Spurs and the FA Cup Semi-Finals

It is now over twenty years since Tottenham last enjoyed the celebrations of winning an FA Cup semi-final.  There have been many trials and tribulations in that time but Spurs have fallen short at that vital stage even when firm favourites as in 2010 against Portsmouth.  In their lengthy history Spurs have reached this stage of the competition on eighteen occasions, winning on nine occasions and for most of those successes the result was well deserved with Spurs winning comfortably. However, of the nine unsuccessful attempts to reach the Final, there has often been a sense of injustice as Spurs have been at the wrong end of some dubious decisions. 

Spurs and the FA Cup

Semi-Finals 1901 – 2010

Spurs FA Cup Semi-Final Record
As a Southern League side Spurs had progressed to the 1901 FA Cup semi-final having disposed of the Cup holders, Bury, and the only other surviving non-League side, Reading, in previous rounds. First Division, West Bromwich Albion at Villa Park were Spurs next opponents while Sheffield United and Aston Villa contested the other semi-final.  Although the game was like a home game for Albion, Spurs took thousands of spectators to the Birmingham venue.

The Spurs’ hero was Sandy Brown who scored all four goals in a comprehensive win.  Brown had scored in every round of the Cup and now had a total of twelve goals in the competition.  Spurs were very much the under-dogs and all of the Spurs’ players deserved credit for this performance. Although the game was scoreless at half-time Spurs had more of the play and from the time that Brown headed the first goal just after the restart from a centre by John Kirwan, there was no doubting the result.  He scored twice more in the next twenty minutes – his second from a corner, the third was a shot from thirty yards and the fourth, five minutes from the end, after a passing movement took Spurs the length of the pitch.

Following a replay Spurs discovered they would be meeting Sheffield United in the Final to be played at Crystal Palace.

Twenty years later, just back in the 1st Division, Spurs faced Preston North End at Hillsborough in their second semi-final.  The two clubs had previously met in the Cup on two occasions, including the 1st Round tie in 1901 when Spurs went on to win the Cup for the first time.  Now, the two clubs were opponents in the top flight and although Preston were in the bottom half of the League to Spurs sixth position, the northern club had been successful in both League games earlier in the season.  Spurs had had moments of good fortune in their early progress in the Cup but on this occasion it seemed to desert them.  It took two goals from Bert Bliss in the second half to ensure Spurs’ victory – scoring the first with a typical drive and then converting a pass from captain, Arthur Grimsdell.  A mix-up in the Spurs’ defence allowed Preston to pull a goal back but Spurs were never under any threat.  The game could and should have been wrapped long before Spurs scored their first goal.  In the first half they had two goals disallowed – the first after Jimmy Banks scored but the referee gave Spurs a free-kick for a foul on Jimmy Seed and then a second following a scramble in the Preston area was disallowed for some unknown reason.   Early in the second half Spurs should have had two penalties – firstly for a foul on Banks and then when a Preston defender handled but neither impressed the referee.

Spurs’ opponents in the Final at Stamford Bridge would be Second Division Wolverhampton Wanderers who had defeated another Second Division side, Cardiff City in a replay.

The following year, in 1922, Spurs suffered their first semi-final defeat, Preston gaining revenge for the previous year’s defeat in controversial circumstances.  Spurs were favourites to win and played in that manner throughout the first half and went a goal up through Jimmy Seed.  Preston looked a beaten team at half-time but in the second half were re-vitalised and equalised.  Spurs came back into the game and looked to have scored when a shot from Bert Bliss beat the goalkeeper and was on its way into the net.  At this point the referee stopped the game to attend to an injured Preston player.  He decreed that he had blown the whistle before the ball entered the net and disallowed the goal.  To add insult to injury, the player hadn't been seriously injured.  This decision demoralised the Spurs players and Preston went on to score the winning goal.  In the Final Preston lost to a disputed penalty, awarded for a foul committed outside the area, but that is of little consolation to Spurs.

It was another twenty six years before Spurs were to grace a semi-final again and it was as a 2nd Division side that they met 1st Division Blackpool at Villa Park in 1947-48.  They had defeated 1st Division Bolton and then 2nd Division clubs, West Bromwich, Leicester and Southampton to reach this stage.  For over an hour Spurs were the equal of Blackpool who were the strong favourites with Stanley Matthews and Stan Mortensen in their side.  It was Spurs, however, who went ahead when Len Duquemin got the final touch in a goalmouth scramble for his eighth Cup goal of the season. Time ticked away and Spurs were within four minutes of their first Wembley final when a pass from Matthews found Mortensen.  He set off on a thirty yard run, past four defenders and shot from a very acute angle near the goal line. The shot caught Ted Ditchburn unawares and Spurs were totally deflated.   Into extra time and Mortensen scored twice more to ensure Spurs’ Cup dreams ended at Villa Park.   That result so demoralised Spurs that they won only two of their final twelve League games and missed out on a possible promotion by finishing in eighth place.

Five seasons later, Spurs had an opportunity to gain revenge on Blackpool when they again met in the semi-final at Villa Park.  This time both clubs were in the 1st Division and this was seen as a last opportunity for the ‘Push and Run’ side to achieve Cup success.   It had been a long road to the semi-final for Spurs who had played eight games to reach this stage.  They had needed replays to beat Tranmere and Preston, then one game saw off Halifax but the 6th Round tie with Birmingham City went to three games.  This time Blackpool with Matthews and Mortensen still a force to be reckoned with, took an early lead but early in the second half Spurs levelled through Len Duquemin.  Spurs were now in control and the game was heading for extra time when with seconds remaining Alf Ramsey attempted a back pass to Ted Ditchburn.  As he did so, he slipped and the ball fell short allowing the Blackpool forward to step in and score past Ditchburn.  Only time remained to kick off again and Spurs would have to wait a little longer for a final at Wembley.

