPR. In three seasons with Spurs he scored six goals in 83 League appearances. He had three years with Wolves making 71 appearances.

Robbie Keane played for Wolves after arriving from Ireland. After two seasons he moved on to Coventry City and a year later joined Inter Milan. He scored 24 goals for Wolves in 73 League games. After a year in Italy he joined Leeds United and was signed by Spurs in 2002. In six years he 82 League goals from 197 League games. He unexpectedly joined Liverpool in the summer of 2008 having helped Spurs defeat Chelsea in the 2008 Carling Cup Final. An unsuccessful time at Anfield saw him return to Spurs in February, 2009. He failed to re-ignite his career or find his goal scoring touch and after periods on loan with Celtic and West Ham United, he joined LA Galaxy in 2011. In total Robbie Keane scored over 100 League and Cup goals for Spurs, including a hat-trick against his former club in 2003 and had many memorable goal scoring moments throughout his Tottenham career.

At last season's Premier League game at Molineux, both clubs and supporters paid a touching tribute to the former player, the late Dean Richards, who had sadly passed away just prior to the match. Richards had played over 100 matches for Wolves before his transfer to Southampton in 1999. He had two seasons at the south coast club before his former manager, Glenn Hoddle, signed him for Spurs in August, 2001 for £8.1 million. A central defender, Richards made a scoring debut against Manchester United at White Hart Lane. Spurs were three ahead by half-time but United recovered to win 5 - 3. Richards failed to reach his full potential at Spurs due to injury and illness. He retired in 2005 and passed away at the age of 35 after a long illness.

Gordon Smith who had joined Spurs from Aston Villa joined Wolves in 1982 after four seasons at White Hart Lane. Injury prevented him from establishing himself at Tottenham and he then spent two seasons with Wolves, making 38 League appearances for both clubs but Wolves got the better value as he scored 3 goals for them but only managed one with Spurs.

Steve Sedgley, Paul Stewart, Vinny Samways and Mark Kendall all played for both clubs but were not involved in direst transfers between the clubs.

The first player to move from Wolves to Spurs was goalkeeper Tommy Lunn. He spent six years with Wolves and joined Tottenham in April, 1910. He had won the FA Cup with Wolves in 1908 and came to Spurs towards the end of their first season in the 1st Division as they battled against relegation. He played in the final two games of the season, no transfer windows in those early days, which Spurs won and avoided the drop. He was th eregular goalkeeper until November, 1912 and then lost his place to John 'Tiny' Joyce and joined Stockport in June, 1913.

Sammy Brooks had a long career with Wolves before and after the 1st World War before joining Spurs for two seasons in 1922. Brooks played on the left wing and appeared in the 1921 FA Cup Final against Spurs and had a chance to equalise. He failed to live up to expectations at Tottenham and was eventually sold to Southend United.

Harry Hargreaves was a forward who joined Spurs from in December, 1923 having previously spent eighteen months with Wolves. He was released and went to play in Wales before joining Spurs. He only made 34 League appearances, scoring 7 goals before moving to Burnley in March, 1926.

Harry Marshall, a forward, played only once for Spurs in 1932. He had signed from Port Vale in March, 1930 after two seasons with Wolves. He was released after two years at White Hart Lane.

Cyril Spiers spent five seasons with Spurs playing 158 games in goal for the club from 1927 to 1933. He had previously been with Aston Villa but was released after a serious injury and it was thought he wouldn't be able to play again. However, after recovering he had a trial with Spurs and was signed by them. He was regular goalkeeper for the next four years and joined Wolves in September, 1933 and was later made assistant manager.

He Managed Both Clubs
Glenn Hoddle is a Spurs 'Legend' and having made over 350 League appearances for the club and helped them to numerous successes in the early 1980s he returned as manager in 2001. This proved less successful and he was sacked in 2003. he later managed Wolves from 2004 to 2006.

Spurs v Wolves Preview

2012-01-13T21:52:00.000Z

Tottenham play their fourth consecutive home match in twelve days. To date all has gone well with progress in the FA Cup and victories over West Brom and Everton to lift Spurs to joint second in the Premier League, level on points with United and three points behind City.

Wolverhampton Wanderers will arrive at White Hart Lane with two objectives tomorrow afternoon - to avoid becoming the second club that Spurs have completed the 'double' over this season and to achieve what they managed on their last visit to north London, a draw against Arsenal at Christmas or even better to repeat their success of two seasons ago when they scored a goal after three minutes and frustrated Spurs for the rest of the game to take all three points in their first win at White Hart Lane since November, 1973.

Mick McCarthy will be hoping the players will respond in a positive way to the rather public utterings of the club owner, Steve Morgan who has let it be known that he is looking for an improvement in the second half of the season as he doesn't think that 17 points from 20 matches is good enough. This has put added pressure on McCarthy to ensure that the players are focused and know exactly what they have to do.

This will, undoubtedly, be another game where Spurs will find themselves facing a packed defence with forwards expected to track back and help in midfield and defence as required and then make to most of any opportunities which provide themselves at the set-piece plays where tall defenders will pile forward in search of a goal. To date, Spurs have shown a patience to work at breaking down such defences and with a little more awareness and control in the penalty area could have won previous matches by a greater margin.

Wolves are in 16th place in the Premier League, two places but only one point above the relegation zone. From ten away games they have taken six points from three draws and one win. They have scored 10 goals and conceded 18. Their only win was on the opening day of the season when they defeated Blackburn Rovers 3 - 2 at Ewood Park. They followed that with a draw at Aston Villa and their undefeated three match start to the season came to an end when Spurs visited Molineux in September. After such an encouraging start to the season, taking seven points from the first three games they have found it more difficult to pick up points.

Last Saturday they played out a goalless draw at Birmingham City in the FA Cup and in their previous two away Premier League games they earned a point in each with 1 - 1 draws at Bolton and Arsenal. In both of those matches they came from behind to equalise through Steven Fletcher. These recent results on their travels have shown them to be difficult to break down awith a resilience as they battle to improve their position. Their last away defeat was at Manchester United in mid-December (1 - 4). Other away losses have been at the hands of Liverpool (1 - 2), WBA (0 - 2), Manchester City (1 - 3), Everton (1 - 2) and Chelsea (0 - 3).

Wolves don't appear to have too many injury problems although former Spurs player, Jamie O'Hara is out long term. Others who had minor knocks are recovering and available for selection -
Fletcher and Roger Johnson picked up minor ankle problems last weekend but have recovered as has
Dave Edwards after a groin problem. Nenad Milijas is also back after completing his suspension.

Steven Fletcher is Wolves' leading goal scorer with 8 goals in the League, five ahead of four players - Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Stephan Ward, Stephen Hunt and O'Hara. Fletcher scored in last season's game at White Hart Lane and also in the 3 - 3 draw at Molineux where Kevin Doyle scored twice as well as getting the winner two seasons ago. This season Doyle has scored two goals.

Wolves feel they have been unfortunate in recent weeks with decisions which have gone against them - in the home match against Chelsea where they lost to a last minute goal and the sending off of Milijas against Arsenal. They will take encouragement from their performance at the Emirates and from other results in recent weeks - Blackburn's win at Old Trafford, Sunderland's defeat of Manchester City, Aston Villa winning at Chelsea - and see these as proof that the top teams can be beaten when the other team shows the application and belief that they can get a result. Spurs will have to be wary of allowing such motives on the part of the visitors to get a control of the game. While everyone in the media is talking up next weekend's meeting with City in Manchester the Spurs players are aware that the game against Wolves is the most important at the moment as a win would put them level on points with City who don't play until Monday evening and probably United who play Bolton on Saturday. All three clubs could have 48 points by tea-time tomorrow.

League Record against Wolves at White Hart Lane

P 40 W 28 D 7 L 5 For 102 Ag 53

Home Premier League Record against Wolves

P 3 W 2 D 0 L 1 For 8 Ag 4

Last Season's Result

Sept. 2010 PL Won 3 - 1 Van der Vaart (pen), Pavlyuchenko, Hutton

Wolves took the lead on the stroke of half-time through Fletcher in last season's match. They held their lead in what was looking like a repeat of the previous season until thirteen minutes from time when Rafael Van der Vaart brought Spurs level from the penalty spot after a strong run into the area by Alan Hutton who was brought down by Ward. Spurs then won the game in the final three minutes with two goals from Roman Pavlyuchenko and Hutton.

Memorable Matches against Wolves at the Lane

Dec. 2003 PL Won 5 - 2 Keane (3), Kanoute, Dalmat

It was Wolves first game at White Hart Lane for twenty years and their first there in the Premier League. Former Wolves player Robbie Keane, scored a hat-trick. He put Spurs ahead after 29 minutes but Paul Ince equalised a minute later. Early in the second half Fredi Kanoute restored Spurs lead and Keane completed his hat-trick by scoring in the 75th and 83rd minute. Wolves pulled one back but in the final minute Stephane Dalmat scored the fifth for Spurs with a great strike.

Feb. 1983 Div. 1 Won 6 - 1 Villa (3), Falco, Hoddle (pen), Crooks

This match marked the official opening of the new West Stand with the duties performed by Sir Stanley Rous, the former President of FIFA. Spurs celebrated in grand style with an emphatic win over a poor Wolves side who were to be relegated at the end of the season. Ricky Villa rose to the occasion once again by scoring a hat-trick. Glenn Hoddle scored Spurs' first goal from the penalty spot and then Villa got his first. Wolves scored just before half-time but in the second half Villa completed his hat-trick while Garth Crooks and Mark Falco also added to the scoring.

