FA BARCLAYCARD PREMIERSHIP RESERVE LEAGUE
MONDAY 23RD FEBRUARY, 2004
SPURS RESERVES 3 (1) SOUTHAMPTON RESERVES 1 (0)

Spurs scorers:-
Ricketts, 40
Redknapp, 74
Marney, 84

Southampton scorer:-
Blackstock, 64

Attendance:- Est. 250

Referee:- Mr. A. Woolmer

Teams:-
Spurs (4-4-2):- Burch; Foster, Mabizela, Bunjevcevic, McKie; Marney, Redknapp (Capt.), Hughes, Ricketts; Barnard, Slabber

Subs not used:- Forecast; Lee, Dobson; O'Hara, McKenna

Booked:- McKie, Barnard, Hughes

Southampton (4-4-2):- Blayney; Kenton (Capt.), Hall, Williamson, Crainey; Anaclet (sub Best, 80), Folly, Tessem, Griffit; Delgado, Blackstock

Subs not used:- McNeil; Anderson, Roche, Cranie

No bookings

On another bitterly cold night at Broadhall Way, Stevenage, it was quality goals that won the game for Tottenham, with a slightly flattering scoreline, as Saints played plenty of lightning quick, penetrative football. Where the Saints fell down was with their final touch, as despite the strength of Delgado and Blackstock, their finishing was found lacking. One has to give credit too to good handling by Burch, playing with much more confidence than last week at Watford, and also competent defending from Bunjevcevic and Mabizela, playing between two inexperienced full backs, who were always pressed by the Southampton lively wingers.

Jamie Redknapp skippered the side again, playing the full 90 minutes, continuing his build-up for a challenge for first team football. Dean Marney was my man of the match though with great work down the right flank, capped by a great finish in the 84th minute to give Spurs a 3-1 victory. Marney has just returned from another loan spell.

Southampton featured one-time Hoddle favourite Jo Tessem in midfield, and the Ecuadorian striker, Agustin Delgado was the only other familiar name to me. Delgado gave Mabizela and Bunjee plenty to think about from the start, latching onto a long ball, and hitting the side netting after only 1 minute with a right foot shot. All the early ploy came from the Saints, playing in yellow, and left-winger Griffit looked very impressive. Spurs finally made a decent attempt on goal after a good challenge by Jamie Slabber in the Southampton half, sending a deep cross beyond the back post, which was returned by Marney for Ricketts to force a diving save from Blayney. The offside flag had already gone up, but it was a good move, nonetheless.

Mabizela had been getting lots of good touches and was a little unlucky when a lofted ball was put in from the Saints' midfield and he headed at a stretch, putting the ball in front of Delgado. However, Delgado was forced out to an angle, and could only hit the side netting with his shot from the left of goal.

Good work from Marney and Slabber near the half-way line led to Slabber racing down the right wing, before he grossly over-hit the cross. Ricketts then hit the side netting as he cut in from the left. There had been plenty of work for Burch and his defence, before Spurs took the lead 5 minutes before the break. It was a good move from the back, as Mabizela pushed forward and Barnard laid the ball back for Hughes who sent Marney away with a good quick ball over the defence. Marney delivered a great cross for Rohan Ricketts to head home at the back post.

Marcel McKie had been having a challenging game at the back, and made one or two mistakes with a bad back-pass or a piece of hesitation, but he had the confidence to call for the ball from Jamie Redknapp after 51 minutes, delivering a good deep cross met by Marney, and chipped back for Barnard to head into the keeper's arms.

The referee then started to get somewhat pedantic, awarding free kicks for the slightest touch, and eventually finding room in his book for McKie, Barnard and Hughes. There was no question McKie deserved a card for a late challenge, but the others were a little harsh. Mr. Woolmer resembled Freddie Starr's Hitler impression when he paced out the yards for free kicks! One such kick, taken by Yoann Folly, gave Rob Burch one of his best saves, as he dived to his right to take the ball well near his post. Southampton got a deserved equaliser after 64 minutes, following a throw. Griffit put in a low cross and Blackstock got in front of Bunjevcevic for a close range finish. Despite the goal, Bunjee seems to thrive at this level, and he is very vocal towards his team-mates, encouraging the youngsters, and even putting Redknapp in his place with regard to defensive duties.

One of Spurs problems had been the reliance on Mark Hughes to carry out defensive midfield duties, as Marney, Redknapp and Ricketts were more concerned with attack. After 73 minutes, Lee Barnard picked up a good midfield header and gave Marney a shooting chance which was saved by Blayney for a corner. The corner was taken by Marney, and Redknapp whacked the ball home from just outside the box with a great right foot drive. Spurs now had the upper hand, and Barnard sent Marney away down the right with a lovely ball. Dean was into the box and went down under the challenge but got no penalty. Marney got his reward though with 6 minutes to go, as Ricketts picked up the play in the middle, chipped the ball over the defence for Marney to hit a well-placed shot over the keeper for goal number three.

Southampton did get the ball in the net following a free kick by Crainey, but the header was offside. Jamie Slabber also had a "goal" disallowed for offside before the end.

The reserves now have two away games against Forest (March 3rd) and Wimbledon (March 10th), before the next big home game against Arsenal on Monday 15th March. There will be home games at Spurs Lodge this Saturday (both kicking off at 11 a.m) for the under-17s and Under-19s. I got this last piece of information from Jimmy Neighbour, who was keeping an eye on his protégés tonight.Incidentally, Pat Holland was in charge tonight, as Clive Allen must have been away with ITV again!

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