Blackpool went on to win the Final against Bolton in the famous ‘Matthews’ final.

Villa Park was becoming a bogey ground for Spurs where FA Cup semi-final games were concerned. In 1955-56 they again had the misfortune to lose there at the penultimate stage – this time to Manchester City.  It was a refereeing mistake that helped to prevent Spurs achieving that first Wembley final.  Spurs were a goal down but in the final minutes were battling for an equaliser.   The captain, Danny Blanchflower had moved centre half, Maurice Norman, forward into the attack as he had done successfully in the previous round against West Ham.  In the dieing moments winger George Robb was through on goal and about to score when the Manchester City goalkeeper, Bert Trautmann, caught hold of his legs.  A goal or a penalty, Spurs should have scored but somehow, unbelievably, the officials saw nothing and Spurs had once again fallen short.  ‘What if’ Spurs had scored – they could have taken the game into extra time and gone on to win but the repercussions of the defeat went further than expected.  The Spurs manager, Jimmy Anderson, was unimpressed with Blanchflower’s decision to make changes to the team during the game and in the ensuing row Blanchflower resigned as captain and did not take on the role for another two seasons.

After such a period of disappointment, Spurs were about to embark on a sequence of seven successive semi-final victories stretching over thirty years.  At the fourth attempt, it was the ‘Double’ team of 1960-61 that was to lay the ghost of Villa Park.  Drawn to play defending League champions Burnley a tight game was expected as Burnley had recovered from a four goal deficit to earn a draw in the League game at White Hart Lane earlier in the season.  The semi-final tie saw Spurs take the lead after half an hour and went further ahead when Bobby Smith scored his second in the second half.  This deflated Burnley and Cliff Jones added the third before the end.   Spurs were on their way to Wembley for the first time where they would find Leicester City trying to prevent them completing an historic ‘Double.’

A year later Spurs overcame Manchester United at Hillsborough at the semi-final stage of the competition as they endeavoured to retain the trophy.  Goals from Jimmy Greaves, Terry Medwin and Cliff Jones ensured that Spurs won comfortably and returned to Wembley to meet the team they defeated in the previous year’s semi-final.  Greaves and Jones gave Spurs a two goal half-time lead. United scored with seven minutes remaining but Medwin ensured Spurs’ victory, scoring three minutes later.

The 1967 semi-final saw Spurs return to Hillsborough to play Nottingham Forest. Both teams were in the top three of the League and Spurs were on an unbeaten run that stretched back to mid-January.  In a very close game Forest started the better and Cyril Knowles cleared off the line early on but then after half an hour Jimmy Greaves scored with a great volley from twenty five yards that went in off the post.  Just before half-time Forest almost equalised when a Knowles defensive header hit the post but Spurs held on.  In the second half Forest continued to search for the equaliser but when Frank Saul caught a Forest defender in possession he took the ball to the edge of the penalty area to score with a great shot to put Spurs two up after sixty seven minutes.  Forest weren’t down and out and scored with ten minutes left but although they searched for the equaliser, Spurs had further opportunities to increase their lead. In the following day’s papers the match was described as ‘pulsating’ and a game in which Spurs ‘earned the right to meet Chelsea in the first all London Final at Wembley on the strength of a highly skilled performance in a classic semi-final that had moments of magic and tragedy.’

Although Spurs enjoyed Cup success at home and in Europe over the next decade and a half, the FA Cup eluded them.  It was in 1981 that they next reached an FA Cup semi-final, under the guidance of Keith Burkinshaw. Spurs’ progress to this stage had been steady and they were drawn to play Wolverhampton Wanderers at Hillsborough.  Everyone’s memory of this game is the penalty that was awarded to Wolves in the dieing moments for a tackle by Glenn Hoddle.  This gave Wolves the chance to equalise and take the game into extra time.  The game remained level at 2-2 and a replay was required. The fury of the Spurs’ players and spectators at the penalty decision is understandable as it was wrong on two accounts – the tackle was outside the penalty area and Hoddle won the ball cleanly without touching the ‘diving’ Terry Hibbitt.  Spurs had taken the lead through Steve Archibald after four minutes but Wolves equalised a minute later.  Just before half-time, Hoddle put Spurs ahead from a free kick, that could justifiably have been a penalty.  Spurs defended resolutely until the referee played his part but then we would have missed the excitement of the replay at Highbury.

For some unaccountable reason the FA decided that the replay would take place at Highbury which was a tremendous advantage to Spurs. It was the perfect place for Spurs to win an exciting replay. Determined not to be deprived of their place at Wembley as they had been the previous Saturday, Spurs were fired up for the game from the outset and took an early lead when Garth Crooks headed the opening goal. Wolves came back strongly but couldn’t get an equaliser.  Then just before half-time Crooks scored the second when taking a pass from Hoddle, he finished with ease.   Spurs were celebrating and Ricky Villa sealed the victory with a great goal scored from thirty yards.  A great victory and a stylish performance as ‘Spurs were on their way to Wembley’ again.

