Tottenham 3 Bolton 1 FA Cup 6th Round

Spurs progressed to the semi-finals of the FA Cup with an impressive win over Bolton, although it took quite some time for the goals to arrive.  Chelsea await at Wembley and Spurs will be looking to improve their disappointing record in FA Cup semi-finals, having lost five since defeating Arsenal in 1991.

Tottenham Hotspur 3 Bolton Wanderers 1

Scorers: Nelsen, Bale, Saha                        Davies

Team: Cudicini; Walker, Nelsen, King, Assou-Ekotto; Modric, Livermore, Parker (Defoe), Bale; Van der Vaart (Rose); Adebayor (Saha)  Subs: (unused) Friedel, Kaboul, Kranjcar, Giovani

With only sixteen minutes remaining it was incredulous that the match remained without a goal.  Tottenham had totally dominated the match and peppered the Bolton goal but were unable to get past goalkeeper, Adam Bogdam.  He kept Bolton in the game with a series of saves and blocks while Spurs also managed to hit the bar, put shots narrowly past the woodwork or simply failed to capitalise on the chances they created as they continued with their tendency in recent games of  numerous attempts on goal without actually scoring.  In the end the breakthrough goal came from an unlikely source and player.

Pre-match, both clubs and supporters acknowledged the work of the medical staff and emergengy services at the previous meeting when Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest during the match.  There is much relief from the footballing community that he is making steady progress on his road to recovery.  Harry Redknapp had put out a strong team, Carlo Cudicini continued in his role of FA Cup goalkeeper while Ledley King and Ryan Nelson took over in central defence.  Jake Livermore replaced Sandro in midfield and Jermain Defoe remained a substitute as the rest of the team which drew with Chelsea re-appeared to maintain the momentum gained from that performance.

The first seventy minutes were a catalogue of missed chances by Spurs - Gareth Bale had shots saved and past the post, Livermore had a shot saved and the rebound from Luka Modric was also saved by Bogdam.  Scott Parker had a shot saved after he worked his way into the heart of the Bolton defence. Rafael Van der Vaart had a free-kick hit the bar and he also has a shot saved when put through by Emmanuel Adebayor who was also thwarted when put through one on one with the goalkeeper by Modric.  Ledley King had a header saved and so on top were Spurs that at times from before half-time Ryan Nelsen was even pushing forward to support the attack.  

Bolton rarely threatened and had all eleven players back defending as the pressure increased and at times Spurs had four players spread across the pitch in attack - Kyle Walker and Benoit Assou-Ekotto wide on the wings with  Modric, Bale or Van der Vaart alternating in support of Adebayor.  

Then out of the blue, Bolton got forward, with King trying to play offside, but Cudicini dealt comfortably with the situation.  As time went on fans were getting resigned to Spurs not getting the breakthrough their play deserved and when Defoe appeared on the touchline their was an appreciative roar.  Within a minute of coming on Defoe with his first meaningful contribution was to be the key which unlocked the visitors' defence.  He didn't score but his shot was touched away for a corner by the goalkeeper.

The pressure had been building but that corner was the beginning of the end of Bolton resistance as they conceded three successive corners, unable to clear the ball successfully.  From the third Spurs scored - a collector's item - a goal from a corner, a rarity for Spurs, a headed goal, not too many of those this season, and the scorer was Nelsen who rose through a crowd of players at the back post to head past the goalkeeper - his first goal for Spurs.

Two minutes later  as Spurs broke quickly from defence, Adebayor and Defoe linked with Defoe setting up Bale to score the second.  Bale had another shot just wide but with a series of substitutions, Spurs were content to play out time with little threat from Bolton.  Then with three minutes left, a cross from the right was touched by Nelsen and Kevin Davies knocked it back past Cudicini.

No real alarm and Louis Saha showed Spurs how to score in the final minute with a goal in the final touch of the game.  Against Chelsea, Van der Vaart at the interval and Bale at full time had the opportunity of a late score but failed.  This time Saha receiving the ball with his back to goal on the edge of the penalty area, turned and shot past Bogdam - the last action of the match.

Spurs deserved their win, it was, in the end, quite comfortable even if we did have to wait a long time for the goals to arrive.  Spurs were much more purposeful in their play with their passing and movement back to something like what they were producing earlier in the season.  Chelsea now await in the semi-final and with the Merseyside clubs contesting the other semi, it it's set to be a London/Liverpool final at Wembley.