Mar. 1965 Div. 1 Won 7 - 4 Clayton, Allen, Gilzean (2), Jones (3)

An eleven goal thriller. The Spurs goals came from Eddie Clayton, Les Allen, Alan Gilzean (2) and Cliff Jones (3).

A number of interesting facts about this game:

this was Les Allen’s last goal for Spurs
Keith Weller a young forward made his debut and
Jimmy Greaves was playing but surprisingly did not score.

Wolves had scored first but Spurs equalized and at half-time the score was 1-1. With six minutes to go the score was 5-4 and then Jones scored two late goals for his hat-trick.

Spurs know that they must win this match as they continue to chase Manchester City and United but they are aware that Wolves will prove to be very awkward opponents who must be taken seriously. A Spurs win over Wolves would make next week's match in Manchester very interesting as it could provide Spurs with an opportunity to move level on points with City having played the same number of matches. But that's for next week, this weekend it's all about Wolves and the chase for a vital win.

Tottenham 2 Everton 0

2012-01-13T21:41:00.001Z

Spurs managed to maintain their good home form with a comfortable win over Everton who showed greater attacking intent than some previous visitors. A goal in each half secured the three points with the goals being scored by Aaron Lennon and a wonder strike from Benoit Assou-Ekotto.

Tottenham Hotspur 2 Everton 0

Scorers: Lennon, Assou-Ekotto

Team: Friedel; Walker, Dawson, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon (Pienaar), Livermore, Modric, Bale; Van der Vaart, Adebayor (Pavlyuchenko). Subs (unused): Cudicini, Bassong, Rose, Kranjcar, Defoe

Spurs won comfortably against Everton to move level on points with Manchester United and three points behind City. Apart from an early strike in the opening minute by Luis Saha which went wide Spurs were relatively untroubled by the visitors apart from a couple of headers from corners.

Everton competed well in the opening minutes with Saha and Victor Anichebe dropping back to support in midfield but as the half progressed Spurs started to create some scoring opportunities. Rafael Van der Vaart curled a shot just over the bar and Emmanuel Adebayor had two opportunities to put Spurs ahead but lack of control was his downfall. As the half hour approached Spurs looked to be gaining the ascendency and so it proved as Leighton Baines misjudged a long cross-field pass from Benoit Assou-Ekotto. This gave Aaron Lennon the opportunity to get behind him and run into the area. Going across the area he shot to the near post with his left foot to wrong foot Tim Howard as the goalkeeper expected a shot across goal.

In the second half play continued with Everton looking to contain. Luka Modric was the subject of some tough tackling which the referee chose to ignore, especially on an occasion as Everton attacked, Modric was left lying on the ground but Spurs broke at pace and Howard saved the visitors with a good save from a powerful shot by Gareth Bale who had sprinted from box to box. As Modric recovered he drew the referee's attention to the damage that had been done to his shin but again the referee was not interested.

It's not often that Benoit Assou-Ekotto scores a goal but when he does they are goals to remember. With just over an hour gone the full back advanced up the left to be an attacking option as he does so often, he received the ball and cut in towards the middle and as Everton's defence opened up in front of him he shot from over thirty yards and while the ball took a slight deflection, the goalkeeper didn't get near it. Ekotto scored an equally memorable goal against Liverpool at the start of the 2009 - 2010 season.

Two nil and Spurs were comfortable with few anxieties got through to the finish and the visitors relieved to accept that scoreline.

Spurs played some lovely football with Bale showing Phil Neville that he wasn't going to be intimidated as happened last season. The only disappointment would be that Spurs in a season when they have played their best football for many years, haven't managed to run up a big score against any team. They have lacked the goalscoring instinct to accept enough of the numerous opportunities that they've created in so many matches.

After two games of this season, Spurs were in despair but now at just past the halfway point they are three points behind the League leaders and have opened a gap of eight points on Chelsea and nine ahead of Arsenal. Next Saturday's game with Wolves is vital to maintain this strong position and the challenge at the top of the table.

The opening match of the season may have come five months late but on this occasion, it was well worth waiting for!

COYS

Tottenham v Everton Preview

2012-01-11T08:13:00.000Z

Spurs and Everton finally get the opportunity to play their 'opening match of the season' - in January. This match which has been so important to Spurs and Everton supporters, when calculating League tables and the position of their team taking account of their 'one game in hand'. It is about to come to pass and all will be revealed by 21.40 (approx) this evening - will the gap to those clubs above have narrowed and will the advantage over to those below be three points greater?

Everton took four points from Spurs last season and so will believe that they can do a repeat job this year. They are in 11th position in the Premier League with 24 points - 13 points having been earned away from Goodison Park. They have won 4 and drawn 1 of their nine away matches, having scored and conceded 10 goals on their travels. The goals tally shows immediately that they keep it very tight, giving little away and their away record shows a number of games going in their favour with late goals.

The first away game of the season was at Blackburn and they took the three points with a penalty scored in the 92nd minute, Arteta's gift before leaving for Arsenal. At Fulham, after taking an early lead but then looking set to lose the match only for Bobby Zamora to miss an open goal very late in the match, Everton turned the match on its head by scoring twice in added time to win 3 - 1. A similar style of win came in their last away match against WBA on New Year's Day. A dull game was drawing to a scoreless conclusion only for Everton to score with three minutes left through substitute, Victor Anichebe. Their fourth away success came at Bolton with two second half strikes - so Spurs need to be wary of Everton making a late push to snatch the points. Everton's other away point came at Sunderland on Boxing Day when they equalised in the second half through a Leighton Baines' penalty, to deny Martin O'Neill's rejuvenated side - the only points Sunderland dropped over the holiday period.

Everton lost early in the season at Manchester City (0 - 2), Chelsea (1 - 3), Newcastle (1 - 2) and at Arsenal (0 - 1) in mid-December. Last weekend they progressed in the FA Cup at home to non-League Tamworth (2 - 0) with an early goal from Johnny Heitinga and a second half penalty scored by Baines.

Leighton Baines, the penalty and free-kick specialist, is Everton's leading goalscorer with 4 goals from 4 penalties (three in the League) . Spurs know to be wary of him as he scored with a stunning free-kick to give Everton the lead in last season's game at White Hart Lane. Leon Osman and Apostolos Vellios, their Greek striker, have each scored three goals.

Everton have a problem with a number of injuries and it was added to when defender Phil Jagielka and Jack Rodwell went off in their last League game with Bolton. Seamus Coleman also suffered a recurrence of a thigh injury in the FA Cup tie with Tamworth. Tim Cahill, Leon Osman, and Tony Hibbert are all injury worries for Everton. Landon Donovan has returned to the club on a short term loan from Los Angeles Galaxy.

Spurs have their own injury concerns with Ledley King and William Gallas out of defence while Sandro and Scott Parker will be missing in midfield. Michael Dawson and Aaron Lennon played in the FA Cup against Cheltenham Town and could be available for the match.

Home Record in Premier League against Everton

P 19 W 11 D 5 L 3 For 37 Ag 24

Home League Record v Everton (inc. PL)

P 74 W 37 D 21 L 16 For 145 Ag 91

Recent PL Home Games

Oct. 2010 PL Draw 1 - 1 Van der Vaart

Spurs went into the game on the back of their thrilling dedeat in the San Siro and everyone was expecting a repeat preformance from Gareth Bale. Everton took the lead with a free-kick from Baines in the first half and Rafael Van der Vaart levelled three minutes later from an assist by Peter Crouch. It was Van der Vaart's fifth goal in four home appearances. Bale had a quiet game as Phil Neville used all his experience to nullify the threat posed.

Feb. 2010 PL Won 2 - 1 Pavlyuchenko, Modric

Two goals in the first half hour from Roman Pavlyuchenko and Luka Modric set Spurs up for the win but and Everton goal early in the second half made it more difficult than it had first appeared as Everton showed improved form after the interval.

Nov. 2008 PL Lost 0 - 1

After their long sequence without a win at Tottenham, Everton took advantage of a loss of concentration by Spurs to score the only goal from a quickly taken free-kick. The first half was scoreless but Steven Peinaar put Everton ahead within six minutes of the restart getting the ball from the free-kick, which Spurs didn't react to quickly enough.

Aug. 2007 PL Lost 1 - 3 Gardner
Spurs start to the season went from bad to worse. Having lost at Sunderland on the opening day, they compounded it but losing comprehensively in their first home game. Everton were ahead after three minutes but Tony Gardner equalised after twenty minutes. Everton scored twice in the eight minutes leading up to the interval and Spurs with a number of injuries in defence never looked like recovering.

Aug. 2006 PL Lost 0 - 2
It was exactly twenty one years from Everton's last League win at White Hart Lane but two second half goals secured their win.

Oct. 2005 PL Won 2 - 0 Mido, Jenas
Everton played with five in midfield and they held out for an hour. Then Mido and Jermaine Jenas scored twice with headers within six minutes to secure the points.

Memorable Matches
1st January, 2005 Spurs 5 Everton 2 Marney (2), Ziegler, Mendes, Keane
What a way to start the New Year especially for Dean Marney who scored his only goals for the club.

12th January, 2003 Spurs 4 Everton 3 Keane (3), Poyet
Five goals in the second half after Spurs levelled in the first half through Gus Poyet, Everton having gone ahead in the tenth minute. After the interval Everton twice pulled Spurs back after Keane put then ahead but Keane completed his hat-trick with seven minutes remaining.

3rd October, 1993 Spurs 3 Everton 2 Sheringham, Anderton, Caskey
Everton were ahead at the interval but Teddy Sheringham equalised on the hour. Everton regained the lead and with two minutes remaining seemed to have earned the points. Darren Anderton then drew Spurs level and Darren Caskey scored the winner in the last minute.

