Bolton Wanderers 1 Tottenham 4

Spurs' win over Bolton gave them their first away win of  2012, their first league success at the Reebok Stadium and two consecutive Premier League wins for the first time since January.  They retain fourth place ahead of Newcastle United on goal difference and are only one point behind Arsenal who are third with two games remaining.

Bolton Wanderers 1 Tottenham Hotspur 4

Scorers: Reo-Coker    Modric, Van der Vaart, Adebayor (2)

Team: Friedel; Walker, Gallas (Nelsen), Kaboul, Rose; Lennon (Saha), Sandro (Livermore), Modric, Bale; Van der Vaart; Adebayor  Subs: (unused) Cudicini, King, Giovani, Defoe 

The England manager's position having been settled after three months during which Tottenham's form slumped alarmingly, Spurs returned to better times with a hard-working display that showed some of their old confidence which has been so lacking for too long.  Having waited for a Tottenham player to step up and score a 'screamer' of a goal we end up with two in two games.  As if to show Kyle Walker that he wasn't the only one capable of a super strike, Luka Modric followed suit with a 'wonder' opening goal in the first half.  Receiving the ball direct from a corner by Rafael Van der Vaart, Modric controlled the ball and fired an unstoppable shot from twenty five yards.  After a Bolton revival and early second half strike Spurs rallied with three goals in nine minutes to secure the much needed win and the vital three points in their quest for next season's Champions League place.

The Tottenham team was unchanged from their easy victory over Blackburn Rovers on Sunday.  Brad Friedel became the oldest player ever to play for Spurs in the League moving ahead of Jimmy Cantrell, a centre forward who played for them before and after the 1st World War.  Scott Parker was still absent through injury while Ledley King was again on the bench along with Jermain Defoe.

Both teams were in great need of the points but for different reasons - Bolton to lift them out of the bottom three while Spurs are aiming to get into the top three by the end of the season.  Spurs had an early corner at which Bolton deployed the Stoke City defensive tactics with Wheater dragging Younes Kaboul all over the penalty area.  Spurs were looking to the pace of Aaron Lennon to cause Bolton problems as both teams started brightly and looked to get forward quickly.  Spurs had an early scare when Danny Rose missed a tackle but recovered to clear the danger.  

Bolton worked hard to keep Spurs in their own half but after eleven minutes Gareth Bale had a shot blocked by the goalkeeper who again blocked Van der Vaart's follow up shot.  Almost immediately Emmanuel Adebayor was put through by Van der Vaart but he was unable to control the ball.  After fifteen minutes Friedel collected the ball under pressure from a Bolton free-kick but it was Spurs who had had 55% possession in the opening period.  Spurs continued to show positive intentions with good interplay between Lennon and Adebayor resulting in Lennon's shot going out for a corner.

Spurs were displaying the greater threat in attack and midway through the half a good run by Bale ended with a super cross but with three players up in support, no-one was able to reach it.  Bolton were fully committed and covered back quickly when they lost the ball making it difficult for Spurs to make forward progress even with 60% of possession in the opening twenty five minutes.

Bale was again the source of danger with a cross blocked and then Van der Vaart fired wide from a free-kick.  After a period of home pressure Friedel made a good save from Ngog who had the chance when a long cross from the left was played back to him and he turned quickly but Friedel had come out quickly and got a block on the shot.  Spurs then moved forward and when Adebayor's shot was blocked, Sandro who worked hard all evening, followed up and put Bolton under pressure with the ball being cleared for a corner.  Spurs had some good fortune in that the ball had struck Sandro on the hand as he went for it but perhaps it was pay back time in Spurs' favour this time as Spurs were to score from the corner which was awarded.

