SATURDAY 9TH DECEMBER, 2000
FA CARLING PREMIERSHIP
BRADFORD CITY 3 (1) TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 3 (2)

Bradford scorers:-
Lawrence, 9
Windass, 69
Carbone, 89

Spurs scorers:-
King, 1 (Premiership record fastest goal after 10 seconds)
Campbell, 21
Armstrong, 54

Referee:- Neale Barry

Attendance:- 17,225

Teams:-
Bradford (4-4-2):- Clark; Myers (sub Sharpe, 59), O'Brien, Molenaar, Atherton; Lawrence (sub Petrescu, 63), McCall, Carbone, Beagrie (sub Blake, 82); Windass, Collymore

Subs not used:- Walsh; Nolan

Booked:- Carbone, Windass

Spurs (3-5-2):- Sullivan; Perry, Campbell, Thelwell; Carr, Freund, Sherwood (sub Vega, 90), King, Clemence; Armstrong (sub Korsten, 86), Ferdinand

Subs not used:- Walker; Doherty, Davies

No bookings

Ledley King got Spurs off to a fine start with the fastest ever Premiership goal recorded at just 10 seconds. It was also his first goal since his Premiership debut. Bradford quickly equalised, but Sol gave us the first half lead, when he met a Clemence corner. When Les Ferdinand teed up Chris Armstrong after 54 minutes, it looked like we would finally get that first away win of the season. However, Bradford battled back to take a point, and their new manager preserved his unbeaten record, whilst also taking his side off the bottom of the league.

Here is an eye witness report from Les Wilson:-

Yesterday's game was not for the purists, it was low on quality but it was high on tension and excitement. And we did see the fastest ever Premiership Goal. (Can anyone say if this is Spur's fastest ever goal?).

The original kick-off had to be retaken as Les, out on the left touchline, was adjudged to have been over the line before the ball was kicked. The retake played exactly the same move but the Bradford defence had switched off. A poor clearance fell to Deadly Ledley who advanced and fired a none too convincing shot which took an evil deflection and bobbled into the net.

Despite having the majority of possession, the scene was set when Bradford's first attack caused an uncertain Sol to concede a corner. Schoolboy marking allowed Lawrence to arrive unmarked and miscue the ball between Sully and Carr. The lead was restored when Sol was allowed a free diving header from a corner. Minutes before, Carbone, arguably the only flair player on the pitch, had been inches wide with a superb turn and chip from 25 yards.

Up front Les played well and Armstrong gave 100% and they were rewarded just after the break when Les nicked the ball on the right and drew the keeper and remaining defender before slipping the ball to Armo. We even saw a (small) celebration from the scorer although most of the plaudits went to Les. We sat back and waited...

From then on, there was only one team in it and they weren't wearing white. Jefferies pulled off a midfielder and sent on Lee Sharpe on the left wing. This forced Carr to defend and stifled our only attacking option. Windass and Carbone were pushed forward and our three man defence was suddenly overloaded. It was only in the last minute, when it was already three-all, that our manager adjusted the team by pulling of the ineffectual Sherwood and replacing him with the much maligned Vega, who to his credit did make several good headed clearances in the few minutes he was on. All three of their goals came from crosses which should really be bread and butter to any defence.

Les tired noticeably after our third goal but it was Armo who was replaced by Korsten. By then our only attacking ploy was the Garryowen, but neither forward was able to hold on to the ball long enough to give the defence a breather.

Conclusions from the game will only be the obvious and they have been stated many times already. With Anderton suspended, Rebrov injured and Carr subdued, we had very little quality on show. A memorable moment was Armstrong doing well in the first half to get to the by-line and then attempt a left footed cross - he missed, trod on the ball with his right foot and fell over.

Read another eye witness account from Jim Duggan

Follow @spursodyssey

· Squad numbers,appearances,bookings & goalscorers
· Read the preview for this game.
· All the Spurs Stats you could hope for here! THFC6061 Sports Stats