11th October, 1958 Spurs 10 Everton 4 Ryden, Medwin, Harmer, Smith (4), Stokes (2), Robb
What a way for Bill Nicholson to start his managerial career. Appointed on the morning of the match the players responded and produced this outstanding result - a sign of the great times ahead at White Hart Lane when 'Sir' Bill was in charge.

25th December, 1956 Spurs 6 Everton 0 Medwin, (2), Harmer (pen), Smith R (2), Stokes
A memorable way to mark the last time Spurs played a game on Christmas Day at White Hart Lane. The tradition of playing matches on that day was finally brought to an end in 1958.

Once again, as against WBA, Spurs face a side with a better away record that home and a team who have benefited from late goals. Spurs can expect to face tactics similar to those employed by Sunderland and West Brom and even Chelsea in their initial approach to the game. All three teams sat back and filled the area in front of their defence to stop Spurs' quick passing movements and to frustrate the opportunities for Kyle Walker, Bale and Lennon to run with the ball at pace. Chelsea started the game in that way but became more expressive after Spurs went ahead.

Everton will come to defend and restrict Spurs with a well organised game plan. Even if they are weakened due to injuries David Moyes will expect his team to work hard in front of Spurs to ensure they have no time on the ball and rely on Tim Howard to produce another sound display in goal. Everton will attempt to wear Spurs down through time and then in the final part of the game hope to gain some extra reward for their effort with late attacking substitutions attempting to make their mark with a late goal as they have done previously in their away games.

Spurs will hope for an early goal to upset any defensive plan which Everton might have set up so as to provide them with space to play in and the opportunity for the win to strengthen their position by moving level on points with Manchester United and create an eight point advantage over Chelsea in fourth place.

They Played for Spurs and Everton

2012-01-10T15:26:00.000Z

Tottenham and Everton first met competitively in 1904 when Spurs as a non-League team defeated them in the FA Cup, the last time Everton lost at home to a non-League team. Only eleven players, however, have played for both teams and there have only been five direct transfers between the clubs but the list does include some prestigious and famous names.

Steven Pienaar

Alex Young, a centre forward, was the first player to be transferred between the two clubs. Not Everton's 1960s Alex Young, but a version from 1911. He had played for Everton for ten seasons and had scored over 100 League goals for the side as well as scoring the winning goal in the 1906 FA Cup Final. He had also won two caps for Scotland but his time with Spurs was short. He signed in June, 1911 and was gone by the following November. He scored three goals in his first two games but didn't score again and when dropped demanded a transfer and was allowed to go to Manchester City. He emigrated to Australia in 1914 but a year later was charged with the wilful murder of his brother and was found guilty of manslaughter. Evidence had been produced from his football days in England showing that he had been subject to fits of temporary insanity. On completion of his year three year sentence he was not released immediately on grounds of 'mental weakness'. He did later return to Scotland.

Last January, Steven Peinaar joined Spurs from Everton but injury problems have, so far, prevented him from making an impression at White Hart Lane. The South African international had three and a half seasons with the Goodison Park side having signed from Borussia Dortmond in 2007, at first on loan. He made over 100 League appearances, scoring 9 goals. He had played for Ajax Cape Town before joining Ajax at the age of eighteen.

Bobby Mimms was the second player to join Spurs from Everton, 77 years after Alex Young. He had played understudy to Neville Southall at Goodison and in February, 1988 Terry Venables decided he could help to resolve Spurs goalkeeping problems. However, this didn't prove to be the case and he was replaced by Erik Thorstvedt the following year. His time at Spurs is not remembered favourably by supporters and he was transferred to Blackburn Rovers in December, 1990 where he had a much more successful time.

Pat Van den Hauwe joined Spurs in August, 1989. He helped Spurs win the FA Cup of 1991 and the title of his autobiography, 'Psycho Pat' sums up perfectly the hard-man full back. He was signed by Venables for a position which had caused Spurs problems for many seasons. He had enjoyed success with Everton as they won the League title twice, and the European Cup Winners' Cup as well as reaching the FA Cup final on three occasions. He brought experience, strength and power to the Spurs defence. After four seasons and over 100 League appearances he joined Millwall.

Vinny Samways takes the honours as the only player to be transferred from Spurs to Everton. He developed through the Spurs youth system and after eight seasons with the club he moved north in August, 1994. He played 193 League games and scored 11 goals in his time at White Hart Lane and was in the FA Cup winning team of 1991. The introduction of Ossie Ardiles' attacking five formation which included Jurgen Klinsmann, Teddy Sheringham, Nicky Barmby, Darren Anderton and Ille Dumitrescu restricted Samways' opportunities to play. He failed to settle at Goodison and only made 23 League appearances. He had periods on loan and then moved to Spain in 1996 where he developed a reputation as a 'hardman', an aspect of his game not previously seen in England.

Famous Names
Other players who played for both Spurs and Everton include Gary Lineker who had three seasons in Spain under Terry Venables at Barcelona after a year with Everton, before returning to England to play at White Hart Lane.

Richard Gough had just over a season with Spurs in from 1986 to 1988 when he captained the side to their only FA Cup Final defeat. He was a stylish, commanding centre back but unfortunately for Tottenham, his family failed to settle in London and he returned to Scotland to play for Rangers. Eleven years after leaving White Hart Lane he had two years with Everton.

Paul Gascoigne had his success and heartache with Spurs and then after playing for Lazio, Rangers and Middlesbrough he spent two seasons with Everton from 2000.

Nick Barmby left Spurs in 1995 after developing through the Spurs youth system. He scored 21 League goals from 89 appearances for Spurs, before moving north to Middlesbrough to be closer to his home. A year later he joined Everton and four years on moved to Liverpool, a rare occurrence. He has now been confirmed as manager with his home club, Hull City.

David Ginola joined from Newcastle United and enjoyed three seasons with Spurs, winning the Worthington Cup, and then joined Aston Villa in 2000. A year later he signed for Everton.

FA Cup Tottenham 3 Cheltenham Town 0

2012-01-07T18:55:00.000Z

Spurs progressed to the FA Cup 4th Round with a comfortable win over League 2 side, Cheltenham Town. Two ahead at the interval through Defoe and Pavlyuchenko, Spurs added a late third from Giovani Dos Santos. Cheltenham battled throughout, especially in the second half.

Tottenham Hotspur 3 Cheltenham Town 0

Scorers: Defoe, Pavlyuchenko, Giovani

Team: Cudicini; Livermore, Dawson (Carroll), Bassong, Rose; Lennon (Bostock), Kranjcar, Pienaar, Giovani; Pavlyichenko, Defoe (Falque) Subs (unused): Gomes, Kaboul, Van der Vaart, Parrett

Tottenham eased through the 3rd Round tie with a team showing ten changes from the one which started against West Bromwich Albion last Tuesday evening. Only Jermain Defoe remained from that team but Michael Dawson and Aaron Lennon had recovered from injury to bring further first team experience to a team containing eight internationals. Only Carlo Cudicini, Jake Livermore and Danny Rose are not full internationals in a team which had too much experience for their League 2 opponents.

Cheltenham started at a pace with Kaid Mohamed taking Livermore by surprise with his pace in the opening seconds. They worked hard and were quicker to the ball but without ever threatening the Tottenham goal. Roman Pavlyuchenko worked himself a good chance after fourteen minutes when he curled a shot over from 16 yards. The opening goal came after 23 minutes when Niko Kranjcar played Giovani through and he lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper and looked to have scored until Defoe poked the ball home from virtually on the goal-line, much to the Mexican's annoyance. Defoe had scored Tottenham's 750th FA Cup goal, only the second club to reach that landmark.

Rose put in a dangerous cross on thirty two minutes which caused the goalkeeper problems but he did well to get back and keep it out. Just as it looked as if Cheltenham were going to get to half-time without any more difficulty, Spurs struck suddenly with a good team passing movement which resulted in Giovani putting in a clever through ball to Defoe who squared for Pavlyuchenko to score from six yards. It was Pavlyuchenko's eighth goal from eleven FA Cup appearances.

Cheltenham had a chance in added time when Mohamed intercepted Kranjcar's pass and ran at Dawson. He shot early but Cudicini dealt with it.

After half-time Cheltenham increased their enderavour and worked hard to restrict Spurs although any chances fell to the home side with Scott Brown making a number of good saves for Cheltenham. Defoe was put through but his shot was saved from a narrow angle with Pavlyuchenko unmarked. The Russian had a chip go over and Giovani had a shot over after good work by Defoe and Kranjcar. On the hour Brown made a good save from Defoe having been put through by Pavlyuchenko. Then Livermore shot over from 25 yards.

Kranjcar had a shot saved and Giovani's follow up was blocked. Then Russell Penn shot over for Cheltenham after Brian Smikle beat Rose on the right. Defoe was replaced by Yago Falque after 75 minutes and Brown saved from Sebastien Bassong. Cheltenham won their first corner after eighty minutes.

As Town tired and with four minutes remaining, Rose intercepted a pass and played in Giovani to complete the scoring with a shot which deflected off a defender and looped over the goalkeeper. It was hard on Cheltenham to concede another goal after all their hard work in the second half. Marlon Pack had a late opportunity to score a consolation goal but shot over.

The attendance was 35, 672 - the biggest crowd ever to watch a Cheltenham Town game.

Cheltenham Town's manager, Mark Yates summed up the match perfectly, "Tottenham are quality but we have done ourselves so proud today. It was a learning curve and we've given them a game."

Before the game, knowing that Harry Redknapp was going to rest players, Yates said, "I went to Ireland to watch them and saw a similar team beat Shamrock Rovers in the Europa League and we know the quality they have beneath the first XI. Whatever team they put out it will be a massive step up from what we've been playing." And so it proved.