Spurs' FA Cup Record Against Bolton

Spurs recent loss of form in the Premier League has brought a greater focus on the FA Cup, with the 6th Round home tie against Bolton Wanderers bringing the possibility of a trophy at the end of an exciting season another step closer.  A win is essential to end Spurs recent disappointing results and to set them up to retain third place in the League and to strive for possible Cup success at Wembley.

 Spurs Writers' Club: Tottenham, The Glory-Glory Game

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Spurs and Bolton have been drawn together in the FA Cup on seven occasions.  Of the previous six, four have required replays but Spurs have progressed on four occasions.  This is the first time that they've been drawn to play in the 6th Round.

Last FA Cup Meeting:
The most recent meeting was two years ago in the 5th Round as Spurs progressed to the semi-final stages of the competition.

Feb. 2010  5th R. (a) Draw 1- 1  Defoe
Bolton took the lead after thirty five minutes at the Reebok but Jermain Defoe equalised after an hour.  Tom Huddlestone had a penalty saved which should have set Spurs up for a deserved win.

Replay (h) Won 4 - 0  Pavlyuchenko (2), Opp. o.g. (2)
With thoughts on Premier League survival, Bolton fielded a weaker team and Spurs progressed after Roman Pavlyuchenko started the scoring midway through the first half.  The Bolton goalkeeper helped the ball into his own goal, ten minutes before the interval.  Two minutes into the second half, Bolton's woes continued with a second own goal and Pavlychenko added a fourth three minutes from time.

First Meeting in FA Cup:
Jan. 1925  2nd R. (h) Draw 1 - 1  Seed
Both teams were in the 1st Division, Spurs were to finish the season in mid-table while Bolton were third.  The game was described in the following weekend's programme as, "one of the finest Cup struggles ever staged on our enclosure."  Bolton had taken the lead but Spurs, although playing into the wind, forced Bolton back and equalised through Jimmy Seed.

Replay (a) Won 1 - 0  Lane
Spurs were given little chance in the replay and although Bolton had more of the play, the Spurs goalkeeper, Fred Hinton, signed from Bolton the previous year had something to prove.  His display played a major part in Spurs progress thanks to a second half goal scored by centre forward, Billy Lane, his first for the club.

1934-35

Drawn together in the 5th Round, it took three matches to settle the tie.  Spurs were in the top flight that year but were to end the season at the foot of the table and be relegated after just two seasons in the 1st Division.  Bolton were in the 2nd Division and were to be promoted at the end of the year, the two clubs swopping places.

Feb. 1935 5th R. (h) Draw 1 - 1  W. Evans
Over 70,000 spectators were in White Hart Lane - 70,347 which at the time set up a new record for the ground.  Willie Evans had given Spurs the lead but Bolton drew level with a shot from forty yards.

Replay (a) Draw 1 - 1  G. S. Hunt
The match played on a slippery, rain-soaked surface was a gruelling affair.  George Hunt who later became a Bolton player gave Spurs the lead but Bolton again drew level and with no more goals after extra time, a second replay was needed.

2nd Replay (at Villa Park) Lost 0 - 2
Bolton were comfortable winners at Villa Park on the following Monday, the three games having been played in the space of ten days, with a League game played the previous Saturday, a home draw with Sunderland.

1947-48

Spurs were still in the 2nd Division, having failed to win promotion following their relegation in 1934-34, while Bolton had retained their top flight status over that period.

Jan. 1948 3rd R. (a) Won 2 - 0 (aet)  Duquemin (2)
In an entertaining game, there were no goals during the ninety minutes.  To avoid unnecessary replays and absenteeism from work in those early post-war years, extra time was played that season at the end of the first game.  Most of the excitement came in extra time as Spurs made their greater craft and understanding count.  Len Duquemin scored with a tremendous shot having run twenty yards with the ball.  Bolton tried to get level but were susceptible to Spurs on the break and the secod came in the final minute, Duquemin almost on his knees to head it into the goal.  For Spurs it was the first step on their way the semi-final, their first since 1922. 

1977-78

Thirty years later both clubs were battling to win promotion from the 2nd Division and at the end of the season, both were successful, Bolton as Champions and Spurs in third after a nail-biting climax to the season.


