FRIDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER, 1999
FRIENDLY MATCH
BISHOPS STORTFORD 0 (0) TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 6 (3)

Spurs scorers:-
Dominguez 3, 90
Clemence 35
Armstrong, 42
Fox 50, 70

Estimated attendance:- 2,500

Teams:-

Bishops Stortford (4-4-2) As their team did not match the programme, and they made numerous substitutions, I did not keep track. They used three goalkeepers ( not at the same time ! ). First team included player/coach Martin Hayes, who used to play for GG at the other place.

Spurs (4-4-2):- Segers; Taricco ( sub Hillier, 65 ), Perry ( sub Lee, 62 ), Thelwell, Edinburgh; Fox, Clemence, Freund ( sub Gower, 62 ), Ginola ( sub Piercey, 46 ); Armstrong ( sub Crouch, 74 ), Dominguez

Sub not used:- Wayne Vaughan

This, after all, was very much a friendly encounter. The main purpose of the meeting was to officially inaugurate Bishops Stortford's new ground at Woodside Park , on the edge of the town, near the M11, and very close to Stansted airport. George Graham performed the opening ceremony, and brought with him virtually all the staff associated with the club, and a very strong compliment of players, which excluded only those injured, and absentees through International duties. The very best available Spurs team started the game, but the team resembled the usual reserves line-up by the end of the game. The crowd were treated to some fine exhibition football from a team, who are, after all, many echelons above the Ryman League First Division. To give the locals their due, though, they had their moments, and gave their supporters some excitement.

Greg and I met up with Bruce and Elaine, and the "Legend" web site is likely to feature some good video footage before too long. Spurs took the lead after only three minutes, following an attack down the right, when Clemence passed to little Jose Dominguez, who made a fine solo run, and finished with a left foot shot low into the net.

Ginola, who only played the first half, seemed happy to hold back and try the passing game, and let Dominguez do the running. Shortly after the goal, Ginola sprayed a long ball to Taricco on the right; he found Fox, who sent a fine cross over for Clemence to head wide across the goalmouth. Fox, who deservedly was voted man of the match by the sponsors, had a good shot into the side netting soon after that.

The chances came thick and fast. Ginola lobbed over the defence, for Armstrong to head into the middle, and believe it or not, Dominguez headed just over! Fox and Dominguez were seeing plenty of the ball, and Ruel had several long range efforts at the goal. Armstrong seemed to be bundled down in the area after 23 minutes, but his penalty appeal was turned down. Later on, Armstrong went down under a very strong challenge, and was hobbling a bit thereafter. He seems quite a way from match fitness.

Quinton, wearing number 10 for Stortford, got the better of Freund, and made a good run, but his shot was comfortably held by Segers, who showed good distribution skill, whenever he had the opportunity, although, he did not see too much of the ball !

Spurs enjoyed more domination, thanks to Dominguez and Fox, before increasing their lead on 35 minutes. Jose cut the ball back for Clemence who was able to virtually walk the ball in, although the goalkeeper hindered him a little. On 42 minutes, Ginola found Dominguez, who hit a powerful left foot shot, that Armstrong pounced upon, as the goalkeeper spilled the ball.

Before the first half was over, the Stortford right back was allowed a lot of space and a run at goal, with a shot that forced a decent save from Segers.

Piercey replaced Ginola, and Fox took up more of the creative responsibilities. Dominguez and Armstrong forced a corner, from which Ruel scored with a fine low right foot shot. Piercy showed his ability, with a long ball that put Armstrong in the clear with only the goalie to beat. Even with his right foot, however, the ball was gifted to the keeper.

Freund couldn't manage to score at this level, despite getting into a good position, but then some clever play from Taricco and Fox led to a good shot from Ruel, which the keeper tipped onto the bar and over. With 70 minutes gone, Armstrong created for Fox, as he passed across the area from the left, and Fox, unmarked hit a low right foot shot into the goal.

Crouch replaced Armstrong, and drew some abuse for his gangly appearance. He showed some good skill, but he too was guilty of a miss, when his long legs got tangled under him, and he should have scored.

Bishops Stortford had a couple of decent attacks near the end of the game, but scoring was concluded in injury time, when Piercey made a good run down the left; crossed and Jose slid the ball in, to make it 6-0.

Most of these players will be on display on Tuesday next (7th September), at St. Albans, so why not put in an appearance if you can?

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