Spurs in History - 20th January

The 1951 team after winning the 1st Division title

(Photo - courtsey of www.thfc1961.fsnet.co.uk)

20th January, 1951

Spurs 2 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 (1st Division)

Having won promotion in great style the previous season, the Spurs ‘Push and Run’ team got off to a disappointing start to their first season back in the First Division since 1935.

However, they gradually found their way and by December were top of the division. After going out of the Cup, they lost at Manchester United, but this game against Wolves saw them back in their true style.

66,796 spectators packed White Hart Lane to see goals from Sonny Walters and Sid McClellan give them a much needed and encouraging victory.

The team went on to win the First Division title and become Champions for the first time in the Club’s history.

The players who achieved that feat and gained themselves a place as 'Legends' in the history of the club included greats like Ted Ditchburn, Alf Ramsey, Bill Nicholson, Ronnie Burgess, Sonny Walters, Len Duquemin and Eddie Baily. The manager was the former Spurs' player, Arthur Rowe.

Team: Ditchburn, Ramsay, Willis, Brittan, Clarke, Nicholson, Walters, Murphy, McClellan, Baily, Medley.

Spurs in History - 12th January

12th January, 1953

Spurs 9 Tranmere Rovers 1 (FA Cup 3rd Round Replay)

Tranmere were a mid-table team in the Third Division North and they had held Spurs to a 1 – 1 draw at home the previous Saturday when Les Bennett had been the goal scorer.

The Replay was a different matter. Played at White Hart Lane two days later, Spurs had to make four changes to the team as Clarke, Burgess, Bennett and Walters were missing through injury. Colin Brittan, Eddie Gibbins, Sid McClellan and Roy Hollis came in as replacements and helped Spurs win through goals from McClellan(3), Duquemin(2), Hollis(2)and Baily(2). Gibbins and Hollis were making their Spurs debut.

The successful team of the early 1950s had not made any impact in the F.A. Cup and many thought that this could be their year but after nine games, including four replays, scoring 21 goals with nine against, they failed in their fifth semi – final, against Blackpool by 2 – 1 when a late mistake by Ramsay, led to the winner.

Team: Ditchburn, Ramsay, Willis, Nicholson, Gibbins, Brittan, McClellan, Duquemin, Hollis, Baily, Medley.