Jan. 1978 3rd R. (h) Draw 2- 2  Hoddle, Duncan
Replay (a) Lost 1 - 2 (aet)  Taylor (pen)

2001-02
Bolton visited White Hart Lane on three occasions in two months, lost all three and conceded thirteen goals - a 3 - 2 loss in the Premier League, followed by a six goal defeat in the Worthington Cup, Les Ferdinand scoring a hat-trick, and a four goal defeat in the FA Cup.

Feb. 2002 4th R. (h) Won 4 - 0  Anderton (pen), Iversen, Etherington, Opp. o.g. 
Spurs, under Glenn Hoddle, were in a purple patch of Cup results, a few weeks away from the final of the Worthington Cup.  Two goals in each half saw Spurs coast through with Matthew Etherington scoring his first goal for Spurs.  Unfortunately, the good run of Cup results was brought to an abrupt halt by Blackburn Rovers in the Final at Cardiff.

Spurs v Cheltenham Town FA Cup 3rd Round: Report

Watford v Spurs FA Cup 4th Round: Report

Stevenage v Spurs 5th Round: Report

5th Round Replay: Report

Spurs in History - 12th April

Two early goals from Terry Venables set Spurs up in this FA Cup Replay against Birmingham City

12th April, 1967

Spurs 6 Birmingham City 0 F.A.Cup 6th Round Replay

The first game the previous weekend had remained scoreless as 2nd Division Birmingham had battled bravely to deny Spurs. The nearest they had come to scoring was late on when Pat Jennings in catching an awkward dropping centre from under the bar, let it slip from his grasp and had City claiming a goal but the referee disagreed.

The replay saw Spurs in total control. Terry Venables scored twice, after 90 seconds and after 18 minutes. Two minutes later Alan Gilzean scored the third. In th second half, Jimmy Greaves (2) and Frank Saul completed the goal feast.

Nottingham Forest awaited Spurs in the semi-final clash to be played at Hillsborough.

Spurs in History - 4th April

4th April, 1961
Sunderland 1 Spurs 1 F.A.Cup 6th Round.

[Pic: Danny Blanchflower played a captain's role as Spurs held on for a replay]

This was a game that tested the soon to be ‘Double’ winning team to the limit Sunderland were in the 2nd Division and the atmosphere at Roker Park was extraordinary. Cliff Jones gave Spurs the lead after nine minutes with a header from a partially cleared corner. The rest of the half was tranquil but Bobby Smith hit the post just before halftime.

However, in the second half Sunderland were transformed and forced Spurs to defend. The 61,236 crowd awoke and roared their team to an equaliser. Weaker teams would have succumbed but Danny Blanchflower galvanized the team which held out for the replay.

Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea FA Cup 6th Round Replay

Chelsea Replay Preview

Monday, 19th March, 2007 KO: 8.05pm

Spurs' last 8 games: W W D W W W W W (it looks great!)


Referee: Howard Webb

The season just keeps rolling on and the next game is always the most important as was the case with Watford on Saturday, a job well done. But now this really is the BIG one. Chelsea were relieved to leave Stamford Bridge with a draw and have another chance at White Hart Lane while Spurs were the disappointed side, that they hadn’t finished off what they had so nearly achieved.

Following the goal-fest in the first game, the replay might be a more cagy affair with only a goal in it. Chelsea will have no problem with coming to Tottenham - they will be confident of getting a result and will be quite happy to grind out a score if that’s what’s necessary, as they have done on occasions in the League and European competitions. Whether that type of game would suit Spurs is uncertain but they must set aside any lingering thoughts that they have missed their best opportunity and take confidence from their good form and build on what they achieved a week ago.

Since the teams last met a week ago, both have completed routine victories to maintain their recent good form – Spurs reaching the UEFA Cup Q/F against SC Braga and taking three points from Watford, while Chelsea defeated Man City (a) 1-0 (Lampard (pen)) and Sheffield United (h) 3-0 (Shevchenko, Kalou, Ballack).

Both teams should see players returning, Robinson, Keane and Jenas for Spurs, while Terry and Makelele will be looking to bring greater stability to what was a very suspect Chelsea defence last Sunday. However, Terry and the other Chelsea defenders must be concerned about facing Berbatov especially in his current form and supported by Keane, Lennon and Jenas they could have a busy evening.