The following season as Spurs fought to retain the trophy, the semi-final game took them to Villa Park where they met 2nd Division, Leicester City.  It was a difficult game for everyone and Ossie Ardiles played his last game of the season for Spurs as he returned to Argentina to prepare for the World Cup.  However, there was the additional problem of the Falklands War and Ardiles was constantly booed by the Leicester fans.  Spurs eventually wore Leicester down in the second half when after 56 minutes Ardiles centred for Crooks to score.   Leicester lost a player to injury and their ten men battled gamely but in the 76th minute conceded a soft own goal.  The defender with many options to clear lifted his back pass over the goalkeeper’s head.  This was a very comfortable semi-final victory for Spurs who returned to Wembley for a second successive year to meet Queens Park Rangers.

Spurs next semi-final game was one of the easiest they’ve ever played at this stage of the Cup. Watford went into the game at Villa Park with goalkeeping problems and had to call up an emergency keeper as their regular keepers were injured.   A 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.

In all the years of the FA Cup, Spurs and Arsenal had only previously met in the competition on two occasions.   Now, in 1991, they were to meet in the semi-final.   Such was the demand for tickets that the game was arranged for Wembley, the first occasion that a semi-final had taken place there.  Spurs were under continuing financial pressure but their biggest problem prior to this game was the fitness of their talisman, Paul Gascoigne.  He had undergone a hernia operation immediately after the 6th Round win over Notts County, in the hope that he would be fit for the semi-final.  Four days before the game he successfully played for an hour in a League game at Norwich and was fit to play at Wembley.  Spurs’ other difficulty was that Arsenal had only lost once in the League and were looking to win the ‘Double’.  The atmosphere at Wembley was electric and Gascoigne was at his most exuberant best.  Spurs were not expected to win this game but Venables had them firing on all cylinders from the start.  After five minutes Gascoigne scored from a 35 yard free kick that was hit with such power and accuracy that it left Seaman clutching at thin air.   As Venables said afterwards, “Paul was probably the only player who could do anything like that.”  Five minutes later Gary Lineker increased Spurs’ lead.  Arsenal didn’t know what had hit them but they managed to score before half-time.  Gazza played for only sixty minutes but left to an ovation – ‘Spurs Hero of Wembley.’  Shortly after Gascoigne’s departure, his replacement, Nayim set up Lineker to score the third to take Spurs to the Final.

All the players played their part in this memorable victory as Arsenal were humbled by an inspired Gazza who ensured Spurs had a fantastic victory.  ‘St. Hotspur Day’- a day never to be forgotten by Spurs’ fans around the world nor will the words of Barry Davies, commenting on the semi-final as Gascoigne lined up the free-kick, "He's not going to have a go from there.... he is you know.... that is Schoolboy's Own stuff!"

That was Spurs’ seventh successive FA Cup semi-final victory but since that very memorable and enjoyable day, Spurs have only had that sinking feeling where those games have been concerned. Although they have endured difficult times in the subsequent years Spurs have still managed to reach the semi-final on five occasions.  Two years later another visit to Wembley was required when Spurs and Arsenal were again drawn together.   Terry Venables’ team were left feeling hard done by in 1993 when a refereeing decision influenced the result.  Spurs were denied a penalty when Darren Anderton was brought down in the penalty area in the first half.  If Spurs had been awarded a penalty and Arsenal reduced to ten men with over an hour to play the complexion of the game might have been different.   it wasn’t, however, and then with ten minutes remaining the Arsenal goal was scored from a dubious free-kick although tighter marking by the Spurs’ defence could have eliminated the danger. The ‘might have beens’ could go on for ever but if Spurs had gone on to Wembley and won the Cup, the subsequent dramatic and traumatic end of season events with the fall-out between Alan Sugar and Terry Venables may never have occurred and Spurs mightn’t have gone into a decade of decline.

Defeat in the semi-final usually has some repercussions – in 1947 Spurs missed out on promotion, in 1957 Blanchflower resigned as captain, in 1993 Venables and Sugar fell out while following the 1995 defeat by Everton, Spurs lost Jurgen Klinsmann who along with Teddy Sheringham had been such a vital part of Spurs’ resurgence that season.  The season had started with Spurs banned from the competition as punishment for the financial irregularities uncovered in the Sugar/Venables affair.  It was only as the 3rd Round approached that the decision was overturned and Spurs were re-instated. Progress to the semi-finals had brought memorable performances at Southampton and Liverpool and now Spurs were faced with Everton at Elland Road as the final step back to Wembley.   The media were predicting a Spurs/Manchester United final but unfortunately Everton hadn’t read the script. Spurs were troubled by injuries on the day and Stuart Nethercott had to play as emergency left back. Spurs simply did not perform, little resembling the side that had played so well in earlier rounds and produced such exciting football during the season.  Everton started the better and took a two goal lead.  Klinsmann scored a penalty for Spurs but two late goals sealed Spurs’ fate and added to their embarrassment.

The result was a shattering blow to the fans and the club but the further ramification was that Klinsmann later announced that he would be leaving at the end of the season.  He had brought vitality to the club but with the team not being able to offer him European football the following season he decided to return to Germany.  This was an even greater blow to the Club and one that they have been striving to recover from since that fateful day – only in recent seasons has there been a recovery in Spurs status and expectations.

