Europa League - Tottenham Hotspur v Hearts

Opportunity for Young Players and Squad Members
 

With a five goal advantage going into the second leg of their Europa Cup tie at White Hart Lane against Heart of Midlothian, Harry Redknapp should have the opportunity to rest some of his first team squad and replace them with younger players and those members of the squad who haven't played so far this season.  It was his stated intention to use the Europa League for this purpose and this would seem to be the ideal opportunity.  Development Squad manager, Tim Sherwood, also indicated that some of his players would be used in these games.

Following the draw which paired Spurs and Hearts, a journalist based in Edinburgh who covers the Scottish club's matches was speaking on Talksport and he indicated that Hearts aimed to put in a good performance but realistically regarded the tie as an opportunity to make some money as they knew that there was a difference in class between the two clubs.  He couldn't have expected his words to be proved so accurate in the first game where Spurs were so in control for all but the opening minutes of the second half.

Hearts will come into the second game determined to make up for their lacklustre performance at Tynecastle and as they play for their pride they will give Spurs neither the time nor the space they afforded them in the opening match.  Redknapp will look to put out a balanced team with younger players supported by some of the experienced members of the squad.

Possible Team Selection
Having lost out to Brad Friedel at Old Trafford, Heurelho Gomes could return in goal behind a back four which could include Michael Dawson as captain.  Sebastien Bassong who looks set to leave the club before the end of the transfer window will probably partner him.  Danny Rose could replace Benoit Assou-Ekotto at left back and look to build on his promising performances in that position at the end of last season.  At right back, depending on Kyle Walker's recovery from sickness which required him to be substituted at half-time on Monday evening, Vedran Corluka or Alan Hutton could come in to replace him.  Hutton who is likely to leave would have the opportunity to play against his fellow countrymen.  Unfortunately, on the team news on the official THFC site, Rose is listed as injured with an ankle problem.

In midfield Jermaine Jenas and Tom Huddlestone may get some time as well as Jake Livermore who has looked comfortable in the team and may look to add to his experience with another game against Hearts.  Dean Parrett, the England Under-20 player who ended last season on loan at Charlton Athletic may make another European appearance to add to his two games in 2009 against Shakhtar Donetsk.  Andros Townsend who scored on his debut for Spurs in the FA Cup against Charlton Athletic will probably replace either Gareth Bale or Aaron Lennon in the team.  John Bostock and Tom Carroll will hope to get some game time having been on loan during recent seasons.

Bostock, has made three substitute appearances for Spurs in UEFA Cup games and when he made his debut in November, 2008,  against Dinamo Zagreb at White Hart Lane he became the youngest ever First Team player in a competitive match.  At the age of 16 years, 295 days, he beat the previous record held by Ally Dick since 1982.

Harry Kane

Roman Pavlychenko will probably be given his first start of the season and many hope that young Academy player, Harry Kane will get some time in this game.  Kane has just turned eighteen and has been a prolific goal scorer at every level of youth football.  He has had experience on loan with Leyton Orient and has scored regularly for the Development squad and Spurs XI teams this season.

Spurs look sure to progress to the Group stages of the Europa League and the young players will want to take this opportunity to show their ability and to impress so they will want to do it in style by winning the second leg and not limping there on the back of a defeat to their Scottish visitors.  A win would lift morale following the disappointing defeat against Manchester United and prepare everyone for more difficult games in the next few weeks.

United Score - Game Over for Spurs

Manchester United 3 Tottenham Hotspur 0

Aaron Lennon

Well, the answer to my last question in my previous blog is a resounding 'NO'.  The date of 22nd August was not to be added to these few occasions when Spurs won at Old Trafford.

For an hour it was looking quite positive.  In the first half Spurs had withstood United's early dominance and had then started to make an impression on the game.  Satisfied at half-time but after that United started to build up a period of sustained pressure which reduced Spurs' forward forays to almost nothing.  However, Aaron Lennon had one great opportunity to create an opening for Spurs when he got past the full back to the line but as he moved towards goal, with both Gareth Bale and Rafael Van der Vaart waiting for a pass, he froze and did nothing.  He lost the ball, at that moment he was like a rabbit transfixed in the headlights of a car, and Spurs best chance was gone to the very evident displeasure of Van der Vaart on the pitch and his manager off it.

In spite of their possession and pressure United were not causing any real problems to the Spurs defence where Brad Friedel was making his Tottenham debut at the age of forty, Tottenham's oldest player since the war.

Unfortunately, it was following a poor United pass that they scored their goal.  Rooney saw his pass cut out by Benoit Assou-Ekotto but his poor clearance gifted the ball to Cleverly and from his cross Wellbeck headed the opening goal.  Game over.

The goal gave United confidence and they poured forward in search of a second.  Tottenham faded and the inevitable happened.  It was only after conceding the second goal that Spurs managed to mount a dangerous strike on the United goal.  From a cross, challenged by substitute Roman Pavlyuchenko in the air, United's young goalkeeper flapped at it and the ball fell to Jermain Defoe who volley crashed against the woodwork.  That was the end as far as Spurs were concerned and Rooney scored a third towards the end.

Team: Friedel; Walker (Corluka), Dawson, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Livermore (Huddlestone), Kranjcar (Pavlyuchenko), Bale, Van der Vaart; Defoe.

Horrendous Record at Old Trafford 
Tottenham went into the game hoping to overturn years of history surrounding their games against United but in the end had to accept they were second best and would have to wait for another year to end their losing sequence of games at Old Trafford.

P 22 W 0 D 4 L 18 Goals For 9 Ag 46

Tottenham have now conceded 13 goals in their last four League visits to Old Trafford and 7 in three Cup games there since 2008.

Pointless Tactics

Tottenham had a stated intention of targeting United's young goalkeeper who has made mistakes in his first two games for the club.  A valid idea which was an obvious tactic to anyone prior to the game but this was taken to such an extent that Van der Vaart was shooting on sight from ridiculous distances which wasn't going to trouble any keeper and also saw him, along with Bale and defoe shooting or trying to shoot when other were in a better goalscoring position.  This selfishness cost the team dearly when a pass could have been more productive and played into United's hands and actually took the pressure off the keeper who was dealing comfortably with the shots.  It was only after they went two goals down did they get any joy against the keeper when challenged for the cross which led to Defoe's shot against the woodwork.  From free-kicks and corners Spurs should have tried to put pressure on the keeper to unsettle him with Michael Dawson and Younes Kaboul to aim at but instead we had a series of ineffective shots which caused no alarm to United's defence.  

For an hour Tottenham were able to compete against United but throughout the second half both Bale and Lennon were mostly anonymous.   For Spurs to have any chance of progressing in such games they need both these players playing their part in a 'big' performance.  Similarly with Van der Vaart he needs to play more as a team player and not constantly looking to score an 'out of this world' goal - you don't get any more points for such a strike, a tap-in will still bring three points.

Friedel looked comfortable in goal as you would expect from a player of his experience.  He did everything efficiently and effectively and there were no heart stopping moments of which Gomes is prone.

Walker was comfortable at full back but was taken ill at half-time.  Corluka played as he does, coping admirably with Young's pace.

Dawson and Koboul were comfortable in central defence for an hour but then as the team became stretched so they lost some of their composure and found it more difficult to pick up their men as United came forward in numbers against a tiring central midfield.

Jake Livermore had a comfortable debut in difficult circumstances and combined well with Kranjcar who did well until United increased the pressure and gained some movement and momentum.  They got pulled out of position as time went on and this enables United to prosper.  Spurs missed more defensive central midfield player like Sandro or Palacios.