The power of the Chelsea midfield of Lampard, Ballack, Essien and Robben will be a constant threat to Spurs but they coped well on Sunday and managed to limit Drogba’s opportunities to influence the game. Total concentration and commitment will again be necessary if Spurs are to be successful. Spurs’ inability to keep a ‘clean sheet’ is a source of encouragement to the opposition who must always feel that they have a chance to score. This would be a very good time to keep the opposition at bay and look to our strike force to make it a great FA Cup night at White Hart Lane.

Past results have no bearing on this match but the clubs have met in the FA Cup at White Hart Lane on three occasions. Spurs won the 1957 encounter 4-0, the 1963 game was drawn 1-1 and Chelsea reversed the 1957 score in the most recent game in the 6th Round in 2002.

In recent weeks Spurs have taken a massive step forward, they are now closing in on fourth or fifth in the Premiership, their Cup progress has been exciting and they have been playing in a style more reminiscent of Tottenham of old. This is the big test – can they overcome Chelsea to show that they are really there or will it be a case of so near but not quite good enough. In the Carling Cup semi-final for thirty minutes, it looked as if it had all come together but with the departure of Berbatov, so went Spurs chances. Berbatov is crucial to Spurs, but those around him must ensure they play their part to achieve the success so craved at Spurs.

Both teams are showing good form, Chelsea undefeated in domestic competitions since their loss at Tottenham in November, but something will have to give this time.
Chelsea’s recent form: W W D W W W D W

This has to be the night for Spurs to make a bold statement and show their intent – no more ‘nearly’ results, no more undefeated in Cup competitions in 90 minutes, no defeat on penalties – it’s time for Spurs to defeat one of the ‘top’ teams, time for a Spurs’ success in one of these big games and progress to a semi-final tie against Blackburn Rovers.

Spurs in History - 15th March

Glenn Hoddle and Chris kept the lights shining for Spurs

15th March, 1987

Wimbledon 0 Spurs 2 F.A.Cup 6th Round.

Wimbledon were proving difficult to beat and earlier in the season had won at White Hart Lane in the League. This tie was televised and Spurs were being set up for a Cup shock but the team had come into a good vein of form, although they had lost the semi-final replay in the League Cup to Arsenal at the beginning of the month.

In this game the team applied themselves well, ensuring they coped with Wimbledon’s long ball tactics and goals from Glenn Hoddle and Chris Waddle ensured the ‘Diamond Lights’ were still shining for the semi-final tie.

Spurs Make Chelsea Go all the Way!

What a marvellous game - the neutral will have been enthralled by it and Chelsea supporters will be delighted that they have an opportunity of a replay at WhiteHart lane on Monday week, 19th March. For Spurs although they would have taken that result before the game kicked off, there must be a feeling of disappointment at an opportunity missed.

They played magnificiently in the first half and had Chelsea all over the place and thoroughly deserved their 3-1 half-time lead. Considering the composition of the team, without Robinson, Chimbonda, King, Keane and Jenas, Spurs took the game to Chelsea and scored three great goals. Lennon's through ball gave Berbatov the opportunity for the first, then after Chelsea had equalised, his cross was deflected into his own goal by Essien. To put the icing on the cake for an excellent first half, Ghaly ran through the centre of the Chelsea defence to score the third.

In the second half Spurs had opportunities to add to their goal tally but first Lennon had a shot blocked by Cech when clean through and from the rebound Defoe misheaded from a cross with the goalkeeper out of position. A despairing lunge by Cole put off Defoe, and he could have been penalised for dangerous play.

The departure of Dimitar Berbatov who had given Spurs so much control after 65 minutes with an injury, was the start of the game turning Chelsea's way. Mido couldn't pick up where Berbatov left off and found it difficult to get into the game in a positive way. It was a loose ball from him, in midfield, that led to Chelsea's second goal and this created the momentum for their final surge.

Leenon was replaced by Malbranque and Gardner replaced Ghaly, further surrendering the initiative and Chelsea took their chance. Gardner failed to jump with Drogba who headed the ball across for the equaliser. But even after that Spurs could have won, Defoe hitting the bar with a thunderous shot in the 89th minute.

All the players, led by captain, Michael Dawson, gave everything, total commitment with Zokora and Tainio doing excellent work in central midfield. It was only as tiredness came on following their heavy schedule over recent weeks that Chelsea began to show greater control.

An opportunity missed? Only time will tell but it doesn't matter to Chelsea and their experienced players whether the game is home or away and they will be looking to ensure they don't get caught out again. In situations like this you usually only get one chance and you need to take it.