I 'watched' the game on Twitter with a BBC Radio Gloucester commentary. Thanks for all the tweets to keep us informed.

For Spurs it's Everton on Wednesday evening while Cheltenham play Aldershot next weekend. They deserve a warm welcome home from their supporters next Saturday.

FA Cup 4th Round Draw: Tomorrow evening - 5.30pm ITV - Tottenham Hotspur No. 8

7th January - Spurs Have Never Lost at Home

2012-01-07T10:48:00.002Z

7th January - What a Day!

Spurs have an amazing home record for this day - 7th January.

They have NEVER lost at home on this particular date while the away record is nearly as good, showing just one defeat.

Home Record: P 15 Won 14 Draw 1 Lost 0 For 51 Ag 15
Away Record: P 6 Won 3 Draw 2 Lost 1 For 5 Ag 1

Amazingly, many of the matches are memorable in their own right. The completed home record is:

1888 v St Brides (Fr) Won 3-2

1899 v Royal Artillery (SL) Won 1-0

1905 v Watford (SL) Won 2-0
1911 v Bristol City (Div 1) Won 3-2
(Billy Minter scored a hat-trick)

1928 v Newcastle United (Div 1) Won 5-2(George Osborne scored 4 goals but Spurs were relegated that season – they lost the final four games of the season to unexpectedly drop into a relegation place, having been 8th in mid-March. Spurs were on a end of season tour in Holland when their fate was sealed)

1933 v Stoke City (Div 2) Won 3-2
(Spurs won promotion at the end of the season)

1939 v Watford (FAC) Won 7-1
(Spurs’ players wore numbered shirts for the first time – another 1st for Spurs)
1956 v Boston United (FAC) Won 4-0
(Spurs overcame non-League opposition and reached the semi-final of the Cup)

1961 v Charlton Athletic (FAC) Won 3-2
(The start of the second stage of the push for the ‘Double’)

1970 v Bradford City (FA Cup Rep) Won 5-0
(Jimmy Greaves’ last FA Cup goals for Spurs)
1978 v Bolton Wanderers (FAC) Draw 2-2(The only blot on a perfect record-the 2nd Division rivals were competing for promotion)

1981 v QPR (FAC Rep) Won 3-1
(Spurs were ‘On Their Way to Wembley')

1995 v Altrincham (FAC) Won 3-0(Spurs overcame non-League opposition and reached the semi-final of the Cup)

2004 v Birmingham City (Prem) Won 4-1
(Dalmat’s two goals and performance were the highlight of his time at Tottenham)

The highlight of the away record for this day is a 2-0 victory at Highbury in 1967 with goals from Jimmy Robertson and Alan Gilzean.

The last time Spurs played on 7th January was in 2007 when they travelled to Cardiff to play City in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup. The result was a scoreless draw.

The one disappointment and black spot is a Cup defeat against Bradford City in 1989. The FA Cup 3rd Round visit to the 2nd Division side ended with a 0-1 defeat.

7th January, 2012 Spurs have maintained this amazing record with a 3 - 0 success over Cheltenham Town at White Hart Lane in the FA Cup 3rd Round. Jermain Defoe and Roman Pavlyuchenko gave them the advantage at the interval and a late goal from Giovani Dos Santos completed the scoring against the League 2 side who battled determinedly throughout.

FA Cup Tottenham v Cheltenham Town

2012-01-06T08:32:00.000Z

Cheltenham Town from League 2 visit White Hart Lane in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup for the first ever match between the two clubs. This is Spurs' fifth successive home draw on 3rd Round day and their seventh in the past nine seasons. Cheltenham's best performance in the FA Cup was reaching the 5th Round ten years ago. This is their fifth appearance in the 3rd Round and last season they were knocked out in the 2nd Round at Southampton.

Cheltenham Town, known as 'The Robins', was founded in 1887 and played its football in the Southern League until joining the Football Conference in 1997. In their two seasons there they finished as runners-up and then Champions so gaining promotion to the Football League at the end of season 1998 - 99 under manager, Steve Cotterill.

Cheltenham have maintained their League status since then and finished eighth in their first season in the Football League. After three seasons they won promotion but Cotterill left to become manager of Stoke City. They were immediately relegated after just one season in Division 1 and their pattern of League promotions/relegations has taken on a three year pattern - winning promotion after three years followed by relegation to Division 2 three years later. Currently, after another three years, they are second in League 2 and in perfect position for another promotion.

Cheltenham are managed by Mark Yates who replaced Martin Allen three years ago. Their season didn't start in the best way with a defeat at Gillingham. They then lost to MK Dons in the Carling Cup but had their first win of the season at home to local rivals, Swindon Town. They lost their next home match to Morecambe before winning at Northampton Town and inflicting the first League defeat of newly promoted and current League Two leaders, Crawley Town at their Abbey Business Stadium, Whaddon Road ground.

They are now a point behind Crawley at the top of League 2 having won 11 of their last 15 games with nine wins in their last 10 away matches and a 2 - 1 win at Port Vale last Monday when Alan Bennett and Brian Smikle scored in the second half. With such a record Cheltenham will come to White Hart Lane with a confidence in their play. On their last visit to North London in mid-December, they drew 2 - 2 with Barnet. A Kaid Mohamed goal and a Duffy penalty gave them a goal advantage at the interval but Barnet drew level with a second half penalty.

"A Mix of experience and youth"

As Mark Yates admits himself, his team has "one or two experienced campaigners who will enjoy the game and a couple of younger players who will have the chance to show what they're about.'

Scott Brown joined Cheltenham in 2005 and has over 140 League appearances for them. He started at the Wolves Academy but failed to make the breakthrough and moved to non-League football and arrived at Cheltenham as understudy but has now made the position his own.

They are captained by defender Alan Bennett who has two caps for the Republic of Ireland. He made over 160 appearances for Cork City in the League of Ireland before moving into football in England. He joined Reading in 2007 but didn't play for them and played last season with Wycombe Wanderers and joined Cheltenham in 2011.

Steve Elliott is another experienced defender who had six seasons with Bristol Rovers and over 200 appearances. He signed for "the Robins' in 2010.

Cheltenham's leading goalscorer is Darryl Duffy. He is a Scotland 'B' international and started his career with Glasgow Rangers, playing once. He moved to Falkirk and into England with Hull, Swansea and Bristol Rovers, before joining Cheltenham in 2011. He has scored 11 goals this season - 7 in the League, 2 FA Cup goals and 2 others.

James Spencer has 7 goals with 6 in the Leagie and 1 other. He is on loan from Huddersfield Town for the season.

Kaid Mohamed has scored 6 league goals and plays on the wing or as a striker. He started in Welsh football before joining Swindon Town. Last season he helped AFC Wimbledon win promotion to the Football League and joined Cheltenham in the summer.

Jeff Gouding has five goals with 4 in the league and one other. He had considerable non-League experience before spending two seasons with Bournemouth and joined Cheltenham in June, 2010.

Luke Garbutt is a young defender who has been on loan from Everton and has represented England at age groups up to Under-19 level.

FA Cup Road to White Hart Lane
Cheltenham's visit to London is their third away tie in this season's FA Cup.

They started off by defeating Tranmere Rovers 1 - 0 in the 1st Round with a first half penalty scored by Duffy.

They then overcame non-League Luton Town by 4 - 2 in the next round. Duffy gave Cheltenham the perfect start with a goal after two minutes. Luton equalised five minutes before the interval but Cheltenham snatched the lead on the half-time whistle through Marlon Pack. Luton drew level again early in the second half but two further goals from Luke Summerfield after 64 minutes and one in added time from Russell Penn ensured their progress to the FA Cup 3rd Round draw.

Former Spurs players and Cheltenham
David Hutton joined the Tottenham Academy in 2006–07 and in March 2009, he went on loan to Cheltenham Town and made his league debut against Leyton Orient. Hutton's first league and Cheltenham goal came on 10 April 2009 in a 1–1 draw at Peterborough United.

He signed for Cheltenham that summer on a one-year deal but was released by the club the following year. After a brief spell with St. Albams City he signed with Glenn Hoddle's team in Spain, Jerez Industrial. He is currently playing for Borehamwood.

Sam Cox had a month with Cheltenham on loan from Spurs in 2009. He came through the Spurs Academy, playing in midfield or defence, but after further periods out on loan he was released in June, 2010 and joined Barnet. He is currently on loan with Borehamwood.

Harry Redknapp has shown little appetite for Cup football since his arrival at White Hart Lane and once again has the League and Champions League qualification as his first ambition. He will be looking to rest many of his experienced players who have had a busy fortnight with the holiday matches and he will be wanting all of them available for next Wednesday's game with Everton and the crucial matches through January. With injuries taking their toll to squad players, Vedran Corluka and Sandro, it could be quite an inexperienced side which plays against Cheltenham. Some of the younger players who played in the Europa League have gone out on loan already, Andros Townsend and Harry Kane, so they are not available either. Michael Dawson and Aaron Lennon may return after injury which would bring much needed experience and whatever team plays, they should have enough experience to overcome the threat presented by Cheltenham.

Tottenham and the FA Cup (3rd Round)

2012-01-05T08:47:00.000Z

Spurs and the FA Cup 3rd Round
[Article first appeared on Topspurs]


Gary Mabbutt FA Cup winning Captain

The first Saturday in January and the FA Cup 3rd Round go together hand in hand and has always been a special day in the football calendar. The Final in May is a memorable occasion for two clubs and their fans but 3rd Round day includes everyone. The excitement would have started a few weeks earlier when the draw was made on a Monday lunch-time in early December – there was so much more tension listening on the radio as the reporter entered the inner sanctuary of FA headquarters than there is now with former players trying to put on a show. Then on 3rd Round Saturday as it used to be, there was the excitement of scouring the papers to see if any of the journalists would tip your team for success at Wembley and there was always a new sense of expectation and hope for every fan as they truly believed that, no matter how poorly their team had performed over the first five months of the season, that ‘this could be the year’ when their team would win the Cup.