In 1999 Spurs under George Graham had already won the Worthington Cup and were looking for a Cup ‘double’ as they took on Newcastle United at Old Trafford.  Progress to this stage had been seen a comfortable victory over Watford, replays were needed to see off Wimbledon and Leeds, the latter succumbing to two spectacular goals from Anderton and Ginola at White Hart Lane.  Ginola produced another ‘special’ to win at Barnsley and Spurs were looking confident as they came to play Newcastle.  They weren’t, however, at their best against the Tyneside club but the game turned on the hour when the referee missed a blatant handball by the Newcastle defender, Dabizas, as he struggled to head clear from a free-kick. The game remained scoreless and went into extra time when from a similar situation Campbell was penalised and Newcastle were awarded a penalty.   Shearer scored and with Spurs deflated, added a second to end Spurs’ dreams of a second visit to Wembley.

In 2001, Spurs had another opportunity to reach the FA Cup Final but once again Arsenal stood in their way.  In the entire history of the FA Cup, the two clubs have only met twice in earlier rounds of the competition but on the four occasions that both clubs have reached the semi-finals, they have been drawn together three times.  The background to the tie was Spurs’ change of manager.  A week after Spurs’ thrilling victory over West Ham United at Upton Park in the 6th Round George Graham was sacked.  David Pleat took temporary charge while the club waited for Glenn Hoddle whose first game in charge was the semi-final at Old Trafford.  It started brightly for Spurs with Gary Doherty who had been the hero of earlier rounds with two important goals, giving Spurs the lead.  Arsenal, however, came more and more into the game and it was only an outstanding display by Neil Sullivan in the Spurs’ goal that kept the score to 2-1 for Spurs’ north London neighbours.  While Hoddle’s return to Tottenham was welcome, the timing was not the most appropriate, before such an important game and especially as the players had come together as a team through the Cup run.

Spurs last reached the semi-final stage in 2010 when they faced Portsmouth.  The south coast club were in dire straits facing both relegation and financial problems.  Spurs had defeated Harry Redknapp's old club in both Premier League matches and the last game, only a few weeks previously, had been an extremely comfortable victory at White Hart Lane.  In the semi-final Portsmouth worked extremely hard throughout and Spurs simply couldn't respond or lift their game.  The match went into extra time and was looking destined for penalties when Portsmouth's goal came courtesy of a Michael Dawson slip on the much criticised newly laid Wembley turf.  He slipped at a vital moment as he was about to clear the ball in the centre of the penalty area.  The ball fell invitingly for Portsmouth who accepted the gift and went on to secure a two goal victory and Spurs felt annoyed with the performance of their team and officials who ruled out both a goal and penalty claims in extra time.  Spurs showed remarkable powers of recovery from this very disappointing performance to produce a run to gain Champions League football for the first time.

Spurs haven't had a successful semi-final since 1991which is a very long period for a club with a Cup reputation but this season their quest for Champions League football is being accompanied by a Cup run in the best traditions of seeking the glory of winning the Cup.

The story of the FA Cup, season after season brings dreams that ultimately go unfulfilled but on those few occasions when everything falls into place they are the greatest moments and create lasting memories that carry supporters through in hope for the seasons that lie ahead.

For the Record:
Tottenham's FA Cup Semi-Final Win and Loss Account:

1901 West Bromwich Albion (Villa Park) Won 4-0 Brown (4)
1921 Preston North End (Hillsborough) Won 2-1 Bliss (2)
 1922 Preston North End (Hillsborough) Lost 1-2 Seed
1948 Blackpool (Villa Park) Lost 1-3 (aet) Duquemin
1953 Blackpool (Villa Park) Lost 1-2 Duquemin
1956 Manchester City (Villa Park) Lost 0-1 
1961 Burnley (Villa Park) Won 3-0 Smith R (2), Jones
1962 Manchester United (Hillsborough) Won 3-1 Greaves, Medwin, Jones 
1967 Nottingham Forest (Hillsborough) Won 2-1 Greaves, Saul
1981 Wolverhampton Wanderers (Hillsborough) Draw 2-2 (aet) Archibald, Hoddle
Replay Wolverhampton Wanderers (Highbury) Won 3-0 Crooks (2), Villa
1982 Leicester City (Villa Park) Won 2-0 Crooks, Opp. o.g.
1987 Watford (Villa Park) won 4-1 Hodge (2), Allen P, Allen C 
1991 Arsenal (Wembley) Won 3-1 Gascoigne, Lineker (2) 
1993 Arsenal (Wembley) Lost 0-1
1995 Everton (Elland Road) Lost 1-4 Klinsmann (p)
1999 Newcastle United (Old Trafford) Lost 0-2 (aet)
 2001 Arsenal (Old Trafford) Lost 1-2 Doherty
2010 Portsmouth (Wembley) Lost 0-2 (aet)

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

Tottenham 3 Stevenage 1 FA Cup

It's customary for the minnows or underdogs to get a late consolation goal as acknowledgement of their gallant effort.  Last night Spurs turned that idea upside down as Stevenage scored inside four minutes and could have added to it before Tottenham eventually came to life.

Tottenham Hotspur 3 Stevenage 1  

(FA Cup 5th Round Replay)

Scorers:  Defoe (2), Adebayor (pen)       Byrom (pen)

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

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

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Spurs progressed to the FA Cup 6th Round and a home match against Bolton Wanderers but it was not as easy as the scoreline might suggest.  Spurs had put out a strong team with a strong bench for backup while both former Spurs, Chris Day and Ronnie Henry, were in the visitor's starting line-up.

Spurs started sluggishly, content to pass the ball around but in the third minute Joel Byrom made the first foray into the Spurs penalty area to be brought down by Ryan Nelsen.  A penalty which was duly dispatched, Cudicini diving the wrong way.  That was greeted with stunned disbelief by the Spurs fans and great exuberation from the Stevenage faithful.