Lennon and Bale worked hard especially in the first half but faded after United became more dominant and didn't do enough to keep the United full backs in defence allowing them time to push forward in support of their midfield.  Both should be contributing more in big games like this and were wasteful when in possession either running into trouble or wasting crosses or shots.  Disappointing that they didn't make a more meaningful contribution in the second half.

Van der Vaart worked tirelessly in trying to create something from just behind the striker.  He came deep to collect the ball and plyed across the pitch.  He looks much fitter and lasted the whole game.  In trying to score a spectacular goal he can forget that there are others in the team who might be in abetter position.  how to harness his talent and skill to the team is Harry Redknap's difficulty.

Defoe worked hard but never got behind the defence with a clear chance on goal.  The best came from the cross but when he was running at goal, like Van der Vaart, he had only one thought - a shot on goal but he didn't trouble the goalkeeper.

Tottenham lost but the Manchester United team are not as good as commentators are trying to make out and a more robust team (not the 'Tottenham way') would have caused them problems.

Following this defeat, hopefully, the Chairman will see the need for some new signings in appropriate positions (ie. striker, central midfield and defence) to help Spurs close the gap on the top teams.  Otherwise it could be similar to last year with an unfruitful attempt to get into a Champions League position and other top players will decide they need to find pastures new.  If Luka Modric does go to Clhelsea this August, it will be even more difficult to keep Bale, Van der Vaart, Lennon, Sandro and others in January and next summer.  The star players may go but the Huttons and Bentleys of the squad might still be there.

The next few days are important days for Tottenham Hotspur - it could determine the season that lies ahead.

Tottenham CAN Win at Old Trafford

Lineker Scorer at OT

Right, let's get the horrific statistics which commentators just love to bombard us with out of the way.  Spurs haven't beaten Manchester United in the Premier League and are on a winless run of twenty League games, twenty four if you include Cup games.  The last time Tottenham won at Old Trafford was in December, 1989 so for the last twenty one seasons they have failed to win at Old Trafford.  On only only four occasions have Spurs returned with a point - the last goal to count for anything for Spurs at Old Trafford was a Jermaine Jenas strike in October, 2005.  Looking at the overall record of League visits to Manchester to play United, Spurs have won on only ten occasions with fourteen draws from 74 games.

There's no way to put it but Spurs' record against United is atrocious and getting worse, not helped by some dubious refereeing decisions, disallowed goals and questionable penalties given against them.

However, Tottenham Hotspur can win at Old Trafford - they've done it before.

16th December, 1989
Gary Lineker gave Spurs supporters an early Christmas present with the only goal of the game.
Team: Mimms; Thomas, M., Howells, Mabbutt, Van den Hauwe; Allen, P., Samways, Gascoigne, Sedgley; Stewart, Lineker.

This followed an impressive 3 - 0 success over United in the Littlewoods Cup the previous October, when Lineker, Vinny Samways and Nayim scored.  How times have changed - that season Spurs finished third while United lanquished in mid-table mediocrity of thirteenth.


4th September, 1976
Spurs were relegated at the end of this Keith Burkinshaw's first season as manager and there was little for supporters to cheer in the early part of the season.  They had one point from their opening three games - a dull scoreless draw at home to Middlesbrough prior to visiting Old Trafford.  Their first win of the season came courtesy of goals from Ralph Coates, John Pratt and Ian Moores.  The star was Barry Daines who had an outstanding game in place of Pat Jennings and that started media speculation about how long could Spurs keep their young reserve goalkeeper happy when he was second choice to Jennings.

23rd March, 1974
Ralph Coates scored the only goal which enabled Spurs to complete the 'double' over United who were relegated at the end of the season.

28th October, 1972
A memorable day for Spurs and Martin Peters.  He scored the four goals at Old Trafford which gave Spurs a 4 - 1 success.  Playing on the right side of midfield in place of Alan Gilzean, Peters commented after the game that he was simply in the right place at the right time - four times.  United finished 18th in the League and Bobby Charlton who had scored their goal that day was their leading scorer in season 1972 - 73 with six goals, retired after a distinguished career.


Between 1963 and 1971 United won nine home games in a row against Spurs.

9th March, 1963
Frank Saul and Cliff Jones scored Spurs' two goals without reply.

Even the 'Double' winning team failed to carry their success to Old Trafford but three seasons earlier  Spurs enjoyed a resounding victory.  

12th September, 1959
Dave Mackay, Tommy Harmer, Bobby Smith (2), Dunmore scored the goals in a 5 - 1 victory

21st August, 2011
Can this date be added to the select list?
 
Spurs have enjoyed success at Old Trafford and on occasions it has been in the most unlikely of circumstances.  At other times it has been a resounding success so there is no reason why a team which includes players with the pace and skill of Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon, the guile of Rafael Van der Vaart and the goal scoring inclination of Jermain Defoe can not bring back three points tomorrow evening.  It needs teamwork, concentration and endeavour to deny United and to put them under pressure.  

There have been times in recent years when success against United at home and away has been so close but slipped away at the last moment.  Spurs demons have been allayed in the recent past - defeating Chelsea, winning against Arsenal and at the Emirates and defeating Liverpool at Anfield.  This team has managed to break down those barriers so now it's time to knock over another one and secure a win at Old Trafford to get the season off to the best possible start.

Tottenham Outclass Hearts in Europa League

Defoe scored and looked sharp

Hearts 0 Tottenham Hotspur 5

Tottenham took only two minutes to silence the home supporters who had made Tynecastle an intense and intimidating place for Spurs ahead of the game.  The home team could not respond in kind and allowed Tottenham too much time and space as they started the game at a high level of endeavour and skill.  Rafael Van der Vaart put Spurs ahead after he worked his way through the centre of the home defence with a series of passes and a slice of luck thanks to poor defending.  When faced with only the goalkeeper, he made no mistake.  That was exactly the start that Tottenham needed in their first game of the season.

In spite of his earlier comments and insistence that the Europa League would see young players given a game, Harry Redknapp selected a strong side with only Kyle Walker and Jake Livermore being new to the team.  This experience and skill enabled Spurs to settle quickly into their game and they completely outplayed Hearts with a series of one-two passes and flicks.  A good passing movement led to the second goal as Lennon sent the ball into the path of Jermain Defoe to put Spurs further ahead after ten minutes.

There was no let up for Hearts as they continued to allow Spurs to play at will and rather than it being the 'Battle of Britain' between the 'Auld Enemy' of England and Scotland, it was like a training game for the visitors.  So much so that after half an hour Jake Livermore strode into the penalty area to score the third goal of the night.  It was all too easy for Tottenham whose supporters were making the most of mocking the home team.  This was in total contrast to a year ago when Spurs were three goals down after thirty minutes against Young Boys of Berne in their first experience of Champions League football.  They had learned well from last year's mistakes and made rapid progress.

Early in the second half Hearts responded to their manager's half-time talk and immediately put Spurs on the back foot.  This opening period was Hearts only time of dominance in the game.  Tottenham found it difficult to clear from a series of corners and free-kicks and Heurelho Gomes was looking uncomfortable under the pressure.  However, Tottenham survived and when substitute Tom Huddlestone played the ball forward it enabled Gareth Bale to get past the keeper to score number four.

The final goal came from Aaron Lennon who knocked in a cross from Defoe after Tottenham had broken quickly from defence through Andros Townsend whose lovely pass gave Defoe the space to cross from the left.

Tottenham opened their season with n impressive display but Hearts were very poor and can't be looking forward to the trip to White Hart Lane next week although the scoreline will enable Harry Redknapp to rotate his team with squad members and younger players.

Team: Gomes; Walker, Dawson, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Livermore, Kranjcar, Bale (Townsend); Van der Vaart (Huddlestone), Defoe (Pavlyuchenko).