The 3rd Round weekend reminds us of the true romance of football – the Premier League clubs finding it uncomfortable when visiting some of the less well off teams, the opportunity for the ‘giant-killers’ to have their day or a player returning to a former club to show what he could have done had he not been released. All the ingredients are there and they’ll be put into the mix again this weekend.

Incredibly, Spurs last won the FA Cup in 1991. The images are also still so vivid in the memory that it’s hard to believe it is so long ago - Gazza and his free-kick in the semi-final at Wembley, followed by his celebrations after the win over Arsenal and then his self-inflicted injury in the Final before it all turned out right on the day with Gary Mabbutt lifting the Cup. On that Saturday in May, Spurs were collecting the trophy for the record equalling eighth time, drawing level with Manchester United for the record number of wins and Spurs’ reputation as a ‘Cup’ team was further enhanced. Now they are third on that list behind United and Arsenal.

However, it had only been in the previous thirty years that Spurs had acquired that reputation – in the first seventy eight years since their formation they had only won the Cup twice, as a non-league side in 1901 and twenty years later having just escaped the 2nd Division the previous summer. At the start of the 1950s, Arthur Rowe’s ‘Push and Run’ team won the 2nd and 1st Division championships in consecutive seasons but the fans clamoured for the cherry on the top of the cake, an FA Cup success – but it wasn’t to be.

A team that wins the Cup will have its moments of good fortune and often they can occur in that very early round. In Spurs’ last Cup win in 1991 the 3rd Round tie was a game made for a Cup shock. Spurs who were having an indifferent season were drawn away to 4th Division Blackpool. To make matters worse the game was played in extremely stormy conditions and there had been doubts over whether the game would even take place. Spurs were not known for handling such a tricky situation but they showed determination and character. They managed to overcome the weather and Blackpool with a goal from the former Blackpool player, Paul Stewart. It was to everyone’s relief that they had safely negotiated the first hurdle on a possible road to Wembley.

In 1901, the 3rd Round equivalent was the 1st Round and the match wasn’t played until early February due to the death of Queen Victoria. Spurs were defending Southern League Champions and their first opponents were the might of the 1st Division, Preston North End, the team they had so admired that they had adopted their colours two seasons previously and who had defeated them in the same round a year earlier. Having lost at Preston the previous year, Spurs were hoping for revenge but when the visitors took the lead midway through the first half the prospects were not looking good. Spurs increased the pressure in the second half but the Preston goalkeeper played exceptionally well to deny them until nine minutes from time when Sandy Brown equalised. The return of inside forward David Copeland, the previous season’s inspiration, from long term injury just prior to this game, had been a great boost to the team and they set out for the replay at Preston with another injured player returning, captain John Jones. In the replay Spurs looked a different side going ahead through Copeland and Brown then added another two before the interval. Preston pulled a goal back but Brown completed his hat-trick and although Preston scored again, Spurs were safely through to the next round – the giant-killers were on their way.

Twenty years later, following promotion, Spurs, after a disappointing start to the season, were coping well in the 1st Division. Their first game in the FA Cup (1st Round) saw them drawn at home to Bristol Rovers who were in the 3rd Division, their first season in the Football League. The two clubs had met at Bristol the previous year at the same stage of the competition. Spurs won 4-1 on that occasion and this again turned out to be one of Spurs’ easiest opening rounds – they were one up after four minutes and four ahead by half-time, ensuring a comfortable victory. Having taken an early lead through Jimmy Seed they added to it with a Tommy Clay penalty. Goals from Bert Smith and Fanny Walden gave them a 4 – 0 lead by half-time. Rovers scored early in the second half, before Jimmy Cantrell scored and then after Rovers’ second, Bert Bliss added a late sixth. These names were to become part of the illustrious history of Spurs.

Over the next forty years Spurs reached the semi-finals on a number of occasions but always fell short and so it was not until the ‘Double’ year that Spurs managed to get to another Final. On that occasion in 1961 their 3rd Round opponents were Charlton Athletic from the 2nd Division. As Spurs were well ahead at the top of the 1st Division, this game was regarded as a formality but Charlton had other ideas and made the mighty Spurs fight all the way. It took two goals from Les Allen and one from Terry Dyson for Spurs to come through with a 3-2 success.

The following year as Cup holders Spurs were drawn to play 1st Division opponents, Birmingham City at St. Andrews. It was a very difficult tie on a pitch that had been covered in snow for much of the previous week. Spurs took a three goal lead by the 32nd minute. However Birmingham fought their way back into the game by scoring a minute later and then equalized with two second half goals. The ‘Double’ winning team of the previous season had been strengthened by the signing of Jimmy Greaves who scored the first and third goals, the second a header, with Cliff Jones scoring the second. Spurs won the replay 4 – 2, with goals from Terry Medwin (2), Greaves and Les Allen.

The opening to the 1966-67 had seen little of note or any sign of impending success but then in mid-January Spurs struck a rich vein of form which took them all the way to Wembley. Spurs 3rd Round opponents made it very difficult for them at The Den. Millwall were in the 2nd Division and it was a typical Cup-tie and Spurs were glad of a number of saves from Pat Jennings to foil the home side and with relief escaped back to White Hart Lane with a scoreless draw. The only goal in the following Wednesday’s replay was scored by Alan Gilzean.

In similar fashion, the 1980-81 season had proceeded through the opening months with little of note when Spurs were faced with a 3rd Round game at Loftus Road against Queen’s Park Rangers. After what was called a ‘sterile’ contest ended in a scoreless draw against the 2nd Division side, few would have expected Spurs to make much progress in the competition. Spurs won 3-1 in the replay with the goals scored by Tony Galvin, Glenn Hoddle and Garth Crooks.

It was different twelve months later as it was a season when Spurs were striving for trophies in four competitions. Also the 3rd Round game had so much extra importance as Spurs as Cup holders were given the tie of the round – at home to North London neighbours, Arsenal. The two clubs had only met on one previous occasion in the FA Cup, Arsenal having won 3-0 in a 3rd Round game at Highbury in 1949.

A crowd of 38,421 watched a match that was settled by a Garth Crooks goal which went under the body of former Spurs goalkeeper, Pat Jennings. That unusual mistake was only part of Jennings’ misery that day as an injury saw him substituted later in the game.

The romance of the FA Cup came to White Hart Lane in 1993 when Spurs were drawn against non-League Marlow Town in the 3rd Round. The game should have been at Marlow but the club agreed to play at White Hart Lane to increase their financial wind-fall from the 26,636 spectators in attendance. Marlow performed well but were beaten by goals from nicky Barmby (2), Vinny Samways (2) and Teddy Sheringham. However, the biggest cheer of the afternoon was reserved for the Marlow Town scorer who got his team's thoroughly deserved consolation goal a few minutes from the end.

Another non-League opponent was Margate in 1973. The UEFA Cup holders having been to the vast San Siro Stadium to play AC Milan the previous spring had to adapt to the closeness of the Margate ground but ran out easy winners through goals from Cyril Knowles, Martin Peters, Martin Chivers (2), John Pratt and Jimmy Pearce.

Not all 3rd Round games have been so fortuitous for Spurs, six year's ago they contrived to lose a two goal lead at Leicester City at a time when the home side hadn’t won in seven games and had been goal-less in the previous three. Two seasons earlier, the players capitulated at Southampton and lost by four goals, demonstrating the level to which the club had sunk in those Hoddle times.

In 1999 Spurs departed the FA Cup before Christmas. The 3rd Round ties were played in December and after drawing 1-1 at home with Newcastle United, they lost the replay 1-6 so Spurs didn’t play an FA Cup game in the year 2000. Thankfully, the authorities returned the 3rd Round games to their rightful place at the beginning of January.

Neither have they avoided the embarrassment of suffering at the hands of lower level teams – in 1923 in the 1st Round Spurs were drawn at home to Worksop Town, a team from the Midland League. Spurs - Cup winners in 1921, semi-finalists in the Cup and runners up in the League in 1922 and with six members of the Cup winning team still playing - failed to score and overcome determined opposition. Wintry weather conditions made the pitch difficult to play on but the non-League team showed determination and bravery to earn their place in Cup history. The Worksop ground was thought unsuitable for the replay and Spurs readily agreed to play it at White Hart Lane. So, on the Monday after the first game, Worksop sent out the same eleven players to face Spurs. Relieved at having an opportunity to put things right, Spurs won 9-0. Playing conditions had improved and Spurs were six up by half-time. Their goals were scored by Alec Lindsay (4), ‘Tich’ Handley (3), Jimmy Seed and Jimmy Dimmock.

More recently, in 1953 Spurs met Tranmere Rovers, a mid-table team in the Third Division North and they held Spurs to a 1-1 draw at home. The replay was a different matter as Spurs won 9-1 through goals from Sid McClellan (3), Len Duquemin (2), Roy Hollis (2) and EddieBaily (2). The successful team of the early 1950s had not made any impact in the F.A. Cup and many thought that this could be their year but after nine games, including four replays, having scored 21 goals, Spurs failed in their fifth semi-final.

In 1979, Keith Burkinshaw’s side suffered a similar fate as they drew 1-1 with non-League Altrincham at White Hart Lane. The goal scored by Peter Taylor from the penalty spot enabled them to try again at Maine Road where the replay was played. This time a Colin Lee hat-trick saw Spurs into the next round.