Spurs looking to bounce back from two consecutive League defeats had just added to the pressure on themselves and for the next twenty minutes it just got worse.  First Michael Dawson had to be replaced, carried off injured, and then Spurs play went from bad to worse as their passing went awry and their play was totally devoid of ideas as Stevenage defended with composure and endeavour.

After twenty four minutes Spurs had provided no threat to Chris Day in the Stevenage goal but the visitors could so easily have been two ahead as a header from a free-kick looped over the crossbar.  Thirty seconds later, Spurs were ahead.  As one national paper put it, five touches later and Jermain Defoe had scored.  A short goal-kick from Carlo Cudicini to Gareth Bale, a long ball forward from the left found Defoe centrally, on the edge of the box, one touch to control and another to set himself and then a powerful strike past a diving goalkeeper.  That was the first FA Cup goal that Day had conceded this season - denying teams for over five games and a total of 475 minutes.

A sigh of relief from Spurs supporters, assured that the goal would see Spurs take control but it wasn't to be.  Certainly, Spurs play improved but Stevenage matched them and were deserving to be level at the interval.  Aaron Lennon had by this time departed, injured, to be replaced by Emmanuel Adebayor and he had nearly made contact with a pass from Rafael Van der Vaart just before half-time.

Into the second half and after three minutes, it appeared as if Defoe had put Spurs ahead following good work and a cross by Younes Kaboul but the England striker was ruled offside.  Stevenage continued to be a threat from corners and Cudicini had to make a sharp save at close range to keep them out.  Then Gareth Bale got the breakthrough they were looking for after ten minutes of the second half.  Gareth Bale made a run into the area on the right and as he was about to put in a cross, he was brought down and the referee signalled a penalty, having been advised by his assistant.  Adebayor remained calm to score easily.

That was the filip that Spurs needed as suddenly their play and confidence levels were lifted and Bale became an increasing threat to Stevenage by creating a number of chances for Defoe and Adebayor.  He also hit a thunderous shot against the crossbar but Stevenage weren't going to give up without a fight and their threat at set-pieces continued.  From one, they hit the bar with a header and the ball bounced down to land only inches from the line, to be grabbed by Cudicini. 

Spurs chances continued to come and go as Bale's pace caught Stevenage out but it was from a quickly taken long throw from his own half that set up Defoe for the third.  Gathering the ball from Bale's throw, Defoe ran on  towards the goal with the defenders uncertain what to do as he lashed a shot past Day.

Stevenage continued to work hard and can be satisfied with their performance.  If Spurs had scored any more goals the result would have been flattering to them.  Stevenage received a very deserved reception from their fans at the end but Spurs continue to the next round, one step closer to the 'Joy of Winning the Cup'.

Spurs were looking for a boost after their previous disappointing results but as they say in 'Deal or No Deal', "that tells us nothing."  It could be the start of something good or it might not.  The result against Everton will be a better indicator if Spurs have rediscovered their defensive composure and their attacking threat against Premier League opponents.

Worryingly for Spurs, Dawson will be out for the rest of the season while Lennon will be out for a spell with a re-occurrence of his injury.  The central defensive positions are of concern as Spurs will be looking for their two experienced campaigners, Ledley King and Gallas, to overcome their injuries and provide cover during the coming weeks.  The absence of`Lennon again reduces the attacking threat which Spurs can pose when both he and Bale are running at defenders from the wide areas.

How Spurs deal with these injuries and how they deploy the remaining players will determine whether Spurs can find the level of consistency needed to retain third place in the Premier League and if they can sustain a challenge for the FA Cup.  It will be an interesting few weeks for Tottenham supporters.

Stevenage 0 Tottenham 0 FA Cup 5th Round

After a fiercely competitive 5th Round tie at Stevenage, Tottenham are grateful to be returning to White Hart Lane for a replay with the winners going through to a home match against Bolton Wanderers.

Stevenage 0 Tottenham Hotspur 0

Team: Cudicini; Dawson, Kaboul, Nelsen; Walker (Kranjcar), Livermore, Parker, Bale, Rose (Lennon); Defoe, Saha  Subs (unused): Friedel, King, Khumalo, Luongo, Dawkins

Tottenham put out a strong team but with concerns over the prospect of facing a barrage of high balls and crosses from Stevenage, they opted for an unfamilar 3 - 5 - 2 formation with three centre backs, Kyle Walker and Danny Rose out wide and Gareth Bale having a roving role in central midfield.  Ryan Nelsen was starting his first match for the club.  Stevenage started with the same side as won at Sheffield Wednesday in midweek which contained both former Spurs reserves, Chris Day in goal and Ronnie Henry at right back.

Stevenage started with a purpose and quickly showed their intention with a series of high balls into the Spurs' box which brought an early challenge on Carlo Cudicini as he came to collect the ball.  Stevenage worked hard and were quicker to the ball, giving the Totttenham players little time to play their usual passing game.  This resulted in Tottenham playing long balls out of defence towards a forward pairing of Jermain Defoe and Louis Saha which saw the ball coming straight back at Spurs.

The first occasion that Spurs created any danger came after sixteen minutes from Rose on the left who put in a low cross to the near post which Defoe touched wide.  Stevenage continued to be first to the ball in midfield and their constant snapping at the heels of Spurs players unsettled them as their passing was poor.  While Stevenage were busy all round the pitch the Spurs central defence coped well and were strong when challenging for the high ball.

The Spurs play, and even the team formation, suggested that much of their focus in preparation had been to cope with the aerial threat that they expected, and received, from Stevenage but had not thought much about how they would use the ball as an attacking force.