Questions Answered

Prior to the game in the Europa League, there were a number of unanswered questions which were concerning Tottenham supporters.  The emphatic victory over a disappointingly poor and uncompetitive Hearts team went some way to providing answers to a number of the questions. 
 

How seriously will Tottenham take the Europa League?

Harry Redknapp realised that he needed to play a strong team to ensure Hearts didn't get the upper hand in the tie.  Tynecastle is a notoriously intimidating place and he needed experienced players who would re-act to the intensity of the pressure.  His team responded immediately to this challenge and had quietened the home support within the opening minutes by starting the game with purpose and pace.  The early goal meant that the home side never settled and in the end Spurs had a comfortable win and a good workout ahead of their first Premier League of the season at Old Trafford on Monday evening.  The manager showed that in spite of his earlier words of concern directed towards the Europa League format that his team had to put up a good performance to ensure qualification for the group stages.

Will Modric leave Spurs this August?

Luka Modric and Peter Crouch were absent from the game which leaves the thought that they may not be at the club much longer.  They both were reported to have injuries but that always brings suspicion to supporters who are constantly following transfer rumours in the media.

Who will be Number 1?

Gomes started in goal but in a game where he kept a clean sheet and was only required to perform for a short period at the start of the second half, he didn't fill onlookers with confidence that he has put his troubles of last season behind him.  He looked uncertain under the Hearts' pressure from corners and didn't look assured when coming to collect high balls.  The jury is still out as to who will be the first choice keeper and it wouldn't be a total surprise if Brad Friedel made his Tottenhan debut against Manchester United.
 

Will our strikers score this season?

First indications are that Defoe and Van der Vaart are looking sharp and pleasingly they linked much better last night than at any time last year.   Both took their goals well and were involved constantly in the game.  Defoe turned provider for the final goal when he crossed for Lennon and looked much more confident that last season.  He tends to start the season well but last year having looked bright in early games and scoring the hat-trick for England, he was seriously injured for the first half of the season and never seemed to recover from that setback.  Hopefully he will continue to show good application and score a few early goals to build on that confident start.  Van der Vaart struggled with niggling injuries last year so again if he can avoid these he will continue to be a vital element in the team.  Pavlyuchenko found it difficult to make a telling contribution in the short period that he played after replacing Defoe for the final ten minutes.

Unasked questions answered.

Kyle Walker started at right back and may well be ahead of Corluka for the start of the season.  He looked composed and wasn't intimidated by the hostile surroundings of Tynecastle.  H e attacks with pace and uses that pace when tackling back in defence.

Young players had an opportunity in this game and both showed up well.  Livermore played throughout in a composed, competitive manner and he deserved his well-taken goal.  He has developed since his disappointing performance in last season's Carling Cup defeat to Arsenal when he was substituted at half-time having looked out of his depth.  Townsend replaced Bale in the second half but used the opportunity to show that he deserves more time in the team.   On a couple of occasions he worked himself into shooting positions and he used his great speed to set up the break and a lovely pass which led to the final goal.  An encouraging night for these young players. 

Nico Kranjcar took the opportunity to show that he can play in central midfield.  If Modric were to be transferred, Kranjcar would be a useful additional to the central midfield play.  He worked hard and controlled the game, received praise from Harry Redknapp after the game for his performance.

The result was very pleasing, ensuring progress to the group stages, barring an unlikely miracle for Hearts, and will ease the pressure on Spurs' difficult opening to the season.  The manager should be able to use squad players for the second leg ensuring that the best players are ready for the home game with Manchester City on Sunday week.  The matches in the group stages will also allow some of the youngsters to get valuable European experience, vital if their development is to progress.  


The performance was excellent and all the players looked confident and the movement and passing was crisp and accurate throughout the team.  That five different players scored is a bonus and will boost their confidence for more demanding games in the coming weeks.

Tottenham Hotspur in Europa League

Tottenham’s Europa Game to Raise More Questions Than Answers

With Spurs about to make a belated start to their season against Hearts at Tynecastle in the Europa League, it had been hoped that this match might have provided answers to some of the questions that have surrounded the club for much of the summer.  However, the closer the game gets the more the Tottenham waters seem to become cloudier.

How Seriously will Tottenham take the Europa League?

For a club steeped in European and Cup winning traditions, it seems a strange question to   ask but manager Harry Redknapp has made it clear on many occasions that Cup competitions and the Europa League are not high on his list of priorities.  In his first season the manager found the Europa League a distraction in his bid to secure the club’s future in the Premier League.  A worthy motive but a club of Tottenham’s standing with experienced, motivated players with any professional pride, should have able to perform credibly in more than one competition.  In subsequent years the supporters have witnessed less than whole-hearted commitment from teams in both the Carling Cup and the FA Cup.  Last season’s performance against Fulham is just one of  a number of instances where the manager has aired numerous complaints about these competitions, providing the players with an excuse for the disappointing results. 

Earlier in the summer Redknapp made headlines with comments that the Europa League is a ‘killer.’  Quoted before the draw he said, “Thursday and Sunday every week, you’ve got no chance in the Premier League with that.  It kills you off.  It’s a nightmare.  You go to crazy places but we’ll give it our best shot and just give it a go.  The young lads will get plenty of games in the Europa League because, otherwise, it’s a killer, to be frank.”

Having experienced the rich pickings of the Champions league table last year, the Europa league is obviously not as tasty a morsel for Harry Redknapp.

With the postponement of last Saturday’s game against Everton due to the aftermath of the riots in Tottenham the previous week, the manager now has a dilemma.  His senior players are lacking match sharpness ahead of their opening League game at Old Trafford so will he use them in Edinburgh rather than the younger players that he had advocated in his earlier statements? 

In addition, the draw has not been as kind as might have been expected with an added injection of Anglo-Scottish rivalry to increase the competitiveness of this tie.  While many English supporters routinely dismiss Scottish clubs, Hearts will not be a pushover and there will be that added element of wanting to get one over the ’Auld Enemy” and Tynecastle will be a daunting, passionate ground on Thursday evening which will require experienced players with a cool head.  Hearts finished third behind Rangers and Celtic last year, running them close until the final weeks of the season.  The two Glasgow clubs have performed well in recent years when facing English teams in the European competitions.  So Tottenham have been warned and they can not be too casual in their approach and team selection for this game or Harry Redknapp may get his wish earlier than he expected.

Will Luka Modric be a Tottenham player come the end of the Transfer Window?

He won the Player of the Season Award in May but comments appeared in the media that indicated that he wanted to go to Chelsea.  Daniel Levy immediately made a statement that Luka Modric was not for sale at any price as he tried to prevent a repeat of the Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov transfers where Spurs accepted a huge offer later in the summer.  It all seemed clear but not to Chelsea and their media friends who have constantly stirred this simmering pot. 

Comments from Kevin Bond and Redknapp himself haven’t helped where it has been suggested that a ‘big’ offer might be acceptable.  So throughout the summer, this saga has rumbled on and it is now reaching its critical time.  Modric captained the side in South Africa and played against Atletico Bilbao with his usual commitment and application displaying the skills that are vital to Spurs. 

If he were to play against Hearts it would be a sign that he could be staying at the club but it now seems unlikely that he will be in the team in Edinburgh - he has picked up a ‘convenient’ injury.  A few days ago, according to Redknapp, Modric was the only midfield player who was fit - Sandro, Huddleston, Palacios and Jenas all out injured.  Now, apparently Modric has joined that list or is it just an injury of convenience so that he is available for Champions League football later in the season at his ‘new’ club?

Who will be No. 1?