What a great strike it was from Modric after thirty six minutes who had positioned himself well outside the area to receive from Van der Vaart.  It was Spurs first away goal in four matches since Adebayor's penalty put them two up at the Emirates.  Spurs maintained their ascendancy with the corner count showing their five to none from Bolton with five minutes of the half remaining.  In those final minutes, however, Bolton felt they could have had a penalty for handball against William Gallas or holding by Kaboul.  An Eagles shot went wide and in the last minute of added time they squandered a glorious chance to draw level when the Spurs defence got into disarray from a free-kick and Boyata fired over an open goal.

The second half started with early Bolton pressure but Spurs still threatened when a pass from Van der Vaart to put Adebayor clear was cut out by a defender.  After six minutes the Bolton pressure paid off as Spurs defended poorly from a basic throw in as a flick on and back heel put Rio-Coker in to level the scores.  Bolton were on top for the first time in the match and the crowd who had given Fabrice Muamba a great reception when he appeared on the pitch before the match came to life to back their team.  Spurs frequently gave the ball away in their haste to clear and were hemmed in their own half.  After fifty five minutes Bolton won their first corner and with three quick corners the home team kept up the pressure and a shot from Eagles went just over the bar.

Spurs then turned the match in their favour with two goals in two minutes on the hour.  First a quick counter attack by Bale on the left and he pulled the ball back for Van der Vaart to score with a shot across the goalkeeper.  Two minutes later, Modric released Lennon and he selflessly put the ball across fro Adebayor to get the third.  The home side and their supporters were in shock but in response Ngog had a shot easily saved by Friedel and poor defending from another throw in almost caused Spurs a problem.

After 69 minutes good inter-passing by Modric and Bale enabled Adebayor to take the ball around the goalkeeper and score his second and Spurs' fourth.

Bolton tried to respond through Petrov who for the first time got away from Kyle Walker but Friedel blocked his powerful shot and Sandro got back to clear any further danger.  Adebayor was now causing more problems for Bolton as he tried to play in Lennon but the home side crowded him out.  He then blasted over following a break by Bale as he looked for his hat-trick.  In the final minutes Spurs almost added to Bolton's misery as Bale had two shots blocked for a corner and in the final action Walker's shot was also deflected off a defender and the goalkeeper for a corner.

Spurs won at a ground where they always find it difficult and managed to prevent the Bolton captain, Kevin Davies, from getting his customary goal or goals against them.  It was a vital win as Newcastle beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge to keep apace with Spurs for fourth but both clubs are now only a point behind Arsenal whose goal difference advantage over Spurs has been reduced to one goal.

Spurs' performance was vastly improved from previous away games, they showed much more purpose and forward intent, they played with more confidence than they have for quite some time and showed a greater endeavour and fight against a team renowned for its combative qualities.  Now it's on to Villa Park on Sunday afternoon in the penultimate stage of the race for third, fourth or fifth.

COYS!!

Spurs v Bolton FA Cup Tie Re-arranged

Spurs  FA Cup 6th Round match against Bolton Wanderers has been re-arranged for Tuesday, 27th March, 2012 with a kick-off time of 7.30pm.  The game is to be televised live on ESPN.

It has been confirmed that the FA Cup 6th Round tie between Tottenham and Bolton Wanderers will be played at White Hart Lane on Tuesday, 27th March at 7.30pm.  The good news that Fabrice Muamba continues to make a remarkable recovery has allowed the clubs and the Football Association to re-arrange the game.

Muamba is still recovering in hospital from his cardiac arrest which caused the original game to be abandoned after 41 minutes last Saturday.  Doctors and medical staff had worked with Muamba on the pitch for over six minutes before he was carried off on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance which rushed him to hospital.

Tottenham's game against Stoke City at White Hart Lane goes ahead as arranged but Bolton's Premier League match with Aston Villa has been postponed.  Bolton will play Blackburn Rovers at the weekend while Spurs meet potential FA Cup semi-final opponents, Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

There had been talk of bolton withdrawing from the FA cup so as the players would not have to make such a quick return to White Hart Lane, other suggested on message-boards that the match should be played at a neutral venue but given time, the sensible decision was arrived at with the competition's rules being followed for the re-arrangement of an abandoned game.