In 1993-94 Spurs were grateful for penalties as they defeated Peterborough United at home after two 1-1 draws. Spurs held their nerve and scored all five penalties.

Other memorable 3rd Round ties were games against Manchester United. In 1968 a difficult 3rd Round tie at Old Trafford saw Spurs earn a replay in a thrilling action-packed game through a last minute equalizer from Martin Chivers. Mike England returned, having been out for two months with injury but Jimmy Greaves was left out and Phil Beal played as an extra defender. Chivers scored for Spurs after four minutes but United equalized within two minutes. Half way through the second half, United took a lead which they looked like holding until Chivers’ last minute strike. The replay was a very tight and combative affair. Jimmy Greaves was re-instated to the Spurs team but the match remained scoreless after ninety minutes. Meeting four days after the original match, some old scores had to be settled and in the second half Joe Kinnear and Brian Kidd were sent off for a tussle in the Spurs penalty area. In extra time the match was settled by a disputed goal from winger, Jimmy Robertson – United players felt that England had impeded their goalkeeper.

In January, 1980 Spurs and United had drawn 1-1 at Tottenham in the 3rd Round, Ossie Ardiles scoring, but Spurs progressed the hard way. The replay was scoreless, in spite of Glenn Hoddle having to take over in goal for the injured Aleksic. Hoddle played confidently and as extra time was drawing to a close, Ossie Ardiles managed to summon a last ounce of energy to score the winner. Spurs, under Keith Burkinshaw, were now beginning to re-establish themselves in the 1st Division although further Cup success would have to wait for another season ending in ‘1’.

The FA Cup 3rd Round memories are endless, so perhaps it’s time for Spurs to rekindle their love affair with the competition and make a successful trip to the Final at Wembley. The 3rd Round games are so much more memorable when there’s a winning Final at the end of all the effort.

‘Spurs are on their way to Wembley’

Spurs - Comparison with Season 2010 - 11

2012-01-04T16:27:00.002Z

Tottenham - Plus 13 Points

(Up-dated 4th January, 2012)

Spurs opened the 2011-12 season with two heavy defeats but have managed to recover the lost ground to put themselves in a stronger position compared with the same stage of the season last year.

At present Tottenham are sitting in third position in the League with a game in hand on all other teams around them. The postponement of the opening day fixture against Everton because of the riots near White Hart Lane immediately put Spurs at a disadvantage and this was compounded when their next games were against the two Manchester clubs who made a flying start to the new season. So when all the other teams had played three games Spurs found themselves pointless and at the bottom of the League.

Now, at the mid-point of the season, Spurs have made a remarkable recovery by accumulating 42 points from thirteen wins and three draws.

The comparison of fixtures played shows how Spurs have a 13 points advantage over last season, a credible situation:

Manchester Utd (a) -

Manchester City (h) - 1

Wolves (a) + 2

Liverpool (h) -

Wigan (a) + 2

Arsenal (h) + 2

Newcastle (a) -
Blackburn (a) -
QPR (WHU*) (h) +2
Fulham (a) -

Aston Villa (h) -

WBA (a) +2

Bolton (h) -

Stoke City (a) -3

Sunderland (h) +2

Chelsea (h) -

Norwich (Blackpool*) (a) + 3

Swansea (Birmingham*) -

WBA (h) +2

[* QPR, Norwich & Swansea in comparison with WHU, Blackpool & Birmingham City as the relegated teams)

This season's results show a positive score of 13 points and with four matches to the end of January, three at home, Spurs will be looking to consolidate and improve on that position.

Next up is Everton (h) (Draw**), Wolves (h) (Win**), Manchester City (a) (Lost**) and Wigan (h) (Lost**).

[** Last season's result]

Competition at the top of the Premier League is very competitive this season with every team needing to take advantage of other teams' misfortune. Over the holiday period Spurs were the only team in the top nine clubs not to lose so while there was disappointment at the late goal conceded against Swansea and the draw with Chelsea, overall we are still in a strong position.

Last night's success over West Brom didn't have the flowing football of the win over Norwich a week earlier but was a hard-earned three points. At this point of the season that's all that matters so that the challenge at the top of the League can be maintained as other top clubs have slipped up in similar matches. Spurs and Manchester United have both played 19 games and Spurs trail by three points but United have the opportunity to rejoin City at the top of the table but need to beat Newcastle United in a difficult away fixture.

Spurs' form this season is better than any they have produced in the Premier League and has only been bettered by the 'Double' winning team of 1960 - 61. Hopefully, a week's rest and recuperation and they will be ready for what is sure to be another difficult match against Everton next Wednesday.

Tottenham 1 WBA 0 - Defoe, At Last

2012-01-04T11:15:00.000Z

It was a difficult night for Spurs against a very well organised and hard working West Brom team but a second half goal from Jermain Defoe gave Tottenham the win they required as they moved to within three points of Manchester United in second place in the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur 1 West Bromwich Albion 0

Scorer: Defoe

Team: Friedel; Walker, Gallas (Bassong), Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto; Van der Vaart, Sandro (Livermore) (Kranjcar), Modric, Bale; Adebayor, Defoe. Subs (unused): Cudicini, Rose, Pavlyuchenko, Giovani

Jermain Defoe

It was hard work for Spurs at the end of a busy holiday period as they played their fourth game in twelve days but it was a 'must win' match at the start of a run of four home matches in January with only one away trip. A crucial period in Tottenham's ambitions for the season as Harry Redknapp made one change in the team as Jermain Defoe returned in place of the injured Scott Parker who was missing his first League game since joining Spurs in August. West Brom whose away results are better than their home record came with a much weakened team due to injury but a team that was was set up as expected to deny Spurs and to maintain their run of three away games without defeat where three late goals have seen them snatch the spoils.

Spurs started with an early burst that saw them win five corners in the first four minutes and West Brom who had clearly come to defend were content to hammer the ball out of defence for their lone striker to chase. It was the sort of play a team would normally employ in the final moments of a game as they tried to defend a lead or hold a hard-earned point, not something you see from the opening minute. West Brom weathered the early storm and with everyone back they frustrated Spurs who apart from the occasional flash rarely caused much concern for the visitors. Rafael Van der Vaart saw Foster push a shot over but on most occasions a defender made a crucial tackle or block to deny Spurs a clear shot on target. A Van der Vaart shot from the edge of the box was saved comfortably by Foster while Brad Friedel was occupied with collecting long punts upfield by either the goalkeeper or defenders. West Brom were hoping that a lack of concentration by a Spurs defender would create a chance for them and on a couple of occasions it nearly came off but Spurs recovered quickly.

Spurs bright start quickly faded and it became a matter of trying to pick a way through the maze of resolute West Brom defenders who invariably got a foot in at the crucial moment. Play continued as such to half-time with Jake Livermore replacing Sandro after thirty minutes because of injury. Little changed after the interval as Spurs became increasingly frustrated at their own inability to put in that telling pass which would be the key to success. Emmanuel Adebayor managed a clever flick on to Defoe but it came quickly to him and he blasted over. West Brom continued to be satisfied with their game plan to harry and frustrate so Friedel continued to act as a ballboy collecting the backpass as Spurs started another attacking move.

At last, with just over the hour gone Spurs managed to put together possibly their only quick passing moivement of the evening and were rewarded with the goal. Benoit Assou-Ekotto advanced on the left as he had done for much of the evening and played a quick pass to Van der Vaart on the edge of the area. He played it wide to Gareth Bale who was on the left of the area and he quickly played it into the middle towards Defoe. The move appeared to have broken down as Defoe's first touch saw the ball rear up into the air but with his back to goal and four or five defenders around him, Defoe quickly regained control, swivelled and shot into the far corner of the goal - relief for all in White Hart Lane.

West Brom weren't shaken out of their style of play by the goal although Friedel was called upon to make his first save of the evening saving at his near post. An injury to William Gallas meant that he had to go off to be replaced by Sebastien Bassong and later a clash of heads between Younes Kaboul and Livermore reduced Spurs to nine men as they received attention. It was at this point with over ten minutes remaining that the visitors realised that there might be something in the game for them. Spurs were stretched defensively as they tried to reorganise to cope with the temporary situation and it was Van der Vaart who showed unusual defensive attributes as he battled to stop a West Brom breakthrough. Spurs survived, Kaboul returned and Niko Kranjcar replaced Livermore.

Encouraged, Friedel saved well from a powerful shot by substitute Somen Tchoyi and in the closing minutes West Brom won a series of corners which troubled Spurs and just as the visitors had done in the opening minutes the home side were quite happy to clear the ball anywhere to get it out of danger. Spurs held on and played out five minutes of added time to take the three points.

Spurs have moved within three points of Manchester United and stay six behind City who defeated Liverpool. Chelsea are five points behind Spurs in fourth with Arsenal a further point behind, although Spurs have their match in hand over both London clubs and City.

On paper the home fixtures that Spurs have in January look 'easy' but that match showed what they will be like. All three teams will come to defend and try to snatch something from the game - Spurs have been introduced to the tactics that they can expect through the month and it will require patience and hard work to breakdown resolute defences with only one thought - to survive and deny Tottenham the chance to impose their style of play on the game.

A week to rest and recover ahead of the Everton match which will be of benefit to the players who looked weary and not as sharp as they have been with tired bodies and minds as the busy holiday period took its toll. A Happy New Year start to 2012 for Spurs - it wasn't the exciting football that they've played earlier in the season but the important thing was that they took the three points and at the moment anything continues to be possible for Spurs.