Heurelho Gomes finished last season out of the team.  Brad Friedel signed in July with the intention of being first choice goalkeeper at Tottenham and extending his Premier League record of 275 consecutive games.  Gomes, Friedel and Cudicini shared the goalkeeping duties during pre-season and now a decision has to be made but will the player selected on Thursday evening be the manager’s number one choice?  Friedel has vast experience and is a very reliable keeper but will age suddenly catch up with him or does he have a few more seasons in him?  Gomes needs re-assurance and to be high in confidence to produce of his best but will this competition for the number 1 shirt inspire him or crush him?  At times last season Redknapp appeared to have lost patience with Gomes and seemed to yearn for a good reliable goalkeeper rather that one who interspersed flashes of sheer brilliance with moments that made every supporter despair.  If those feelings have remained with Redknapp through the summer, it might be Friedel who gets first crack in goal.

Will our strikers score this season?

For the third consecutive transfer window Spurs have been trying to acquire the signature of a striker who will consistently finish off the chances created by the wing play of Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale.  Throughout the summer, possibly signings have been identified in the media and indications are that significant signings may be nearing completion.

However, at the moment we will have to rely on the best of last year’s crop.  Robbie Keane has finally gone.  There is the thought that surely three international strikers couldn’t repeat their ineptitude in front of goal for another season but then we thought that last January when we considered their lack of goals during the first half of the season but there was no improvement.

Who will play against Hearts?  Peter Crouch who so often found his goalscoring touch in Europe last year would have seemed to be a likely starter but he now appears to be injured.  Could that be something to do with rumours of a possible transfer?  Roman Pavlyuchenko scored twice n the final game against Birmingham but so often looks disinterested and unable to link up with those around him.  It has been reported that Jermain Defoe has prepared well during the summer and the choice may depend on the formation that is decided upon and who can play best with Rafael Van der Vaart.

Two interesting games lie ahead in the Europa League alongside the double header with the Manchester clubs.  The decisions which are taken in the coming fortnight could shape Tottenham’s season for good or bad but a positive result in Edinburgh would help to lift some of the gloom that has descended upon Tottenham in the past week and lift supporters spirits after a summer when there has been so much talking but very little action in comparison to other clubs causing some Spurs fans to feel less than enthusiastic about the new season.

Europa League - Hearts (Scotland) v Tottenham (England)

They've Met Before:

Tottenham Hotspur travel to Edinburgh to play Heart of Midlothian in the Qualifying Stage of the Europa League on Thursday evening.  It will be the first time that the two clubs have met in a competitive match but they have played numerous friendlies over the years.

FA Cup Winners v Scottish Cup Winners

The first game between Spurs and Hearts was played on 1st September, 1901 at Tottenham's old Northumberland Park ground.  Non-League Spurs of the Southern League had just won the FA Cup at the end of the previous season and Hearts were the holders of the Scottish Cup.  Spurs full Cup winning team played out a scoreless draw against Hearts.  

Team:  Clawley; Erentz, Tait; Morris, Hughes, Jones; Smith, Cameron, Brown, Copeland, Kirwan.

Four months later a return friendly was played at Tynecastle on 2nd January, 1902 which Hearts won 3-1, the Tottenham scorer is unknown.  Only three changes were made in the Tottenham team - Griffiths played in goal, McNaught replaced Hughes in defence and Gilhooley took Cameron's place.

It was another fifty years before the clubs met again when Spurs travelled to Edinburgh for an end of season friendly which Hearts won 2 - 0 in May, 1953.

Anglo-Scottish Floodlit Tournament

In season 1957-56, a number of Scottish and English clubs took part in a short-lived Anglo-Scottish Floodlit competition.  Tottenham met Hearts in Edinburgh in October, 1956 but lost 2 - 3.  the Spurs' goal scorers were Tommy Harmer (p) and Terry Dyson.  the following month Spurs achieved their only success over their Scottish rivals by winning the return game 4 - 1 with Bobby Smith scoring a hat-trick and Alfie Stokes getting the other goal.

Pre-Season Friendlies

From 1969 to 1974 Bill Nicholson took his team to Edinburgh to play Hearts on three occasions as part of his pre-season preparations.  In 1969 Roger Morgan scored for Spurs in a 1 - 1 draw.  

Two years later Spurs lost 1 - 2. The team contained Pat Jennings, Alan Mullery, newly signed Ralph Coates and Martin Chivers who scored their goal but the winning Hearts goal came from full-back, Roy Kay.  

In August, 1974, in what was to be Bill Nicholson's last pre-season as manager at Tottenham ahead of his resignation  a few weeks later, a poor Spurs team were fortunate to get a 1 - 1 draw with John Pratt scoring from an off-side position.  After losing the opening four games of the season Nicholson resigned and his final game in charge was a 0 - 4 reversal to Middlesbrough in the League Cup at White Hart Lane.  He was replaced by Terry Neill.

At the start of 1990-91 David Howells goal earned Spurs another draw at Tynecastle.This team included many players who would lift the FA Cup he following May - Paul Gascoigne, Gary Lineker, Paul Stewart, Paul Allen and Erik Thorstvedt. 

The last meeting also ended as a draw in July, 1999 when Spurs two goals came from Stefan Iversen and an o.g.

Legend - Dave Mackay

Dave Mackay - legend for Spurs and Hearts

It's not often that two clubs can claim a shared legend among their playing staff but on this occasion Dave Mackay is worthy of the accolade.  He learned his football with Hearts and was a member of their very successful team in the 1950s and he really didn't want to leave but fortunately for Spurs the persuasive tongue of Bill Nicholson brought him to London where he became a pivotal member of the successful 'Double' winning team in 1960-61 and in Spurs other successes in the early sixties.  He recovered from a twice broken leg to captain Spurs to an FA Cup success in 1967and will always be regarded as a hero at Tottenham.  He played with such passion and drive that he lifted the players around him and led by example at all times.  He wasn't just a 'hard' man he had tremendous skill and ability which he used in latter years as he helped Derby County to success under Brian Clough.

It will be a real test for Mackay to know who to support in these up-coming matches as he loves both clubs with a passion.

All of the matches between the two clubs have been close and while there is a tendency among English supporters to dismiss Scottish football, Spurs will find Hearts a difficult team over the two legs of the Europa League.

Tottenham Hotspur Pre-Season Matches - 1960s Style

Spurs completed their pre-season preparation with a 2-1 win over Atletico Bilbao at White Hart Lane thanks to two goals early in the second half from Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe.  This season has seen the club visit South Africa where they won the Vodacom Challenge, playing three games against Orlando Pirates and Kaiser Chiefs.  They also defeated Brighton and Hove Albion in a friendly which marked the opening of the south coast club's new stadium.  These matches were used to provide match practice for the senior squad while a number of Spurs XI games were played to improve the fitness of the younger members of the playing squad.

This has been a much less active series of games compared with recent seasons which have seen the club visit the Far East, USA, Europe and the UK.  In the summer of 2004, new coach saw Spurs play a massive 12 games in the weeks leading up to the season which was not ideal preparation for a new season.  Last year, Harry Redknapp found the amount of travelling involved in the trip to the United States to be a hindrance to his preparations.

However, looking back over the years it can be seen that clubs preferred to prepare over a shorter period and much closer to home in their build up to a new season and the number of games they played prior to the start of the season was greatly restricted compared to modern day trends.

In the 1950s and 60s the only opportunity Spurs supporters had to see the team playing before the first game of the season was in the annual 'Public Trial' game - 'Whites' v 'Blues' played between the 1st team and the Reserves at White Hart Lane on the Saturday prior to the start of the season.  On occasions these games could be quite feisty affairs and frequently raised more questions than answers for the manager as the reserve players endeavoured to make a point about their non-selection.