The original match which will not included in the record books was standing at 1 - 1 when it was brought to a premature end.  Bolton had taken an early led through a Gareth Bale own goal, when a header from a corner, inadvertently bounced off his right shoulder past Carlo Cudicini.  Spurs were level within five minutes when Bale's left wing cross was headed home by Karl Walker at the back post.

The winners of the tie, which would go to a replay at the Reebox Stadium if this game were drawn, will meet Chelsea in the semi-finals at Wembley on Sunday, 15th April.

#prayformuamba

#getwellsoonmuamba

Tottenham 1 Bolton 1 (FA Cup Match Abandoned)

The worrying sight of the Bolton player Fabrice Muamba being carried off the White Hart Lane with medical staff working to revive him, overshadowed everything that happened in the previous forty two minutes.

Tottenham Hotspur 1 Bolton Wanderers 1 (Abandoned after 41 mins.)

Scorers:   Walker                             Bale (o.g.)

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

Fabrice Muambe(Bolton W) - all Spurs supporters wish him a speedy recovery

The thoughts of the football world are with Fabrice Muamba and his family as the Bolton player fights for his life in a London hospital.  The coming days are critical for the twenty three year old who collapsed after forty one minutes of the game at White Hart Lane.  The medical staff immediately rushed onto the pitch to work with him and try to revive him.  Players and spectators from both sides were visibly upset by the events that occurred at White Hart Lane.  After treating him on the pitch for six minutes, Fabrice was carried of to a waiting ambulance as both sets of fans chanted his name.

In the match which will now be expunged from the record books, Bolton took the lead after fsix minutes from a corner, the ball deflecting off Gareth Bale's shoulder and into the net.  Spurs threatened and within five minutes were level as Bale's cross to the back post was headed in powerfully by Kyle Walker.

Referee, Howard Webb, abandoned the game having consulted with both managers and players.  A possible date for the match to be played is Tuesday or Wednesday 27th or 28th March, the dates set aside for replays.

All Tottenham fans pray that the news about Fabrice Muamba in the coming days will be positive and that he will make a full and speedy recovery.

 

Tottenham, The Glory-Glory Game

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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

Scott Parker on his time at Spurs

Scott Parker was a signing which not only caused disagreement between the manager and Chairman but one which did not find total approval among supporters.  However, since his arrival at the end of August Spurs have gone on an undefeated Premier League run which has lifted the club to third place and Parker is rightly receiving credit for his part in that transformation.

Scott Parker - leading by example

Harry Redknapp was adamant that he wanted to sign Scott Parker last summer but the season started with Parker turning out for West Ham in the Championship.  It was only as the transfer period drew to  close that the two clubs came to an arrangement and Spurs signed last season's Footballer of the Year for a fee of £5 million.  Many fans were not overly enthusiastic about the signing as Parker, now aged thirty one, had had previous opportunities to sign for the club but had always ended up elsewhere.  Many, like the Chairman, thought he was too old and that his best days were past him.  Parker, has however, proved all the doubters wrong with midfield performances that had Harry Redknapp recalling the 1960s when that Spurs legend, Dave Mackay reigned supreme at White Hart Lane.

Many new players arriving at Tottenham take a long time to settle but Parker managed to settle from day one as was shown in his debut against Wolves and has gone on to develop a very effective partnership with Luka Modric which has brought a control and strength to Tottenham's midfield.

Speaking after Saturday's win over Bolton, Parker acknowledged that he has settled quickly into his new club.

Parker who captained the side in the absence of the injured Ledley King said, "I needed to hit the floor running when I came here in the summer.  I needed to make a good impression and feel I have done that."

Since his arrival Spurs have enjoyed an unbeaten sequence in the Premier League, winning a record sixth consecutive Premier League game and equalling their best run, undefeated in eleven matches.  Parker, like Emmanuel Adebayor, have yet to experience defeat since arriving at White Hart Lane and Spurs are now third, only two points behind Manchester United with a match in hand.

