Spurs in History - 14th February

Spurs' 1949 team - Back row: Nicholson, Ramsay, Clarke,Ditchburn, Burgess (captain), Medley. Front row: Withers, Walters, Rees, Duquemin, Baily - and the only change for the Cup game aginst Halifax was Les Bennett replacing Rees.

14th February, 1953

Halifax Town 0 Spurs 3 FA Cup 5th Round

Spurs had required replays to defeat tranmere and Preston in the previous rounds so a difficult 5th Round F.A.Cup tie was anticipated as Halifax, in the old 3rd Division (North), had overcome two 1st Division sides, Cardiff and Stoke, in the previous rounds. The match was in doubt due to overnight snow but the pitch was cleared sufficiently for it to proceed although the pitch had to be marked out in blue dye.

The first half was very close and remained goalless but after half time Spurs started to take control. Within ten minutes Spurs scored through Les Bennett and although the home team rallied, Spurs were encouraged and went further ahead when Len Duquemin scored. Duquemin had a goal disallowed and then two minutes later Bennett scored his second to give Spurs a convincing victory in difficult conditions.

Team: Ditchburn, Ramsey, Willis, Nicholson, Clarke, Burgess, Walters, Bennett, Duquemen, Baily, Medley.

Spurs' opponents in the 6th Round were Birmingham City with the game to be played at St. Andrews two weeks later, 28th February.