In fact, on the Saturday before the start of the 1960 - 61 season after three weeks training Bill Nicholson watched as the reserves drew 4-4 with the soon to become famous 'Double' team.  In that game, watched by 11,677 spectators, the full strength team of Danny Blanchflower, Dave Mackay et al took a 4-1 lead mid-way through the second half but such was the determination of experienced players like Tony Marchi, Tommy Harmer and Terry Medwin and a young prospect called Frank Saul that they scored three quick goals to draw the game.  Cliff Jones had given the 'Whites' the lead from a hotly disputed penalty and Mackay doubled the lead before half-time.  Terry Dyson added the third before Medwin pulled one back for the 'Blues'.  Les Allen increased the lead but then Saul and Jimmy Collins (2) levelled the score.  Saul obviously impressed the manager as he made his League debut a few weeks later as replacement for the injured Bobby Smith in the derby match at Highbury when he scored as Spurs won 3-2 to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

This had been the customary preparation throughout the 1950s and it was only in the mid-1960s that changes occurred in the preparations teams made.  In the two seasons following the 'Double' success Spurs had the privilege of playing in the Charity Shield game, the official curtain raiser for the new season.  In 1961 they defeated and FA XI and the following year they took revenge on Champions Ipswich Town by winning 5-1 at Portman Road.

To this point there had been no pre-season friendly games played at home or abroad.  It was more customary for clubs to undertake extensive overseas tours at the end of the season and in the 1950s Spurs had twice visited North America on lengthy tours while at the end of season 1959 they visited USSR.  The first pre-season friendly that is recorded is in August, 1964 when Spurs went to Holland and lost 2-3 to Feyenoord - their only pre-season game.

August 1965 saw the introduction of a short tour to take part in a two day tournament in Spain.  Spurs won the Costa del Sol trophy after defeating Valencia 2 - 1 and then Standard Liege 1 - 0 in the Final.
The following year they returned to defend their trophy and retained it with victories over Malaga and Benefica, both 2 - 1.

In 1967 Spurs had the Charity Shield game at Old Trafford but a week earlier they went to Hampden Park to take on European Champions, Celtic and drew 3 - 3.  Strangely, the game against Manchester United ended with a similar scoreline but even more strangely, Pat Jennings was one of the Tottenham scorers that day.  Pre-season matches were now becoming more high profile and so it was to continue in the coming years.

For the next four years, a game against Glasgow Rangers became a regular feature of the pre-season fixture list and while rarely does anything memorable occur in such matches, the 1968 game against Rangers at White Hart Lane saw the debut of a young centre-half signed for £5,500 from non-league Chelmsford City.  Peter Collins scored twice in that game and although his career was ended prematurely through injury he will be remembered for the part he played in the successful 1971 League Cup campaign when he replaced the injured Mike England.  In 1968 Spurs also played in Austria while the following year saw Spurs renew acquaintances with Hearts, their Europa League opponents in ten days time.  In the mid-1950s the two clubs had participated in a short-lived Anglo-Scottish floodlight competition which lasted for a number of seasons.

The 1970 pre-season saw Tottenham also return to Spain to play in the Palma de Mallorca Tournament but there was no repeat of their previous success in Spain as they lost both games by a single goal to Cologne and Atletico Madrid.

In the years that followed the number of matches played remained at three or four.  It was in the mid to late 70s that saw additional games played with an increasing number overseas.  The tendency then became to take the players away to a foreign training camp where a number of games were played against local sides before returning to participate in more high profile games in the final weeks of preparation.

Every club does it differently and every manager has his own ideas on the best way to prepare but nowadays a club like Tottenham will include a tour to a destination where they can try to heighten their profile and create a new generation of supporters who will improve the financial standing of the club through increased sales of club merchandise.

At the end of the day pre-season results are meaningless, it's the result on the opening day of the season that really counts and how the team progresses from that point.  On occasions Spurs have gone through pre-season games with an unbeaten record with players scoring for fun but when the real games started their form has been poor but at other times the reverse has occurred - a poor pre-season run is followed by an exciting start to the new season.

Tottenham Players from the Milk Cup to Watch in Season 2011-12

Tottenham Hotspur have a policy when competing in youth tournaments like the Northern Ireland Milk Cup of sending a squad of mixed age players where many will be facing opponents who are older than themselves.  This allows the young Tottenham players to test themselves against players who may be physically stronger and have more experience than them.  The objective is not to win the tournament at all costs by sending out a team with the best Academy players in that age group which Tottenham Hotspur have available but to see how the young players cope and develop while facing bigger, stronger opponents.

The Milk Cup has an Under-17 age limit for boys born on or after 1st January, 1994.
  

Speaking after the Final against South Coast Strikers to the THFC Official web-site, Assistant Academy manager, Brian Klug, acknowledged that Spurs had involved younger players in the tournament.
   

"It was an even game and a good test against a strong team that included Under-17 internationals and reached the final two years ago.  Overall, it's been a good tournament for us. We're by far the youngest team in the Premier section and the lads have come out of it with a lot of credit." 

After the hard fought victory over Cherry Orchard, the previous evening he commented,  

"Cherry Orchard were made up mainly of Under-17 players, whereas we fielded two Under-15s, so we have to be happy."

Five of Spurs 18 players had played in the 2010 tournament - Oliver Modeste, Freddy Champion, Victor Zapata-Caicedo, Kenneth McEvoy and Samuel Smith - and it was obvious that they had benefitted from another year in the Academy set-up.   They were stronger and much more confident and involved in the play, taking greater responsibility in the team.

Kenneth McEvoy caught the eye for two reasons last week - a photograph on the club web-site which made him look uncannily like Gareth Bale and then on the same evening, he scored the two excellent goals which enabled the team to defeat Co. Fermanagh.  The first was a strong header from a free-kick while the second was a lovely solo effort as he cut in from the right, beating three men before powering his shot past the keeper.  

These goals and the style of them made life at the Milk Cup more difficult for him because he became a marked man whom the other teams knew was a danger.  In the Milk Cup he played mainly on the right side of midfield using his pace and strength to run at defenders to create goal scoring opportunities for himself and others.  In the opening match against Otaga he showed his creativity by providing crosses from the right, one of which caused a defender to put the ball into his own net.  Against South Coast Strikers it was his run that brought about the penalty from which Spurs equalised as the defenders up-ended him in the penalty area.  On other occasions he was unceremoniously brought down as defenders endeavoured to stop him from creating any further danger.  In the final he appeared to have been given a more forward role as he played alongside Zapata-Caicedo who had played as the lone striker in previous matches.

Freddie Champion is a hard working midfield player with good control and passing skills.  He captained the side, playing in a central midfield role although all the midfielders covered right across the pitch.  He could get forward as well as cover in front of the defence.

Oliver Modeste played on the left side of central defence and was very composed and commanding in his play.  He has good control and a good range of passing both long and short.  He is very capable of picking out a pass from open play or a free-kick to the lone striker.  He covered well in defence and his heading was good although he isn't the tallest of defenders.  He was always looking to receive the ball in order to start the team playing again.  The defence looked much more secure when he was playing.

Dominic Ball started all five games in the tournament, the only Spurs player to do that - his only rest was being substituted for the final eighteen minutes in the third match.  He scored twice in the opening match and put Spurs ahead in the Final against South Coast Strikers with a delightful curled free-kick.  He then scored the first penalty in the shoot-out to put Spurs on the road to victory.  A strong player, with pace, he played across the midfield and was equally comfortable pushing forward into the penalty area as he showed with his goals against Otaga or playing in front of the defence and carrying out defensive duties.