On twenty six minutes Saha had a shot across goal but Day was untroubled.  For a short period Totttenham made greater use of their possession by playing it out to Rose on the left who was looking to cause danger but Henry was playing him well.  After thirty three minutes Bale put the ball out to Rose and his cross was headed just over by Walker.  Then Saha was challenged as he prepared to shoot and from a free-kick Defoe's shot was blocked for a corner.

Just as it looked as if Spurs were starting to be more dominant, Stevenage broke from the corner and Tottenham were relieved to get the ball out of their area.  Younes Kaboul had a shot from a free-kick go wide as Stevenage finished the stronger, having a shot blocked for a corner with Michael Dawson putting in a vital clearance from the resulting corner in the last few seconds of the half.

At the start of the second half it appeared that Spurs were going to be more purposeful with sharper passing in midfield and a run from halfway by Bale which ended with a low shot that Day pushed away for a corner, his only save of the game.  After 54 minutes, Spurs had the ball in the net after a cross from Rose caused confusion for the goalkeeper and a defender, allowing Saha to put in a shot which was goalbound but struck Scott Parker on the line before going into the net.  Parker was flagged for being offside.

As time wore on the pitch started to cut up which made passing more difficult and Stevenage had a period around the hour mark when they caused alarm with a number of long range shots.  Rose made a good interception from a dangerous move and tried to set up Defoe.  Walker then put in  a good block on a powerful goalbound shot from the edge of the box, another shot went wide from distance and then with Stevenage's increased industry and endeavour Joe Byrom had two shots in two minutes, shooting over from distance and then a shot straight at Cudicini which he blocked but couldn't hold and Nelsen completed the clearance.

After 65 minutes, Niko Kranjcar replaced Walker and Spurs reverted to 4 - 4 - 2 with Kaboul at right back.  On 74 minutes, after a good run by Defoe, a Bale cross found Saha but his shot was weak.  Aaron Lenon replaced Rose for the last ten minutes with Bale moving to left back.  A dangerous cross from Kranjcar reached to Saha but he was challenged by Henry and the ball was cleared.  There was a good run and cross by Lennon and then following another run a quick passing movement set up Defoe but his weak shot went wide.

Stevenage continued to show commitment and in the final minutes Spurs were very aware that a mistake could see them out of the Cup and were satisfied with a return to White Hart Lane for a 5th Round replay.  Stevenage were thoroughly deserving of that replay as they worked hard throughout and were never overawed by  playing a Premier League side.  They were well prepared and the players and manager deserve all the praise for their efforts and their performance which brought credit to League One. 

Spurs and the FA Cup 5th Round

Progress through the FA Cup 5th Round game and supporters and players start to believe that an appearance in the Final is possible.  Defeat and another season can sometimes be consigned to history with little to play for through in the coming months.  Tottenham, this season, however, have their continued aspirations for Champions League football and a say in the outcome of the Premier League title race to look forward to with anticipation.  The prospect of a return to Wembley in May is an added incentive for Spurs to renew acquaintances with the ground that was like their second home for a period in the 1980s.

Spurs are on Their Way to Stevenage

Another Step towards the Final - Spurs and the FA Cup 5th Round

(Article first appeared in Topspurs)

As Spurs prepare for the game against Stevenage, a team from League One who have a recent record of Cup upsets, ask Newcastle United, they must realise that it will not be an easy task at Stevenage’s compact ground.

Success in the 5th Round game means that a club is only two wins from a Final appearance and three from the ultimate success of lifting the trophy.  It can all seem so easy on paper but there can be many a twist before the task’s completed.  Spurs history shows that FA Cup winners need a slice of good fortune along the way but that a 'special' win at this stage is just a win and is no guarantee of further success.
  
Road to Success
1901
Spurs were drawn away to Reading, the only other non-League team left in the competition, in the 3rd Round game, the equivalent of today’s 5th Round.  Spurs had lost at Reading in the Southern League in November so although they had defeated League opposition in the previous rounds, this match was not going to be easy and so it proved.  Every Cup winning team has a moment when they could so easily have gone out of the competition and it happened for Spurs at Reading.  A goal down early on to a robust home team, Spurs were struggling to make any impact on the game. Early in the second half Spurs recovered for a brief period and equalised through winger John Kirwan but then Reading took control again.  Spurs were forced to hang on but when goalkeeper George Clawley failed to hold a shot, full-back Sandy Tait punched the ball clear – a certain penalty. Everyone saw what had happened except the referee the linesman and when a goal-kick was awarded the 3000 Spurs’ supporters gave a collective sigh of relief.  Spurs held on and in the replay the following Thursday Spurs were a completely different side.  David Copeland gave them an early lead and Sandy Brown scored two more to give Spurs a comfortable win.  Brown had kept up his record of scoring in every round of the Cup.  As Spurs looked forward to a semi-final tie against West Brom the question being asked was - Could this be Spurs’ year to win the Cup?

1921
The 3rd Round game seems to have been more straight forward with a 4-1 win over Third Division, Southend United.  However, while the score suggested a comfortable win, Spurs’ performance was not as impressive and they again required that element of luck every Cup winning team experiences.  Spurs were lethargic and Southend went ahead after ten minutes.  Spurs rallied and equalised through Jimmy Cantrell, only to allow the home team to take control again and earn a penalty just before half-time.  The referee was not happy with the placing of the ball for the penalty and interfered on two occasions.  This angered the Southend penalty-taker who argued with the referee and when he stepped up to strike the penalty he sent it wide of the post.  After the interval Southend again took charge but in the last thirty minutes Spurs scored three times through Jimmy Banks, Jimmy Seed and Bert Bliss.