Tottenham v West Bromwich Albion Preview

2012-01-02T14:29:00.000Z

It was only five weeks ago that Spurs went to The Hawthorns and returned with three points from a 3 - 1 success. With the Premier League at the half-way point, West Brom come to White Hart Lane for the first of the return fixtures. This is the start of a very important period in the season for Tottenham with four home League games in January and only one away, at Manchester City. By the end of the month we will have a greater indication of what Tottenham's goals will be for the rest of the season.

West Bromwich Albion arrive at Spurs for the first match of 2012 on the back of two contrasting home results. They denied Manchester City a win in a well-drilled performance on Boxing Day but lost to a late goal from Everton on Sunday afternoon in what was reported to be a drab game to quickly erase from the memory bank. Since losing to Spurs at the end of November, they have taken only one home point from three games but are undefeated on their travels.

West Brom have little over forty eight hours to recover from that game before taking to the White Hart Lane pitch but it is their away form which is keeping them in the relative mid-table security of 12th with 22 points. They have earned 14 points on their travels from four wins, two draws and three defeats at Chelsea (1 - 2), Swansea (0 - 3) and Arsenal (0 - 3). They have won their last two away matches at Newcastle (3 - 2) at the start of the holiday games and at Blackburn Rovers (2 - 1) four days earlier.

Their last visit to London at the beginning of December saw them take a point from a 1 - 1 draw with QPR. All three of those games featured late West Brom goals to snatch the points - Shane Long scored in the 81st minute to earn the point at Loftus Road, Peter Odemwingie scored after 89 minutes against Blackburn and Paul Scharner's winner against Newcastle came five minutes from time.

A month earlier, their only away game in November saw them lose at the Emirates. They also lost at Chelsea in their first away game of the season but followed that with a single goal successs at Norwich. They then lost at Swansea but earned a point at Sunderland (2 - 2) and defeated Aston Villa 2 - 1 in the Midlands derby.

While West Brom have scored late goals in recent games, they have also scored the highest percentage of their goals in the first half - 63%, more than any other club. Earlier in the season they scored at Chelsea after four minutes, scored the only goal at Norwich after three and were two up at Sunderland within five minutes. Food for thought for Harry Redknapp as he prepares the team as West Brom are sure to be well organised and determined to deny Spurs space while still looking for a goal opportunity for themselves. Team selection is always difficult to predict during the holiday games with injuries and squad rotation coming into play but Roy Hodgson is the master tactician in setting up his team to defend, deny and frustrate the opposition and Spurs can rest assured that whoever plays they will be fully committed to carry out the manager's plan.

Shane Long is the leading scorer with 5 goals while Peter Odemwingie has four. Chris Brunt has two goals as has Scharner, Jerome Thomas, James Morrison and Marc-Antoine Fortune.

They Played for Spurs and West Brom: Read more

Spurs' Home League Record against WBA

P 58 W 28 D 16 L 14 For 100 Ag 61

Last Season's Match
23rd April, 2011 PL Draw 2 - 2 Pavlyuchenko, Defoe
Spurs looked to have earned the three points until a late strike from Simon Cox, nine minutes from time. It was his first Premier League goal and denied Spurs after Roman Pavlyuchenko had equalised Odemwingie's early goal, before half-time. Jermain Defoe scored his 100th Spurs goal in the second half but Cox's spectacular strike cut short Tottenham's celebrations.

Previous PL Meetings at White Hart Lane
2nd May, 2009 PL Won 1 - 0 Jenas
A Jermaine Jenas goal, two minutes before half-time earned the three points for Spurs. Heurelho Gomes, Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King played their part in the win by keeping a clean sheet with important saves and a good defensive display.

27th March, 2006 PL Won 2 - 1 Keane (2) (1 pen)
West Brom had taken a first half lead and it wasn't until twenty minutes from time that Robbie Keane equalised. The game looked to be heading for a draw until the final minute's drama when the visiting goalkeeper, Thomasz Kuszczak, messed up a clearance and then fouled Defoe as he tried to recover the situation. Keane coolly put away the penalty with one minute remaining.

20th April, 2005 PL Draw 1 - 1 Keane
A first half goal from Gera puts the visitors ahead only for Keane to get a second half equaliser.

8th December, 2002 PL Won 3 - 1 Ziege, Keane, Poyet
Chritian Ziege put Spurs ahead after three minutes from a free-kick on the edge of the area and Keane added a second after half an hour but West Brom were the better team in their first visit since 1986. the visitors pulled a goal back in the second half but Gus Poyet made the points secure with ten minutes remaining.

The Previous Meeting
8th March, 1986 1st Div. Won 5 - 0 Mabbutt, Falco (2), Galvin, Waddle

Earlier this Season
26th Nov. PL Won 3 - 1 Adebayor (2), Defoe Match Report and Preview

Tottenham are looking to increase the pressure on the two Manchester clubs with their run of four Premier League home games this month. They need to start with a win to build the momentum for a challenge on the top two clubs and to distance themselves from the pursuing pack. It has been a hectic period for all clubs but with two away games following the high intensity of the local derby against Chelsea, it has been particularly draining on the Spurs players. Clubs around them have slipped up at less obvious hurdles so Spurs will want to ensure maximum points from this match.

The results in the coming month will not determine Spurs' season but they will give an indication of their goals and what they will be competing for in the final four months of the season.

It's Spurs: 1st January, 1986 - Roberts Takes Out Nicholas

2012-01-01T14:46:00.000Z

Graham Roberts has a 'legendary' reputation as the 'hardman' of the Tottenham team of the 1980s. It was enhanced twenty six years ago today as Spurs and Arsenal met at Highbury.

1st January, 1986

Arsenal 0 Tottenham 0

Graham Roberts - Tottenham's hardman of the 1980s

The main talking point during and after this scoreless draw at Highbury on New Year's Day 1986 was Graham Roberts' challenge on Charlie Nicholas which deposited the Arsenal player in the crowd.

The match was the first goal-less draw between the two clubs at Highbury in 77 years of competitive action. That, however, was to given little thought or discussion when there were was something of greater interest to chew over.

'The Times' reported the incident as follows:

'Despite spurts of genius from Ardiles, Hoddle and Nicholas, it was regrettably true that the game would be best remembered for one horrendous tackle by Roberts on Nicholas which carried both players off the field, through an advertising hoarding and into the laps of th eringside spectators.

Roberts' 'tackle' had all the finesse of acharging rhino but thoiugh hopeless ill-times - as so many of his challenges this season have been - I do not believe it was malicious. For a moment it threatened to spark a riot as Arsenal players reacted furiously to the referee's decision merely to warn Roberts. Peter Shreeve, the Tottenham manager, commented: "Roberts was totally committed. Charlie never complained. And he's an honest lad. Situations in front of the main stand always do tend to flare up."

Fortunately tempers cooled before any real damage could be done, the hoarding apart. The least affected seemed Roberts who ten minutes later went in a trifle roughly on Davis as if to prove his mental well-being and was booked by the referee with a keenness that suggested he had had self-recriminations about his earlier decision to absolve Roberts.'

On such events are reputations built and for that act alone, Graham Roberts will be forever remembered by Tottenham supporters, never mind his goals and all-action performances which helped to bring silverware to White Hart Lane during his time with the club.

1st January, 1985

Spurs Take Highbury: Read more

It's Spurs: 1st January, 1985 - Spurs Take Highbury

2012-01-01T09:07:00.000Z

On this day 27 years ago, Spurs took the short journey to Highbury and started the new year with a resounding victory over their near neighbours.

Happy New Year from Tottenham Spurs in History Blog

1st January, 1985

Arsenal 1 Tottenham Hotspur 2

Scorers: Woodcock Crooks, Falco

Team: Clemence; Stevens, Mabbutt, Roberts, Miller, Perryman, Chiedozie, Hoddle (Allen, C.) Galvin, Crooks, Falco.

Mark Falco

Spurs went into the game leading the 1st Division with 43 points from 22 matches while Arsenal were four points behind. Also in the chasing pack were Everton, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Peter Shreeve had replaced Keith Burkinshaw as manager and Spurs had been top of the League for much of the first half of the season.

Arsenal dominated the first half at Highbury and took the lead through Tony Woodcock three minutes before half-time. In the secdond half Spurs much greater determination and started to show the form that had seen them win four of their last five away games. Captain, Steve Perryman led by example but on the hour it was Glenn Hoddle who demonstrated his magnificent skills as he played a long ball from deep in defence towards the Arsenal area. It deceived defender and goalkeeper, allowing Garth Crooks to steal in and score his fifth goal in five games.

Tottenham continued to be more purposeful in their play and with seventeen minutes remaining, Tony Galvin passed to Mark Falco and his shot hit the back of the net.

Spurs started the new year with a win at Highbury and remained at the top of the 1st Division. They didn't lose another away match for the rest of the season but poor home form saw Everton overtake them to win the title as Spurs slipped to third.

1st January, 1986

Roberts Takes out Nicholas at Highbury: Read More

1st January, 1996

Spurs 4 Manchester United 1: Read More

Swansea 1 Tottenham 1

2011-12-31T19:03:00.002Z

A Swansea equaliser six minutes from time denied Spurs the opportunity to end 2011 with a win and move to within four points of Manchester United with a game in hand. Rafael Van der Vaart had given them the lead just before half-time but in the end a draw was all that Spurs deserved.

