3rd April - Spurs in History

3rd April, 1982

FA Cup Semi-Final at Villa Park

Leicester 0 Spurs 2

Spurs booked a second successive Wembley Cup Final appearance by beating 2nd Division Leicester City 2-0.

Gary Lineker was in the Leicester team and Ardiles was playing his last game for Spurs for some time.

The game at Villa Park was played under the tension of the war with Argentina over the Falkland Islands. Ardiles had been due to return to Argentina for World Cup preparation and he may have returned for the Cup Final but the worsening political situation and comments made by Ardiles about the war meant that Spurs were to play at Wembley without him.

In a tight game, it was early in the second half before Spurs took the lead. Ardiles received a short corner from Hoddle and his cross was hit home by Garth Crooks. The second was an own goal from the Leicester full back who had all the time to clear the ball but he lifted it over his keeper's head and into his own net.

The early 1980s saw Spurs as regular visitors to Wembley - this was their fifth visit in twelve months - 1981 FA Cup Final and replay, Charity Shield, League Cup and FA Cup.


3rd April, 1976

Arsenal 0 Spurs 2 (1st Division)

Spurs won with goals from John Pratt direct from a corner after 15 minutes and John Duncan, after 38 minutes. Perryman and Pratt were the stars for Spurs and they played withg an energy to ensure everything was in their control.

Spurs were hoping for a European place but finished the season in 9th place, to Arsenal's 17th.