1961
Spurs’ 5th Round opponents were Aston Villa at Villa Park.  A week earlier Spurs had won there in the League and recorded another victory in the Cup.  No matter what Villa attempted Spurs had an answer with a display of football at their very best.  Having constantly pulled the home defence apart, Spurs went ahead after seventeen minutes when a defender deflected a Cliff Jones’ shot into his own goal.  Just before the interval the game was effectively over when Jones scored and Spurs comfortably controlled the rest of the game.

1962
Spurs travelled to The Hawthorns to play West Bromwich Albion.  In a typical Cup tie Bobby Smith gave Spurs an early lead but the game continued from end to end with both goalkeepers being kept busy.  Smith doubled Spurs lead just before half-time.  An injury to Cliff Jones restricted his movement and effectiveness and West Brom pulled a goal back at the start of the second half.  Jimmy Greaves restored Spurs two goal lead with fifteen minutes remaining only for West Brom to strike back again.  Spurs’ victory was secured by Greaves’ second with one minute remaining.

1967
The Cup winning trail gave Spurs a home game against 2nd Division Bristol City and it was that man Greaves who again secured Spurs’ passage to the next round.  Greaves put Spurs ahead after ten minutes but then the good fortune of Cup winners was again evident in Spurs’ victory as City missed a number of goal scoring opportunities and Pat Jennings was required to save a Bristol penalty in the second half.  The penalty was retaken because Jennings moved too soon and the re-take was hit wide.  To add insult to injury Greaves scored Spurs’ second goal from the penalty spot in the final minute.  Captain Dave Mackay put the win in perspective, ‘We should have won more easily but few top teams manage to win convincingly against lesser opposition.’

1981
It was less of a struggle against fellow 1st Division opponents, Coventry City at White Hart Lane.  Goals from Chris Hughton, Ossie Ardiles and Steve Archibald gave Spurs a 3-1 victory and dreams of Wembley were becoming less fanciful.

1982
The 5th Round game was Spurs’ third home tie against 1st Division opponents and their third single goal victory.  Mark Falco provided the solitary strike that defeated Aston Villa.

1991
Spurs’ hero was Paul Gascoigne but before the game at Portsmouth Spurs lost full-back Terry Fenwick who broke his ankle in the pre-match warm-up sessions.  Gazza required a hernia operation but was being nursed through the Cup games and he again proved the match winner with the two goals that took Spurs past the 2nd Division club.

Memorable Goals
1999
The FA Cup 5th Round tie against Leeds United is memorable for the quality of the goals that Spurs scored in the replay at White Hart Lane.  A goal from Tim Sherwood had earned Spurs the replay but Darren Anderton and David Ginola scored two goals of outstanding quality to take Spurs into the quarter finals. Another amazing strike from Ginola which went narrowly past is equally remembered for the reaction of George Graham and the Spurs’ bench as they leapt to their feet in celebration, thinking that it was a goal.

Abandoned - Snow!

1996
The  5th Round game at Nottingham Forest is remembered by travelling supporters for their lengthy journey home through thick snow after the game was abandoned after fifteen minutes due to the snow.  Spurs drew the re-arranged tie but lost the replay at Tottenham on penalties.

Unlikely Hero:
1995
On 1st March, an unlikely hero stepped forward to rescue Spurs in a 5th Round Replay.  Spurs and Southampton had drawn 1-1 at White Hart Lane and when the Sheringham/Klinsmann team found themselves two goals down just before half-time at the Dell, their Cup dreams looked to be over.  Ronnie Rosenthal was brought on as sub just before the interval and in the second half he scored twice in two minutes to bring the scores level, the second from twenty five yards.  He outdid that goal in extra time with a shot from thirty yards to put Spurs ahead and then goals from Teddy Sheringham, Nick Barmby and Darren Anderton completed the 6-2 rout.  ‘Rocket’ Ronnie had made a name for himself in Spurs folklore.

Giant Killing - Cup Upsets:

1959
Defeat to clubs from lower divisions was a feature of Spurs in the 1950s.  They lost  to Norwich City who were in the 3rd Division and had beaten Manchester United and Cardiff City to reach this stage of the competition.  Held 1-1 at home in the first game Spurs lost the 5th Round replay by a solitary goal as Norwich progressed to the semi-finals.

1957
Two years earlier it had been Bournemouth who had knocked Spurs out at the 5th Round stage. Managed by former Spur Freddie Cox, the 3rd Division side took the lead only for Terry Medwin to equalise.  Bournemouth who had won at Wolves in the previous round did everything to unsettle Spurs and scored another two goals to win 3-1 and earn a home tie against Manchester United.

1955
Another two years earlier and it was York City who removed Spurs from the Cup with a similar 1-3 score.  George Robb put Spurs ahead but the home side scored twice before half-time and then added a third in the second half.  York who were in the 3rd Division (North) reached the semi-finals where they lost in a replay to Newcastle United, the eventual Cup winners.