Parker continued, "I don't think I've played in a team that plays better football than this one.  There are some very good players, not just in the team but in the squad.  There is a lot of pace and we have got a consistency to our game.  When you are up there you need to grind out results even when you are not playing well.  We have done that, especially last week at West Brom and before that at Fulham where we didn't play well but got three points."

"On our day we can beat anyone.  Confidence is the key."

Parker is a combative midfielder who enjoys a battle and reminds many older observers of a cross between Mackay and Alan Mullery.  He is a presence in the centre of the field, covering for other players, winning the ball and passing it on to Modric but also prepared to get forward himself.  He harries players, putting them under pressure and forcing mistakes as happened with Gary Cahill on Saturday.  He also inspires those around him to follow his example and work harder as has been witnessed by Adebayor's willingness to come back and fight for the ball, especially helping out in the away matches where Spurs have found themselves under pressure.

Scott Parker has proved a very important part of Harry Redknapp's plan for this Tottenham team and while he may not always lead the team out on to the field, his performances have been as of a captain.

They Played for Spurs and Bolton

Summer transfer speculation suggested that Gary Cahill was heading to White Hart Lane but Bolton and Tottenham were unable to reach agreement on the final day for transfers in August.  Other deals have been completed between the two clubs but the most recent was almost twenty years ago.

Don McAllister with Ardiles

In the preview of the of the game between Spurs and Bolton, I retold how Gudni Bergsson denied Spurs the opportunity to move into second place in the League in season December, 1995 by scoring an equalising goal as Bolton recovered from a two goal deficit to earn their first away point of the season.  Bergsson joined Bolton from Spurs in March, 1995, helping them to promotion and in eight seasons he made over 300 League and Cup appearances.  Bergsson joined Spurs on trial as an amateur in November, 1988.  He was a law student and signed professional the following February, costing Spurs £100,000 to his former club, Valur.  An Icelandic international he had his best spell at Spurs under Terry Venables although he missed out on the 1991 FA Cup Final.  He made 72 League appearances for Spurs, scoring twice.  He played at full back or in central defence but found it difficult to gain a regular place in the team, often stepping in when others were injured.  He was released by Spurs and considered returning to his law studies but Bolton stepped in and agreed a deal with Spurs for £65,000.

Central defender, Chris Fairclough had two seasons with Spurs after joining from Nottingham Forest in 1987.  He then went to Leeds United and after six years at Elland Road he moved to Bolton.


Ian Moores joined Tottenham from Stoke in August, 1976 as Spurs embarked on a season which was to end in relegation.  He was a tall, gangling striker - a smaller Peter Crouch of his day.  He cost £75,000 and scored in his first two games but then as the team struggled he proved not to be the answer to Spurs' lack of goals.  The highlight of his Spurs' career was his hat-trick against Bristol Rovers when Spurs won 9 - 0 in the 2nd Division game.  Even then he didn't grab the headlines as his strike partner, debutant Colin Lee, scored four.  In October, 1978 he joined Orient for £55,000 having scored 8 goals in 32 League and Cup appearances.  He joined Bolton in 1982 and spent just one season there.  Sadly, Ian Moores passed away in 1998 at the age of 43 following illness.

Neil McNab signed for Spurs in February, 1974 for £40,000 from Morton, having already appeared in the Scottish League at the age of fifteen.  He was 16 years of age when he signed and made his debut the following March when he came on as a substitute against Chelsea.  A hard working, skilful midfielder he established himself in the team in 1977-78 when he was an ever present as Spurs won promotion from the 2nd Division after only one season in the lower league.  The arrival of Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa at the start of the next season saw him lose his place in the team, his last appearance for Spurs being the seven goal defeat at Anfield.  The following November he moved to Bolton for £250,000 but after two seasons moved to Brighton.  He joined Manchester City in 1983 where he played the best football of his career. 