Spurs may have missed theirs.

Team: Cerny; Stalteri, Dawson (Captain), Rocha, Lee: Ghaly, Zokora, Tainio, Lennon, Berbatov, Defoe. Subs: Burch, Huddlestone, Gardner, Malbranque, Mido.

Spurs and the FA Cup 6th Round

Can Spurs Add to the Memorable FA Cup Moments at Stamford Bridge?
Spurs and the FA Cup – 6th Round

Chelsea in the 6th Round, Chelsea at Stamford Bridge – that wasn’t what I’d been hoping for when Steve McLaren and Terry Venables made the draw on the afternoon following the win over Fulham. In less than twenty four hours the euphoria of that win had been dampened by the realisation that Spurs had to visit the Billionaires of West London. Plymouth Argyll at White Hart Lane had been more what I had thought of but we’ll keep them for the semi-finals.

With Chelsea in mind the obvious starting point for a review of Spurs in the FA Cup 6th Round is Stamford Bridge in 1982. Spurs as Cup holders were drawn against 2nd Division Chelsea who had defeated European Champions, Liverpool, in the previous round. A memorable game with Spurs in an all white strip with yellow socks and as the game progressed everything clicked for them. Chelsea had taken a first half lead but gradually Spurs started to show their superior class with Glenn Hoddle giving a master class of ball control. It was only a matter of time before Spurs would score and it came when Steve Archibald poked the ball home after the Chelsea goalkeeper failed to hold a Hoddle free-kick. Spurs immediately stepped up a gear and within ten minutes were 3-1 ahead. The second goal was a masterpiece. Hoddle and Hazard cut through the Chelsea midfield with an exchange of passes and, after Hazard's flick had left them wrong-footed, Hoddle crashed a 25-yard drive past the goalkeeper. Hazard then confirmed Tottenham's superiority with a coolly taken drive and although Chelsea pulled a goal back Spurs coasted home on a wave of possession football. The performance was even greater as the match was played on a bare pitch with a very uneven bounce.

A similar performance and result on Sunday would be very, very satisfying.

In 1901, with fewer teams in the competition, Spurs had already reached the semi-finals but in 1921 they were drawn at home against the FA Cup holders, Aston Villa. Having had a favourable draw in the earlier rounds, this was the first occasion they had met opponents from the 1st Division. The clubs had met at the similar stage (4th Round) a year previously when a Tommy Clay own goal had taken Villa through. This time, Clay and Spurs took revenge and triumphed when right winger, Jimmy Banks, scored midway through the first half, following a run by left winger, Jimmy Dimmock. In his book, Jimmy Seed, the influential Spurs player of the time describes how Banks saved his blushes with the goal. Seed admits that on occasions, in big games, he would ‘freeze’ and in this game as Dimmock crossed the ball, that’s what happened. However, Jimmy Banks sized up the situation and hit both Seed and the ball as best he could. The ball hit his knee and ended up in the Villa goal. A freak goal and another piece of good fortune to take Spurs closer to success.

That match was watched by a crowd of 51, 991 spectators at White Hart Lane but it falls well short of the record attendance for the ground which was achieved in 1938. On 5th March, 1938, Spurs’ record crowd of 75,038 spectators witnessed the team lose by a single goal to Sunderland. At that time Spurs were in the 2nd Division while Sunderland were from the 1st Division. However, a controversial refereeing decision denied Spurs an opening goal. A Colin Lyman shot beat the goalkeeper but Jack Gibbons following up to make sure the ball went in, handled and although the referee gave the goal, a linesman flagged for handball and the goal was disallowed.

However, in 1961 the roles were reversed and the 6th Round game took Spurs to Roker Park to meet Sunderland who were in the 2nd Division and their young team came closest to ending that season’s all conquering Spurs team’s dream of the ‘double.’ By the end of that game Spurs were hanging on for a draw. Cliff Jones had given Spurs the lead after nine minutes with a header from a partially cleared corner. Bobby Smith hit the post just before half-time, but then the famous ‘Roker Roar’ lifted the home team and they equalised at the start of the second half. Sunderland pressurised Spurs to the final whistle and tested them to the limit but where weaker teams would have succumbed Danny Blanchflower galvanized Spurs who held out for the replay. It was a relieved Spurs team who prepared for the replay the following Wednesday and having escaped with a draw, they made no mistakes this time. Sunderland had had their day and now it was time for Spurs to show their superiority. Fans had queued for ten hours to get in and they saw Spurs sweep majestically into the semi-final. Spurs were three ahead by half-time with goals from Les Allen, Bobby Smith and Terry Dyson. After 65 minutes Dyson scored his second and five minutes later Dave Mackay completed the scoring. Burnley awaited in the semi-finals.