Cup 'Classic'
1937
The 5th Round Replay against Everton was one of those games that Cup memories are founded on.  Spurs were a 2nd Division team and the match in Liverpool had seen Spurs score through Jimmy McCormick with five minutes remaining, only for their 1st Division opponents to equalise in the last minute.  The Replay on the following Monday, surpassed that for excitement as Spurs looked to be going out of the Cup until a dramatic comeback.  The pitch had been flooded and conditions were poor but Everton took control and went into a two goal lead.  Spurs scored through Johnny Morrison in the 27th minute but in the second half after a Morrison ‘goal’ was disallowed, Everton extended their lead.  With seven minutes remaining, Everton were awarded a penalty but the referee changed his decision as Everton had taken a throw-in incorrectly.  A minute later Morrison scored Spurs’ second, then with two minutes remaining Joe Meek equalised with a great solo goal and in the last minute Morrison scored the winner.  46,972 spectators witnessed a Cup ‘classic.’

Spurs’ fans would enjoy a Cup ‘classic’ that would see Spurs into the next round but they expect Spurs name to be in the draw for the 6th Round whatever team is selected by the manager.  Having defeated Cheltenham Town and Watford in the earlier rounds, the FA Cup could be the icing on the cake for a Tottenham team which has received many plaudits throughout the season for both their style of play and also their ability to fight for a result when their football is not flowing as well as they would like.  There may well be need for that fight and determination against Stevenage to ensure there are no FA Cup giant-killing stories to be recounted for years to come.

Spurs Home Record against Wigan

Tottenham's home Premier League record goes from one extreme to another - from the 9 - 1 victory in November, 2009 to last season's one goal defeat.  The clubs first met in season 2005 - 06 following Wigan's promotion and Spurs will be looking to complete the 'double' over Wigan for only the second time after their 2 - 1 success last September.

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Feb. 2006  PL  Draw 2 - 2  Mido, Defoe
The first game between the two sides had taken place the previous November with Spurs achieving a 2 - 1 victory with goals from Robbie Keane and Edgar Davids' first for the club.  The home game ended as a draw with Spurs having to come from behind on two occasions.  Wigan had gone ahead after ten minutes but midway through the first half Mido levelled when he touched in Paul Stalteri's low, hard cross.  Spurs had had the better of the first half chances but Wigan regained the lead after 67 minutes only for Jermain Defoe to bring Spurs level once again a minute later. 

Nov. 2006  PL  Won 3 - 1  Berbatov, Defoe, Lennon
Spurs had started brightly but it was Wigan who again took the lead after twenty five minutes and it was only two goals in a minute just before half-time which relieved the situation for Spurs.  Defoe equalised from a pass from Dimitar Barbatov and a minute later Berbatov took a long ball from Assou-Ekotto and cut inside to hit a great shot past the goalkeeper.  Aaron Lennon made victory secure with a goal in the final minute after good work by Berbatov.

Nov. 2007  PL  Won 4 - 0  Jenas (2), Lennon, Bent
Three first half goals set up Spurs for this comfortable victory.  Jermaine Jenas scored twice in the opening twenty five minutes and Lennon added a third nine minutes later.  Darren Bent scored the fourth with eighteen minutes remaining for only Spurs second Premier League win of the season.


Sept. 2008  PL  Draw 0 - 0 
This was only Spurs second point of the season in their fifth match and was to be the last gained by them under Juande Ramos, leaving the way open for the arrival of Harry Redknapp and his mantra for the season 'Two points from eight games'.  Spurs had won in the  UEFA Cup the previous Thursday but in a disappointing, lacklustre performance simply couldn't score and as the game progressed it was Wigan who looked the more likely to snatch the win.

Nov. 2009  PL  Won 9 - 1  Crouch, Defoe (5), Bentley, Kranjcar
Peter Crouch put Spurs ahead inside ten minutes but Wigan then had a couple of chances to level but there were no more goals before half-time.  Early in the second half Defoe scored twice in three minutes only for Wigan to pull one back three minutes later.  The goalscorer, Scharner, had clearly used his hand to control the ball but the goal stood and Spurs felt aggrieved and responded as Defoe completed his hat-trick a minute later.  Lennon added a fifth after 64 minutes and Defoe scored his fourth with just over ten minutes remaining.  Spurs then scored three in the final three minutes - Defoe scored his fifth, Bentley scored from a free-kick which struck the post and rebounded in off the despairing goalkeeper.  Niko Kranjcar completed the scoring in the final minute as Wigan had completely folded.


Aug. 2010  PL  Lost 0 - 1
Wigan's first victory at White Hart Lane brought Spurs down to earth following a midweek victory in the Champions League.  Spurs dominated the game and had all the early chances but as time wore on they simply ran out of ideas as Wigan defended in numbers, determined to avoid another humiliation following two heavy defeats in their opening two matches.  Late in the second half Wigan realised that the game was there to be won as a couple of attacks had Spurs defence in disarray and ten minutes from time they scored their first goal of the season to take all three points while Spurs supporters were left waiting to see their team's first home League goal of the season.

Jan. 2009  FAC  Won 3 - 1  Pavlyuchenko (2), Modric
Played on a Friday evening Roman Pavlyuchenko produced two goals and the kind of performance that persuaded Spurs to pay £14 million for him.  The first came from a penalty early in the second half.  Luka Modric scored the second with fourteen minutes remaining but Wigan pulled one back with two minutes left only for Pavlyuchenko to complete the scoring in the final minute.  This was Pavlyuchenko at his best but sadly it doesn't occur too often, although he does appear to like scoring against Wigan with another 'double' in February, 2010 at DW Stadium.

 * 31st January, 2012 PL Spurs 3 Wigan 1 Bale (2), Modric March Report *

Tottenham's Cup Record against Watford

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.

Tottenham and the FA Cup (4th Round)

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 - 1 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.