Don McAllister had six seasons with his home club, Bolton, where he made over 150 League appearances.  He joined Spurs in February, 1975 and helped them in a battle against relegation.  Signed by Terry Neill for £80,000 he was a hard tackling, uncompromising central defender.  A versatile player, he covered in central defence and at full back as Spurs won promotion and re-established themselves in the top flight.  For two seasons after promotion he played regularly but a serious injury cost him his place and he joined Charlton in August,1981.  He made over 200 League and Cup appearances during his time at White Hart Lane.

Five other players also appeared for both Spurs and Bolton but they are of an older generation.

Frank Drabble played two games in goal for Spurs in season 1909-10, their first ever season in the 1st Division.  His debut at Preston was abandoned with the score at 0 - 0 after fifty minutes due to rain.  He then played in the next game at home to Notts County but Spurs lost 1 - 3 and Drabble lost his place in the team.  With the signing of two additional goalkeepers, Drabble slipped to fourth choice and at the end of the season joined Nottingham Forest.  He joined Bolton in 1919 and had two season with them.


Gordon Jones was a half-back who had three seasons with Bolton from 1909.  He joined Spurs in 1912 and had one year at the club, making eight League appearances.

Bill Hinton had four years with Bolton but only made 36 appearances for them.  He joined Spurs in June, 1924 and made his debut in goal against his former club at the start of following season, keeping a clean sheet as Spurs won 3 - 0.  He was an ever present for Spurs that year but only made another eighteen League and Cup appearances due to illness and was given a free transfer in 1927.

George Goldsmith was a full back with Spurs but only played one league game in September, 1934 after joining from Hull City the previous summer.  At the end of that season he joined Bolton where he spent two years.

George Hunt spent seven years at White Hart Lane.  He joined in 1930 after a season at Chesterfield.  He was a goal scoring centre-forward and has a record of 151 goals for Tottenham in 205 senior appearances.  After a difficult start with Spurs when he found it hard to replace goalscorer supreme, Ted Harper, given time by his manager, Hunt proved his worth.  He helped the team to promotion in 1933 and won three England caps.  After seven seasons with Spurs he moved to Arsenal but only stayed there for six months before moving to Bolton.  He stayed at Bolton for ten years and joined Sheffield Wednesday in 1946.  He became a coach at  Bolton on his retirement from playing and remained with the club for almost twenty years.

Tottenham v Bolton Wanderers Preview

Spurs will look to set aside the disappointment of the second team's defeat in the Europa League and continue their climb up the Premier League table.  In the past Bolton have proved awkward opponents for Spurs but the 'new' Spurs will want to ensure there isn't any disappointment at White Hart Lane for their fans come the final whistle.

This will be Tottenham's first Saturday home League match of the season and we're in December and have played twelve games.

Bolton started the season with an impressive four goal defeat of QPR at Loftus Road with Tottenham target, Gary Cahill, scoring their first goal.  Since then, however, they have struggled and have only three wins and ten defeats from their thirteen matches.  

After their opening day success they lost their next six League games to Manchester City (h), Liverpool (a), Manchester United (h), Norwich City (h) Arsenal (a) and Chelsea (h).  Their second win of the season came at Wigan (3 - 1) before they lost at home to Sunderland in mid-October.  An away defeat to Swansea (1 - 3) was followed by their first, and only, home win of the season a 5 - 0 defeat of Stoke City at the beginning of November.  They then lost at West Brom and Everton inflicted a 2 - 0 home defeat on them last weekend.  With only three wins and nine points Bolton are currently in 18th place in the Premier League.

Ivan Klasnic is their leading goalscorer with 6 League goals, Chris Eagles has 5 goals (4 in the League and 1 in the Cup) and Kevin Davies has scored twice.  Klasnic and Eagles both scored twice in the rout of Stoke.  Kevin Davies has scored six goals in his last six league games against Tottenham.