Of local, Northern Ireland interest, Dominic and his older brother, Matthew were both playing in the competition this year.  Dominic is eligible to play for Northern Ireland as his mother was born in Belfast and his brother represented his country in the Elite Section.  On the first evening when Dominic scored his two goals, Matthew scored the opening goal for Northern Ireland as the Under-19 side drew with Denmark.

Dominic is a confident player who confidently took the penalty he won in the match against Otaga and stepped forward to score in the penalty shoot-out in the final.  Hopefully, Northern Ireland will be represented by the two Ball brothers in the not too distant future. 

Ruben Lameires is a very skilful and confident player.  He has quick feet and was a constant threat to the opposition.  He played on the left but was given freedom to roam across the pitch and with his quick control and turns he was frequently brought down by defenders.  

He created a number of the goals during the week - setting up Ball to progress into the area for the penalty on the opening night and the fourth came from a rebound from his shot which had been blocked.  In the second game his free-kick was headed home by McEvoy to start Spurs' recovery and in the third game he confidently scored the penalty as Spurs drew level against South Coast Strikers.  In that game he was a constant threat as he teased the defenders with his skills.  In the fourth game he was made Captain and was given a more central role which increased his involvement in the game.  He scored the first goal in the opening minutes shooting in off the post after a forward run past defenders had taken him into the penalty area.  He dictated much of the play through that game and also had the responsibility for taking most of the corners and free-kicks.  The final game was perhaps the one where he had least influence but he still worked hard and covered back to defend when the Strikers were putting Spurs under increasing pressure in the second half.  He also stepped forward to score the third penalty of the shoot-out.

He is a lightly built player but has bundles of confidence and enthusiasm and is a very skilful player.

Grant Ward started as an attacking full back playing on the left.  However, as the games progressed he as often moved forward into midfield where his hard running and shooting was more effective.  In the final game he started in midfield and was constantly looking to get into a position to shoot at goal and his running from deep was a feature of his and the team's play.   Throughout the tournament he frequently got himself forward, even from full-back, into a shooting position only to be thwarted by the goalkeeper, the woodwork or a defender's last ditch block.  He runs with pace and he tackles back to cover danger and works hard with good inter-passing.  He was the fourth penalty taker in the Final and he scored confidently.

It will be interesting to see watch these players in the Academy team this season to see if they can progress as players from the 2010 Milk Cup squad have done in the season past - Laste Dombaxe, Daniel  Day, Ramil Sheriff, Kevin Stewart, James Yeboah, Lee Angol, Ronnie Hawkins and Alexander McQueen.

To keep further up-dated with the progress these players and all of the Academy players take a look at Wind's excellent blog: http://windycoys.blogspot.com/

Tottenham U-17s Finish 5th in NI Milk Cup 2011

The last week of July is the traditional date for the Northern Ireland Milk Cup to be held in venues in the towns around the North Antrim coast - Coleraine, Ballymoney, Portrush, Portstewart, Limavady and Ballymena.   It is a youth tournament which has grown dramatically since its early days and now attracts teams from all across the world.

Spurs sent a young squad to play in the Premier Section (Under - 17s) of the Northern Ireland Milk Cup competition.  Spurs have won the competition twice - in 1990 and 1996, but last year was the first time they had competed for a number of years.  Last year's team won their opening two games to qualify for the Q/F which they lost.    In the play-offs they lost to Porto on penalties but won their final game to finish 7th.

As always the competition started with a parade of participating teams through the town of Coleraine.

The draw was made today by that 'legendary' former Spurs 'star' Gerry Armstrong decreed that Spurs would play:
Mon. 25th July: v Otago (NZ) at Limavady Showgrounds.
Tues. 26th July: v Co. Fermanagh at Ballymoney
Wed. 27th July: v South Coast Strikers (USA) at Ballymena Showgrounds.

Tottenham Hotspur U-17 Squad:
1. Billy Grainger (g/k)
2. Grant Ward
3. Reuben Lameires
4. Dominic Ball
5. Kodi Lyons-Foster
6. Oliver Modeste
7. Freddie Champion (Capt)
8. Emmanuel Sonupe
9. Victor Zapata - Caicedo
10. Leeroy Maguaraushe
11. Kenneth McEvoy
12. Daniel Akindayini
13. Liam Priestly (g/k)
14. Samuel Smith
15. Thomas Gardiner
16. Roman Michael-Percil
17. Kolade Nathan Oduwa
18. Connor Ogilvie

Five of the players included in the squad, were part of last year's team in the competition - Freddie Champion, Oliver Modeste, Samuel Smith, Victor Zapata-Caideco and Kenneth McEvoy.


Monday, 25th July v Otago (NZ) at Limavady Showgrounds (7pm KO)

Won 4 - 0 Scorers:   Ball(2) (1 pen), Oduwa, Opp. o.g.

Spurs made an impressive start to the competition.  Dominic Ball scored twice in the first half - the first a shot into the roof of the net following a cross by Zapata-Caidedo and the second from the penalty after he was brought down following a good pass into the box from Lameires.  In the second half, a defender turned a cross from McEvoy into his own net and Oduwa scored the fourth after more good work from Lameires, left him to knock the ball home.

Team: Grainger, Michael-Precil (Sonupe), Gardiner, Modeste, Ward (Ogilvie); McEvoy (Oduwa), Smith, Champion, Ball, Lameires; Zapata-Caidedo (Akindayini)


Goals v Otaga at 5.35 (from BBC website)

Tuesday, 26th July v Co. Fermanagh at Ballymoney (8pm KO)

Won 2 - 1 Scorer: McEvoy(2)

Spurs came from a goal down at half-time to win with two goals from half-time substitute Kenneth McEvoy in the last ten minutes against the local County side.  The first was a strong header from a free-kick on the right taken by Ruben Lameires while the second was a solo effort as he cut in from the right to beat three men and score with a powerful shot.

Team:  Priestley, Lyons-Foster (Michael-Precil), Modeste, Ogilvie, Ward, Maguraushe (McEvoy), Champion, Ball, Oduwa (Lameiras), Zapata-Caidedo (Akindayini), Sanoupe (Smith).

Goals v Co. Fermanagh at 5.40 (from BBC Milk Cup website)

After the opening 2 matches of the Milk Cup, Spurs were one of 7 teams on 6 points.  Spurs were 4th with a goal difference of +4 and in a position to qualify for the Milk Cup semi-finals.

Wednesday, 27th July v South Coast Strikers (USA) at Ballymena Showgrounds (6pm KO)

Lost 1-2 Scorer: Lameires (pen)

Going into this match Spurs were 4th in the league standings after two wins and needed a win with some goals to be certain of qualification for the semi-finals if the top Milk Cup competition. South Coast Strikers had 4 points following a draw and a win.

After a lovely, warm sunny day the rain arrived as forecast at 6pm just in time for the kick-off and so was played in a typical wet Northern Ireland evening under grey skies and constant light rain. Fortunately for us, Ballymena Showgrounds is one of the few grounds used for this tournament which has a stand to provide cover for all spectators. Prior to the game the local 'unbiased' announcer treated us to his record collection of Spurs favourites - 'Nice One Cyril', 'Tottenham Tottenham' and 'Glory, Glory Tottenham Hotspur'.

Team: Grainger; Michael-Percil(Akindayini), Gardiner (Modeste), Ogilvie, Ward; McEvoy, Champion (Capt), Ball(Sonupe), Smith(Lyons-Foster), Lameires; Zapata-Caidedo(Oduwa)

South Coast Strikers started the more quickly, denying Spurs time and space and the pressure paid off early as the Spurs defence struggled to play the ball out from the back, gave it away and SCS went ahead with a powerful shot after a few minutes. This encouraged the team from USA and they maintained the pressure on the Spurs players who were looking to play McEvoy into a dangerous position but the ball was often misplaced or cut out by the quick American players who often threatened on the break. Shortly after the goal, Zapata-Caidedo had a chance to get clear but a poor first touch let him down. The Spurs defence was often vulnerable to a ball down the centre with no-one taking responsibility.