In 1962, Spurs had to meet Aston Villa. Spurs had beaten them 2-0 at Villa Park the previous season in the 5th Round and with home advantage recorded the same score this time. In a typical cup-tie, in slippery conditions due to constant rain, Spurs hit the post twice during the first half, with shots from Terry Medwin and Jimmy Greaves. However, Villa defended resolutely and the game remained scoreless but sixty seconds in the second half changed all that. In the 47th minute, Danny Blanchflower scored with a low shot and one minute later, Cliff Jones headed home a cross from Greaves.

Second Division, Birmingham City were Spurs 6th Round opponents in 1967. A visit to the Midlands saw Spurs held to a goal-less draw as the home team battled heroically to ensure Spurs could not play their natural game. The Spurs defence also had be alert to thwart Birmingham and Pat Jennings had to make a number of important saves. In the replay, order was restored and Jimmy Greaves threw off the shackles that had been imposed on him in the first game to score twice in the second half. Terry Venables had scored two early goals and Alan Gilzean made it three before half-time. Greaves’ brace and a final goal from Frank Saul completed the scoring after the interval and took Spurs to a meeting with Nottingham Forest.

In 1981, the draw was favourable to Spurs, a home game against Exeter City from the Third Division. Spurs couldn’t have been more delighted and were looking towards the semi-finals and beyond. Surely, a team with Perryman, Hoddle, Ardiles, Archibald, Crooks and Georgio Mazzon would have too much class for the lower Division team. However, it took two goals from the central defenders to take Spurs into the semi-finals. Exeter made Spurs fight all the way but two moments of Glenn Hoddle magic created the goals for Spurs. Firstly, a Hoddle cross enabled Graham Roberts to score his first goal for the club and then from his free-kick Paul Miller scored after the goalkeeper had made a mistake.

The two recurring themes from the 1991 Cup triumph are Spurs’ worsening financial situation and Paul Gascoigne. As the months passed so Spurs’ future outlook grew bleaker by the day but the one bright spot was the FA Cup and Paul Gascoigne’s ability to overcome injury worries and continue to amaze with his outstanding performances. The 6th Round opponents were Notts County at White Hart Lane and if Spurs were expecting an easy victory over the 2nd Division side, they must have been in a state of shock when County took the lead. Nayim scored to bring Spurs level and then a winner from the one and only, Paul Gascoigne, took Spurs to a semi-final tie against Arsenal.

Dismissal at the 6th Round is particularly disappointing as supporters watch other teams progress to the ‘big’ games of the semi-final and possibly the Final with all the added expectancy and media coverage that accompanies these games. Reviewing Spurs’ games at this stage of the competition, it is surprising to find that many have a claim to recognition, including Spurs’ last 6th Round experience in 2005. That took them to Newcastle and after conceding an early goal Spurs set about rectifying the situation but a certain referee managed to deny Spurs’ claims for at least two penalties and disallowed a goal which would have provided Spurs with the chance to bring the game back to White Hart Lane. Undeserved defeat in such circumstances brings such frustration and disappointment.

An unexpected hero emerged from the five goal thriller at Upton Park in 2001 when Sergei Rebrov showed why Spurs had spent their record transfer fee to sign him. His two goals and one from Gary Doherty gave George Graham’s team a thrilling victory and another chance to play Arsenal in the semi-finals. Everything was up-beat at Tottenham after that win but behind the scenes all was not well and within seven days Graham was gone with Glenn Hoddle to be his eventual successor.

In 1999, the 6th Round draw took Spurs to Barnsley where they had lost in a 5th Round Replay twelve months earlier. This time a David Ginola inspirational run and goal was sufficient to overcome the side that had suffered relegation at the end of the previous season.