Swansea City 1 Tottenham Hotspur 1

Scorers: Sinclair Van der Vaart

Team: Friedel; Walker, Gallas, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto; Sandro, Parker (Livermore), Modric, Bale, Van der Vaart (Defoe), Adebayor. Subs (unused): Cudicini, Dawson, Rose, Kranjcar, Pienaar

Tottenham were unchanged from the team that played so well at Norwich but Swansea had made six changes from their draw with QPR. Swansea started much quicker and denied Spurs time to play the ball out of defence and on four minutes Brad Friedel was called on to make a good save from Nathan Dyer after former Spurs player, Mark Gower, had robbed Scott Parker out on the left wing. Three Swansea corners in quick succession caused Spurs problems as the home side competed all over the pitch but then ran with purpose when they gained possession. Spurs were struggling to make an impression on the game and on ten minutes Friedel collected comfortably from a long range shot.

Two minutes later, Spurs first attacking move ended with a shot from Luka Modric which went past the post. Gareth Bale's first contribution saw the fullback, Richards, booked for a heavy tackle. Spurs were unsettled by the Swansea players closing them down quickly and the two wide men were keeping Kyle Walker and Benoit Assou-Ekotto occupied.

Spurs looked dangerous after twenty minutes as they broke through Scott Parker but Emmanuel Adebayor was crowded out. It was Scott Sinclair who then caused Spurs further alarm with a shot from outside the area which he curled wide.

Spurs were playing much too close and intricate football which encouraged the home players to pressurise them to try to pinch the ball. Spurs players were never able to turn with the ball and move forward, always having to play it in the direction they were facing.

It was almost half an hour before Spurs first corner and their first period of pressure around the Swansea area but then Gower took the ball off Adebayor and his long dangerous cross was cleared for a corner. Spurs nearly benefited from a Swansea error when a short back pass to the goalkeeper fell to Adebayor but Vorm cleared the danger. From a corner Assou-Ekotto shot just wide as Spurs started to match Swansea by pressurising the home players much more quickly, denying them time but they still had the greater possession which they used well with crisp, accurate passing.

Gareth Bale was having a quiet afternoon and he was booking for diving which created an even more hostile reception for his return to Wales. Spurs got the break that their play didn't really deserve when Assou-Ekotto crossed from the left and it was deflected to Van der Vaart whose shot was also deflected past Vorm. Spurs were grateful for that goal and the half-time lead. Van der Vaart's goal was only the fourth that Swansea had conceded at home this season and in the previous seven games where they had conceded the first goal, Swansea had lost.

After the interval Spurs seemed to start with more purpose and had a break on the left from Bale but Adebayor put his cross just wide. Luke Moore then had two quick chances for Swansea - a header wide and Wiliam Gallas blocked another attempt on goal. Another break for Spurs saw Adebayor feed Van der Vaart but he shot from distance rather than going on into the penalty area and the goalkeeper saved for a corner. After an hour Bale shot wide after going through the middle from a pass by Adebayor.

Swansea began to exert greater pressure on the Tottenham defence and Friedel saved from Moore and from the resulting corner, a shot was volleyed past the post. Swansea brought on Danny Graham, their leading goal scorer and with twenty minutes remaining Jermain Defoe replaced Van der Vaart and Jake Livermore came on for the injured Parker.

Defoe was playing on the right of a five man midfield and Spurs were finding it increasingly difficult to thwart the Swansea attacks. Sinclair shot and Graham headed over, Kyle Walker cleared a dangerous cross and Modric cleared off the line from the corner. Walker relieved the pressure with a break and gave the ball to Bale. He crossed for Adebayor who played in Modric whose shot was blocked and Vorm saved from Adebayor who'd picked up the rebound.

Almost immediately, on 84 minutes, Joe Allen played a long ball out from defence to the right wing and the quick cross was deflected by the lunging Assou-Ekotto but Friedel couldn't hold the cross which fell to Sinclair who scored into the empty net. Disappointing for Spurs but only what Swansea deserved for their play and endeavour.

In the final minutes Spurs tried to regain the lead - a free-kick from Bale was deflected off the wall and into the hands of Vorm who then saved from a header by Sandro following a cross.

Swansea deserved a point and are probably annoyed not to have won the game. Spurs will be disappointed to have dropped two points which would have closed the gap on Manchester United to four points with a game in hand but in reality they hardly deserved the single point. Spurs looked slow in body and mind and never achieved the levels of skill or endeavour they've shown in previous matches. It's been a tough schedule with two away matches following the home game with Chelsea which was another high pressure game. Swansea never allowed Spurs to settle or to play their game, the home side dictated throughout and were quicker and more positive in their play.

Spurs missed an opportunity when those around them lost unexpectedly - United at home to Blackburn and Chelsea at home to Aston Villa. Arsenal have moved into fourth but remain three points behind Spurs who have their game in hand. Chelsea was a missed opportunity as was Stoke although there were extenuating circumstances. Spurs can't afford to let many more opportunities slip past them so they need to take advantage of their next three games being at White Hart Lane. They are then away to Manchester City, followed by a home game against Wigan. By the end of January we might be in a better position to decide how damaging today's dropped points were in the bigger picture of the Premier League title race.

Swansea will not be an easy side to beat at home and their next opponents at the Liberty Stadium are Arsenal and Chelsea so let's hope they find it as difficult as Spurs found it on the last day of 2011 which has been quite an amazing year in the history of Tottenham and let's hope that the new year brings much more excitement from Harry Redknapp and his players..

They Played for Spurs and Swansea

2011-12-31T09:29:00.000Z

The history of Tottenham Hotspur is littered with Welshmen who have played for the club and have brought glory to the club both as individuals and with trophy winning teams. Gareth Bale is currently the name on everyone's mind but before him there was Mike England, Ron Burgess, Cliff Jones and Terry Medwin. Some of those players played for both Spurs and Swansea with the Welsh club providing Spurs with two members of the 'Double' winning squad.

As Gareth Bale returns to Wales, Spurs can be extremely grateful for the Welsh born players who represented the club in earlier years and for a time after the Second World War there was a succession of players who came from Wales to play football at White Hart Lane.

Terry Medwin signed from Swansea Town in April, 1956 for £25,000. He played mostly for Spurs on the right wing but had filled all of the forward positions for Swansea. He had already made three international appearances for Wales prior to joining Spurs and went on to add another 27 caps for his country. He was a regular for Spurs for the next four seasons but lost his place to Terry Dyson at the start of the 1960 - 61 season but came into the team at times of injury, making 15 appearances. He regained his place for the 1962 FA Cup triumph but a serious injury on tour in the summer of 1963 led to his eventual retirement. He made over 200 appearances for Spurs and scored 72 goals.

Cliff Jones - 'Spurs Legend'

Cliff Jones followed Medwin from Swansea to London in February, 1958 and became a Tottenham 'Legend' in his ten years with the club. He was a member of the 'Double' winning team and the success that followed in 1962 and 1963. He was an unused substitute for the 1967 FA Cup Final and was still a member of the team when he was transferred to Fulham in October, 1968. A quick winger who could create and score goals and was fearless when diving in to score goals with his head against players of much greater height and build. He made 378 League and Cup appearances, scoring 159 goals.

Ron Burgess captained the 'Push and Run' team of the late 1940s and early 1950s, leading them to promotion in 1950 as 2nd Division Champions and then securing the 1st Division title the following year. He was one of Spurs greatest players and had arrived from Wales in 1939, an immense half-back he eventually moved to Swansea as player-manager in 1954 and ten years later as manager of Watford sold a young Northern Ireland goalkeeper to Tottenham - Pat Jennings was his name. He made 301 Football League appearances for the club but like so many players of that era, the total would have been so much greater but for losing six years of his footballing career to the Second World War.

Ernie Jones was another winger to move from Swansea to Spurs. He was an amateur with Swansea before the War but joined Bolton in the early 1940s and turned professional. He returned to Swansea and played for them in the war-time football and had a year in the Football League with the Welsh club before joining Spurs in June, 1947. He made his debut a few days later on 7th June, 1947 - the latest date on which Spurs has ever played their final game of a season. He spent two seasons with the club before joining Southampton in May, 1949 as part of the deal which brought Alf Ramsey to White Hart Lane.

Arthur Willis was a full back in the 'Push and Run' team which won the 1st Division title in 1951. He had joined Spurs in 1938 as an amateur and made 145 League appearances before moving to Swansea in 1954. He played for them for four seasons and helped them to the Welsh Cup Final in 1956. He later joined their coaching staff.

In more recent times, Paul Price who played in the 1982 FA Cup Final spent three seasons with Spurs, having joined from Luton Town in 1981. Price, a Welsh international central defender, joined Swansea in 1984 and spent two years at the Vetch Field.

Mark Kendall was a reserve goalkeeper with Spurs in the late 1970s, making 36 appearances during his time at White Hart Lane. He left Spurs in 1980 but later in his career he had two seasons with Swansea, helping then win the Welsh Cup. He also played for them in European competition but was back-up during his time there. Sadly, Kendall passed away suddenly in 2008, aged 49.

John Hendry who had five seasons with Spurs joined Swansea on loan for a period in 1994. He later joined Motherwell. He scored on his Spurs debut at Norwich and scored twice at Highbury as Spurs beat Arsenal 3 - 1 in the last game of 1992 - 93. He scored five League goals for Spurs in 17 League appearances.

Paul Miller who was such a vital member of the Spurs central defence in the successful team of the 1980s made 12 appearances for Swansea in 1990. At Tottenham, he formed a great partnership with Graham Roberts and scored the goal in the first leg of the 1984 UEFA Cup Final against Anderlecht in Belgium.

Mark Gower and Wayne Routledge who are currently with Swansea spent time with Spurs earlier in their careers, while Steven Caulker is on loan at Swansea from Spurs for this season to gain Premier league experience.

Terry Yorath played for both clubs as did Mick Stead, Alan Woods, Derek King, Joe Meek, Percy Hooper, Jack Illingworth, Charlie Handley and Wilie Davies.