The excitement started around 4:00pm local time (4 1/2 hours before K.O.). The 125th anniversary shirt was taken out of moth balls, the scarf was hand-washed, the cap was brushed, and the Spurs Santa laundered. Santa was put on Spurs cap and I'm ready to go, feeling more like a five year old than my fifty plus age! My American friends arrived at 4:30 and off we went to the brand new Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. As directed, not a red piece of clothing could be seen on my friends. In fact, navy blue and white were proffered.

Traffic was dire and the slow paced rubber-necking (bumper-to-bumper for those unsure of the American language) only whetted my appetite to seeing the mighty Spurs live for the first time since 1997.

We arrived at the parking lot at an Iberian restaurant in Harrison for pre-game meal and drinks. Many Spurs fans were on view in the bar area outside. During our feast I took the opportunity to give my friends a lecture on Spurs 101 (basic Spurs history).

My American companions had Red Bull season tickets, yet wanted to participate in the full Spurs experience (I had gotten tickets in the New York Spurs 'end'); and they looked at me in awe as I told them the Spurs story. They had never before been blessed to see the lilywhites and sat in rapturous silence as I explained why we are God's chosen ones .....

"In the year of 1882, the Great White Football Spirit granted the formation of the Hotspur franchise from Tottenham. Spurs (NOT 'The Spurs'), were enjoying unprecedented favour, unchallenged as the darlings of North London until the darkness began to form just before the Great War. The devilish hordes from south of the river appeared in a fog-like stench and not only laid down their tentacles nearby, but also bribed and cheated their way to the top league at Spurs' expense. As the decades went by, the devilish red nomads became synonymous with boredom and defense, while the lilywhite light wore excitement and attack as a badge."

"Wow," said little 10-year-old Mikey. "I can't wait to see them play, and I'm excited about seeing Thierry Henry play for my Red Bulls."

After throwing up my paella, I said, "Mikey, H*nry is the epitome of evil and you must boo him at every possible moment to cleanse your soul." I then taught them the songs that we would be singing in the Spurs end and reiterated that the louder they sang, the more good-will He would bestow upon them.

With my friends now properly cultured into the rights and wrongs of proper football supporting, we set off for the stadium. The Red Bulls have tried to give a European 'feel' to their stadium, putting parking lots at least a 5-10 minute walk from the ground, rather than the massive parking areas of most American sports stadia. This takes away the 'tail-gaiting' parties but adds anticipation as the masses converge on the ground. The game was a near sell out, thousands of children of God (est. 3,000 strong) were there wearing their white and navy blue jerseys. The whole bottom section of the bowl was full and half the top. Spurs fans were scattered around but were mainly situated high to the left of the goal (facing the pitch) we were defending in the first half.

Entering the intimate but noisy stadium, we went to the assigned Spurs section. Here, row upon row of chosen people were singing and chanting hymns of profound jubilation. Come on you Spurs, We are Tottenham..., Oh, when the Spurs ..., etc. all taken from the Tottenham book of psalms were joyously sung as if the Red Bull stadium had been turned into WHL or any other house of worship.

The teams came onto the field to enthusiastic applause and they lined up for the usual introductions. Modders and Baaaale get the loudest cheers. The loudest boos, for the cheating Frog.

The game started amidst a torrent of 'COYS'. Spurs set up with a 4-5-1 formation. The first half was dire, we found it very difficult to link play. It took too long for the midfield to move into attacking 'mode' and Robbie was left isolated, flapping his arms. He tried to stay on the shoulder of the last defender (a la Defoe) and got caught offside numerous times (a la Defoe). We had one chance that I can remember from Keane that was cleared. I didn't realise Jenas was playing until the second half (he played the first as well) and Hutton's first touch, well, I've seen elephants who were defter. I told my friends that sometimes Spurs don't deserve their fans who were out singing the home supporters. One poor thing about the stadium was the acoustics. We couldn't hear the home fans (who were behind the goal Spurs were attacking first half) and, I presume, they couldn't hear us, so the usual banter you get at an away game was nullified. There's no point singing "Your support is sh*t" if they can't hear! Then the inevitable happened. After missing a sitter (one on one with Cudicini), the devil's spawn scored a flukey goal (he tried to punch the ball but it accidentally hit his foot). Silence! We all looked at each other, shivering from the ice cold waft of air usually associated with satan's presence (when you 'see' evil you shiver, not sweat). Slowly and quietly, the Lord's name began to be sung, until the crescendo of "Oh, when the Spurs...." started up again (amongst cheat and w*nker).

In the second half we started to play a little more adventurously. We attacked the goal where the Spurs fans were stationed (albeit to the side). Taarabt tried to take on the whole Red Bull team on his own at least three times, losing it each time .... then complained that no one helped him out. The home team missed some absolutely sitters but then the miracle happened. Not only did Keane score, but he did so from a corner (I can't remember the last time either happened). Rapturous applause and singing. About 10 minutes later, Bale ran onto a Tommy through ball and beat the goalie with a chip. Ecstasy! Continued singing until hoarse.

Bale was by far our best player. He seemed to be only one to give his all the whole game. He was also the main guy to take time and clap the fans at the end although some other players half-heartedly followed suit (how much energy would it take for a few other players to walk a couple of yards to applaud us? It left a minor sour taste since we sang our hearts out to lift them. Has the Trust mentioned this to the Board?). Modders in the first half (he was subbed early in the second) also showed great touches and control. Charlie looked off the pace and the ball stuck under his feet a few time. Niko and Tommy played well and Danny Rose (he came on to a loud cheer) was lively.

Final score 2-1 to Spurs!

Great time had by all.

Now I have to put that three back on my age and go to work.