Play continued in a similar vein with Spurs struggling to get into their opponent's half but after about 20 minutes Spurs came more into the game - Lameires had a shot straight at the goalkeeper and then McEvoy ran at pace into the area and was brought down. Penalty awarded and Lameires showed great self-confidence and stepped forward to score from the spot. Lameires was causing difficulties for SCS with his quick footwork and pace as well as his eagerness to be involved. Just before half-time Ward had a shot saved by the goalkeeper when with more power he might have scored.

Spurs were much sharper in the second half and with increasing pressure were often playing with the two full backs pushing forward and only leaving the two central defenders at the back. Lameiras was a constant threat and both he and McEvoy were being treated harshly by the strong SCS defenders. From one free-kick for a foul on himself, Lameires had his shot save by the goalkeeper. Then Ball picked up a poor clearance in central midfield but shot wide when through on goal.

After this constant Spurs pressure SCS suddenly came into the game and had a shot over on the break. Oduwa replaced Zapata-Caidedo who had offered little threat and immediately had a good shot on the turn, saved by the goalkeeper. In quick succession SCS had a goal disallowed for off-side, a shot over and a goal. Spurs had been doing so much attacking that they had got dis-organised at the back and got caught again with too few defenders back as SCS picked up a poor clearance and attacked at pace to score after an hour.

Spurs tried to get a goal back but couldn't get the break they needed - Ward moved into midfield and had a couple of shots, one over and one against the bar, but the goal wouldn't come. Defenders managed to get a block at a vital moment and in a final late effort Oduwa shot over.

Spurs have missed out in qualifying for the Milk Cup semi-finals but will be in the 5th-8th play-offs where their goal will be to improve on last year's 7th place finish.

McEvoy and Champion who played in this competition last year have grown in confidence and ability in the past twelve months. Ball looks a strong, capable player and Lameiras is a lightly built player with quick feet and pace who is keen to be involved. Ward was busy throughout, especially going forward.

Like the Tottenham PL team, they play passing football from the back to create space and to release their Gareth Bale lookalike Kenneth McEvoy who has good pace, strength and ability.

Goals from Match vSCS at 5.20 (from BBC NI milk Cup website)

After this round of matches Spurs had slipped to 8th in the Premier Section.  With 6 points and a positive goal difference of 4 they would compete in the Globe Section play-offs for 5th - 8th position.

Thursday, 28th July  v Cherry Orchard (Ire) at Broughshane (7pm KO)

Won 4 - 3  Scorers: Lameires, Gardiner, Akindayini, Opp. o.g.

What a game! After going two goals up in the first five minutes, it looked as if it was going to be a matter of counting the goals against the team who had been thumped 7-0 by Bolton in the previous game. A third followed late in the half but Orchard from Dublin scored just before half-time with a header from a corner.

In the second half Spurs scored a fourth - game over, but it wasn't as Orchard playing with a strengthening wind on their backs built up the pressure on the Tottenham defence with a sequence of high balls, corners and free-kicks. Spurs succumbed and conceded two in two minutes, game on again with about ten minutes remaining. Fortunately, Spurs re-organised and held out under a constant barrage of high balls into the box. Spurs now play tomorrow in the play-off for 5th and 6th in a re-match with last night's victors, South Coast Strikers from USA at the Coleraine Showgrounds at 1.30pm.

Team: Grainger; Lyons-Foster, Gardiner, Modeste, Ogilvie; McEvoy (Smith), Sonupe (Zapata-Caicedo), Lameires (Capt), Ball, Oduwa (Ward); Akindaylini (Michael-Percil)

In the picturesque setting of Broughshane, the Best Kept Large Village in Northern Ireland, it was a cool summer evening as Spurs kicked off, playing up the slope with the slight breeze behind them. It was a completely different game from last night when Spurs took time to get into the game - this time they were two ahead after five minutes as Cherry Orchard stood back and let them pass the ball around. The first came from Lameires who was playing in a central midfield role and was much more influential in the game. He picked up the ball outside the penalty area, beat a couple of men and scored with a fierce shot from the edge of the box.

Two minutes later, Oduwa played in a dangerous cross which missed the waiting Akindayini but an Orchard defender, under no pressure, sliced it into his own goal. It all looked too easy as Cherry Orchard seemed overwhelmed. Spurs continued to enjoy the majority of the play but gradually Cherry Orchard worked their way into the came with dangerous high balls into the box from free-kicks and corners. Spurs survived and Grainger made a good save from a free-kick, pushing the strong shot up and catching it on the way down. Spurs continued to create chances with Akindayini looking dangerous and they went further ahead after being awarded a free-kick as McEvoy was brought down. The ball was played into the box but as the goalkeeper was challenged for the high ball he dropped it and Gardiner bundled it home after 33 minutes.

Just before half-time Cherry Orchard managed to get on the score-sheet heading in from a corner.

in the second half Orchard were more assertive and looked more dangerous putting the Spurs defence under pressure using the strengthening wind to their advantage. A header was cleared off the line for a corner and then a dangerous ball from the corner had to be cleared to safety. Spurs re-gained their composure and continued to be controlled in their play but were finding it more difficult to clear their lines because of the wind. However, they worked their way forward and Ward had a good long range shot just wide. A long free-kick in to the box by Modeste was headed down and Akindayini scored, a goal he deserved for his hard work as the lone striker.

Surely, that would give Spurs a comfortable win but Orchard threw everything into the game and went for it. They had shots over and wide but then they got a cross in from the left, Granger blocked the shot with his legs but had no chance from the rebound. Two minutes later a curling cross from the right was headed home and with ten minutes left it was looking as if penalties could be a possibility. However, Spurs held out without too much difficulty although Grainger was booked for time wasting and an indirect free-kick awarded inside the box but it was cleared.

Victory ensured that the Spurs' team would finish higher than their counterparts did last year as they take on South Coast Strikers in the Globe Section Final to decide 5th/6th places.


Friday, 29th July v South Coast Strikers at Coleraine Showgrounds (1.30pm KO)

Draw 1 - 1 (Won 4 - 2 on penalties)  Scorer: Ball

Team: Grainger; Michael-Percil, Gardiner, Modeste, Ogilvie; McEvoy (Oduwa), Champion, Ward, Lameiras, Ball; Zapata-Caicedo (Akindayini)

Spurs fielded what would appear to have been their strongest team knowing that they would have to put in a good performance against a hard-working and pacy American team. As usual they played with a lone striker although McEvoy did play further up to support Zapata-Caicedo today. The midfield 4/5 is a very flexible formation will all of the players inter-changing and playing right across the pitch. The central defence is much more secure with Modeste playing and both full-backs got forward on the wings.

On a sunny afternoon in Coleraine Spurs started strongly and took the game to the South Coast Strikers not giving them the time to close them down as they had been able to do in the previous encounter on Wednesday evening. Spurs were obviously up for the game and determined not to be dominated by the other side's pressure. Today, it was the SCS players who were struggling to get to grips with the game. Spurs were lively and having most of the play but had to be alert to speedy counter-attacks from SCS. Zapata-Caicedo was working hard and had a shot over, Ward was working hard in midfield and looking to get forward to shoot at goal.

it was a close game with Spurs edging the possession and control but failing to get a break-through with SCS defenders managing to get in important tackles. Spurs almost went ahead with a fluke goal when a SCS defender sliced a clearance back towards his own goal, his keeper tried to kick it but missed completely but the ball bounced over the bar for a corner. Spurs were keeping the SCS goalkeeper busy but Grainger was also active coming for crosses and through balls.