Bolton have a very experienced team with many players who have served them well in the Premier League.  David Wheater will not be available as he is suspended having been set off last weekend.

Premier League Home Record v Bolton
The clubs have met twelve times in  the Premier League at White Hart Lane.  Spurs have won 8 and drawn 2 of the games.
2010 - 11
Last season Spurs won 2 - 1 having got off to a whirlwind start when they were awarded a penalty after six minute which Rafael Van der Vaart scored.  A minute later and Spurs had another penalty.  Van der Vaart again scored but it had to be retaken for encroachment but he put the retake wide.  Late in the half it appeared that Spurs had another penalty but the linesman was flagging for offside.  Bolton equalised in the second half and would have earned a point but for a thunderbolt strike from substitute Nico Kranjcar in added time.
2009 - 10
The previous season a Tom Huddlestione strike was enough to give Spurs all three points.  This match at the beginning of May was part of the run of results which was to take Spurs into the Champions League.
2008 - 09
26th October, 2008.  Harry Redknapp had replaced Juande Ramos as manager but Clive Allen was in charge of the team which achieved their first win of the season.  Roman Pavlyuchenko and Darren Bent scoring the goals to give Spurs 5 points from 9 games.  Redknapp was there beside Allen even though he had only been appointed a few hours earlier.
2007 - 08
Bolton went ahead in the first minute of the second half but Steed Malbranque scored six minutes later.
2006 - 07
Spurs enjoyed a 4 - 1 success with goals from Robbie Keane (2), Jermaine Jenas, Aaron Lennon
2005 - 06
An Aaron Lennon goal gave Spurs victory in the last home game of the season.  It came after an hour and fans celebrated as it ensured that Spurs were going on their first European tour for some considerable time with their qualification for the UEFA Cup.
2004 - 05
23rd October, 2004.  This match was played on the day that the sad passing of Spurs legend, Bill Nicholson, was announced.  It is the last occasion that Bolton recorded a win at White Hart Lane.  On a wet, grey October afternoon the ground was a sombre place and the team played in a similar manner.  They conceded an early goal, Keane equalised before half-time but Spurs conceded a second midway through the second half.

Harry Redknapp will restore his first choice players to the team and expect them to produce the required result.  If fit, Van der Vaart would probably start ahead of Defoe with Luka Modric restored to midfield in an otherwise unchanged team.  A win would take Spurs to second in the table ahead of Manchester United whose game doesn't start until 5.30pm.  It may only be a short stay but it is continued progress and would be Tottenham making a statement of their intent for the season. 

One must be wary, however, of assuming too much as in December, 1995 Spurs were looking to go second in the table with a win over bottom placed Bolton but the visitors put an end to that idea.  Bolton were newly promoted to the Premier League and had lost nine away games in succession.  They had no away points and Spurs had secured a two goal lead with second half strikes from Chris Amstrong and Teddy Sheringham.  However, a distraction was created when former player Nayim was shown on the big screen.  The crowd chanted 'Nayim from the halfway line' in recognition of his goal in the European Cup Winners' Cup Final over Arsenal.  Spurs lost concentration and conceded two goals in three minutes with the equalising goal scored by former Spurs player, Gudni Bergsson.  This gave Bolton their first away point of the season and denied Spurs second place.  

Note to Spurs TV - no crowd shots on Saturday. 

Spurs in History - 29th April

29th April, 1978

Southampton 0 Spurs 0 (2nd Division)

The conclusion to the 2nd Division was very close. On the final Saturday both teams needed a point to ensure promotion at Brighton’s expense. The match was an extremely tense and nail-biting affair. There were many dramatic moments and Southampton could have scored on a number of occasions but Spurs held on for the point they needed.

Spurs finished two points behind Bolton, a point behind Southampton and level on points with Brighton. However, Spurs were promoted thanks to a superior goal difference. Spurs were top scorers in the division and their goal difference was nine goals better than Brighton’s, the exact score by which they had defeated Bristol Rovers, the previous October.