In 1993 Spurs had to visit Manchester to play City and it was a memorable game, not just because Spurs won, but because of the football that Spurs played, the hat-trick scored by Nayim and the fact that the game had to be stopped due to a pitch invasion by the City fans. City went into the lead but Spurs were ahead at half-time through goals from Nayim and Sedgeley. In the second half Spurs took control with Nayim scoring twice. Spurs had a goal disallowed and direct from the free-kick City went the length of the pitch and scored. This was the signal for the City supporters to spill onto the pitch. The game was halted and the players left the pitch for thirteen minutes while the mounted police restored order.

Wimbledon have often proved a difficult side for Spurs to beat – they disliked their long ball, high pressured play and often came off second best. However, in 1987 David Pleat’s side showed their worth in a visit to Plough Lane and showed application and commitment that took them through and the skill of Chris Waddle and Glenn Hoddle provided the goals to ensure the ‘Diamond Lights’ were still shining for the semi-final tie.

Season 1955-56 was disappointing for Spurs in the League but the team showed great endeavour in the Cup and their 6th Round game against West Ham was one to remember. At White Hart Lane on a very heavy pitch Spurs came from 2-3 down to earn a draw after Captain, Danny Blanchflower, moved centre-half, Maurice Norman, forward to assist the attack. It worked and Spurs were grateful to Tommy Harmer (pen), Len Duquemin and George Robb for the goals. In the replay Harmer and Duquemin both scored as Spurs won 2-1.

Three years earlier Spurs were involved in a three game thriller against Birmingham City at this stage of the competition. They had already played five games and in those days extra replays were arranged to determine who went through rather than curtail the process with penalties as happens today. The original match was at St Andrews where Spurs earned a 1-1 draw with a goal from Les Bennett. In the replay at White Hart Lane Bennett again scored and with Len Duquemin ensured a 2-2 draw after extra time. Spurs won the third game with a goal from Sonny Walters and went on to meet Blackpool in the semi-final.

In 1995 Spurs gave one of the truly memorable performances of the decade in their 6th Round game against Liverpool. Having fought back at Southampton Spurs had a visit to Anfield as their reward but it wasn’t a ground with many happy memories for them and Spurs weren’t given much chance. Liverpool took the lead late in the first half but Teddy Sheringham managed to equalize right on half-time. In the second half Spurs played much better and it looked set for a replay but with two minutes remaining, Sheringham put Jurgen Klinsmann through to score the winner. A great result for Spurs as they went on to meet Everton in the semi-final.

Coincidently that victory over Liverpool and the win over West Ham in 2001 took place on 11th March – Spurs are due to meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 11th March – here’s hoping that today’s players can take inspiration from those results against the odds and bring further success on Sunday.

COYS

Spurs in History - 9th March

9th March, 1953

Spurs 1 Birmingham City 0 F.A.Cup 6th Round 2nd Replay at Molineaux

Today everything must be instant - coffee, fast food, connection to the internet, mobile phones, penalty shoot-outs - but in 1953 there was time for replays and second replays and third replays or as many as were required to settle the tie. No quick fix as we have today - extra time and a penalty shoot-out.

While the League Cup in all its forms has already lost replays and Arsene Wenger may want rid of them in the FA Cup so that he can concentrate on other things of greater importance, 'the Arsenal end of season party' - the replay brought an added something to the competition as clubs battled it out over a number of games for the right to progress to the next round.

This tie against Birmingham City who were in the 2nd Division went to three games before Spurs went through to the semi-finals. The original match was at St Andrews where Spurs earned a 1-1 draw with a goal from Les Bennett. In the replay at White Hart Lane Bennett again scored and with Len Duquemin ensured a 2-2 draw after extra time. The third game was played in the Midlands at the neutral venue of Molineaux, Wolves ground, and Spurs won with a goal from Sonny Walters.

Spurs in Histroy - 4th March

4th March, 1961

Sunderland 1 Spurs 1 F.A.Cup 6th Round.

This was a game that tested the soon to be ‘Double’ winning team to the limit. Sunderland were in the 2nd Division and the atmosphere at Roker Park was extraordinary. Cliff Jones gave Spurs the lead after nine minutes with a header from a partially cleared corner. The rest of the half was tranquil but Smith hit the post just before halftime.

However, in the second half Sunderland were transformed and forced Spurs to defend. The 61,236 crowd awoke and roared their team to an equaliser. Weaker teams would have succumbed but Blanchflower galvanized the team which held out for the replay.

Team: Brown; Baker, Henry; Blanchflower, Norman, Mackay, Jones, White, Smith, Allen, Dyson.