Spurs finally got their reward when awarded a free kick on the left centre of the box, Ball curled a lovely shot into the net after 27 minutes. Spurs continued to press to half-time.

SCS started brighter in the second half, determined to pull back the goal. They started to run at Spurs and the defenders had to be alert. Modeste was cool under pressure and midfield worked hard to cover. Both sides were working hard to create goal scoring chances but the final pass was cut out or shots blocked. SCS final drew level after 45 minutes with a run and shot from midfield giving Grainger no chance. Chances at both ends with Spurs working hard in defence - Grainger made a good save when a cross was headed back across him towards the goal. SCS had a goal disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper and as time wore on both sides were looking for the winner - Ward and Oduwa had shots but no goals came, so the game went to penalties.

Ball scored first for Spurs, SCS missed, shot over (1-0)
Modeste had good shot saved, SCS scored (1-1)
Champion scored, SCS scored (2-2)
Lameires scored, Grainger saved SCS penalty (3-2)
Oduwa scored - (Spurs won 4-2 on penalties)

Spurs deserved the win as they had endeavoured to play a passing game throughout the competition.

A young team, they worked hard and showed a high level of skill and composure even under pressure.

Grainger played confidently and made a couple of important saves, including in the penalty shoot-out.
Modeste played with composure in central defence and had good control and passing.
Champion worked hard and has progressed since last year.
Lameires is an exciting player with quick feet and skills but will work hard to defend as well. Not as influential in the game today but has great confidence.
Ball is a strong player, works hard and has an eye for goal - lovely free-kick and three goals in the week.
McEvoy has good pace and control, is dangerous but often had to cope with three defenders around him.
Ward is a hard-working midfielder/full back with a powerful shot and an eye for goal.

The players were a credit to Tottenham Hotspur, finishing a very worthy 5th in the Milk Cup with the Globe trophy in the White Hart Lane trophy cabinet.

Van der Vaart Double Gives Tottenham Success in South Africa

Vodacom Challenge Trophy
Orlando Pirates 0 Tottenham Hotspur 3

Van der Vaart scored twice and Jermain Defoe got a third against Orlando Pirates as Tottenham won their first pre-season game in South Africa and secured the Vodacom Challenge trophy.  Having lost to Kaiser Chiefs a week ago and drawn against Orlando Pirates in mid-week, Spurs were looking to go one better and secure a win against the Pirates to boost their pre-season morale.

On Tuesday evening Spurs started the brighter of the two teams but today it was the Pirates who made the quicker start keeping possession well and running at Tottenham with pace but without causing Gomes any difficulty.  When Spurs had the ball they made limited progress and often conceded possession easily.  However, Van der Vaart came to the rescue with another goal direct from a free-kick, just as he had done on Tuesday evening.  This enabled Spurs to go into half-time with the lead and then early in the second half as Pirates constantly looked to catch Spurs on the break a pass from Assou-Ekotto released Van der Vaart who got into the penalty one on one against the goalkeeper. His shot was blocked by the keeper but Van der Vaart was quick enough to recover and lift the rebound over the keeper and in to the net.

The game looked over and with the introduction of Gareth Bale for Luka Modric, Spurs were much more lively and dangerous as an attacking force.  He had a goal disallowed for offside immediately after coming on and created a further chance which went begging. Then the Pirates were awarded a penalty for handball against Bassong.  Gomes dived to his left but the ball went to the right and hit the post and went across the goal to safety.  Gomes was then called upon to make a couple of important saves before Defoe secured the win with the third goal following a run and cross by Bale.

Spurs have secured the Vodacom trophy for the second time following a similar score line against the same opponents in 2004.

Spurs have used this trip to improve the fitness of all the players in the squad and in coming matches we will get a better indication of who is likely to start in the first game against Everton in three weeks and who is surplus to requirements and will be moving on either as a loan deal or transfer.

This game showed that as last season, all the best that is Tottenham comes from Van der Vaart and Bale, without them Spurs' play would be rather mundane.  Now, with all the transfer rumours that are rife we just need some of them to become full transfers to strengthen the team and ensure that the best players want to stay and be part of what should be an exciting seasson at White Hart Lane.

Tottenham's Pre-Season in South Africa.

Saturday, 16th July: Tottenham 0 Kaiser Chiefs 1
Tuesday, 19th July:  Tottenham 1 Orlando Pirates 1

Gareth Bale a constant threat
fot Tottenham

The early pre-season games are all about players getting some match time and building up their fitness but Spurs first two matches in the Vodacom Challenge in South Africa have also shown that Tottenham's problems from last season have not gone away.

No Goal Strikers:
The strikers remain unable to score or even create a goal-scoring opportunity for themselves.  The performances of Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane, Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko have all been very poor - their first touch is heavy, they can neither beat a man with pace or skill, their link-up play is non-existantand and throughout the two games not one of them has looked like scoring a goal.  The nearest any of them has come to putting the ball in the net was Crouch's header that was well saved by the Kaiser Chief's goalkeeper.


Conceding Goals:
Once again Spurs have illustrated their inability to keep a clean sheet.  On Saturday, a late breakaway from a Spurs' corner saw them concede an injury time goal to lose the match.  In the second game Brad Friedel flapped at a shot with his right hand in Gomesesque style at the end of the first half and only succeeded in waving it into the net to present the Pirates with an equaliser. The rampaging fullback had hit a powerful shot but Friedel should have done so much better.  Spurs don't need another flapping goalkeeper.  On Saturday Cudicini didn't look overly confident or impressive in nets and we've Gomes to come on Saturday.

Reliant on VDV and Bale:
Both games, once again, clearly illustrated that without Bale and Van der Vaart this Spurs team would be lacking any attacking threat.  Bale was a threat on the left in both games, looking to score and also create for others.  Van der Vaart was less creative but scored the goal against the Pirates from a free kick on the edge to the penalty area, lifting the ball over the defensive wall and into the goal.  Without this threat Spurs would be toothless.  Modric, in spite of the transfer rumours, played with enthusiasm and show wonderful passing as he created space for others, changing the direction od the play.  He was captain for the game and showed no signs of being disinterested or not wanting to be involved.

Shop Window Players:
The players who are surplus to Spurs requirements and are in the transfer window haven'y done anything in the two games to attract buyers or to persuade Harry Redknapp that they deserve another chance to establish themselves at White Hart Lane.  The list is long - Robbie Keane, David Bentley, Alan Hutton, Niko Kranjcar, Jermain Defoe, Roman Pavlychenko, Peter Crouch, Wilson Palacios, Bassong and Jermain Jenas.  Not all of those players will be leaving but in order to create room for new signings in the 25-man Premier League squad, some of them will be off to new clubs before the beginning of September but on their preformances from last year and now in pre-season, it could be difficult to move them on.  Their performances have been lack-lustre and wouldn't be encouraging to any prospective buying club, their wages are high and Totenham are looking to recoup considerable fees for them - all of which is delaying the selling process.

Pre-season has not brought anything to encourage Spurs supporters - there has been no new signings to improve the quality in the squad and to rectify the obvious deficiencies in the team, transfer rumours persist about Luka Modric and the early games have not brought any joy.  The best performances have again come from Bale but others need to raise their game while Kyle Walker looked accomplished as he attacked from right back in the second half against the Pirates. 

It will be interesting to see who comes and who goes in the next four weeks leading up to the opening Premier League game against Everton at White Hart Lane on 13th August and most importantly who makes the team for that vital match.