AFC Wimbledon v Spurs Match Reports

When I turned up and saw the Wimbledon side performing like we did against them at the start of last season, I couldn’t believe it.  This was not a Wimbledon side of the past which came to spit fire and kick legs to get what they want.  It was more like a Third Division side who had turned up for a cup game they had no hope or intention of winning.  Spurs on the other hand were made to look like champions of the world.  With Ginola in fine form, Danny Blanchflower would have loved watching Tottenham perform like this.

The game started at a steady pace and the first clear chance fell to the Dons when Gayle crossed from the right to Cort, who was unmarked, but could not get his free header on target from six yards out.  Unfortunately for the visitors, Tottenham scored a couple of minutes later.  Armstrong latched onto Iversen’s flicked header and hit the ball over Sullivan with some power from just inside the left edge of the box.  His customary non-celebration signalled another score in his good run of scoring form.  Spurs laid siege to the Wimbledon goal and all Walker had to do in the first half was to hold a long range drive from Michael Hughes, who was the best Dons player on view.  Ginola decided that he was going to turn it on and sometimes his extravagant flicks didn’t work, which at only 1-0 caused some concern, but an outrageous back-heel set up Anderton on the edge of the area and his drive was tipped around the post.  However, Darren was not to be denied and when Clemence’s pass to Iversen allowed the Norwegian to open up the Wimbledon defence with a clinical pass, Anderton had made a perfectly timed run to get on the end of it.  He got there ahead of the defender and slid the ball past Sullivan and off the post to make it 2-0.  Iversen was stopped twice by the keeper after that – once with a volley from Ginola’s low cross and then a header from the resulting corner.  Ginola came the closest, when an Armo cross went over everyone in the box, David picked it up and coolly lobbed it over Sullivan, but tantalisingly over the bar.  The ball landed on top of the net, but had it gone in it would have been an audaciously executed piece of skill.

The second half should have seen Wimbledon tear into Spurs to try and salvage something for their relegation fight, but it was really more of the same.  Spurs eased off and have been caught out before and nearly were here.  A sliced clearance went high into the air and Walker came for it, but Cort won the ball, which fell for Euell to overhead kick just over the bar.  Ian claimed he had been pushed in the face and TV pictures showed this probably was the case, but it wasn’t given on the day.  Tottenham did get the ball into the net, when Gin crossed early for Armstrong to lift the ball over the diving keeper, but he had just strayed offside.  Korsten shook off his lethargy to beat two players and hit a powerful left foot shot that Sullivan grabbed and Anderton managed to hook his foot around Kimble to poke the ball past the keeper, but it just went wide by a few inches.  Armstrong had a double chance, when first put in by Dazza, he was thwarted by a save and when Etherington (on as a sub for Ginola) crossed it back in, Armo got his header over the bar.  

Rarely had I seen such an apathetic Wimbledon side.  But then, we have our own problems, so I’ll let their legion of fans worry about their plight.  A good performance – in the circumstances – and a few more like that when we needed them (Bradford twice, Watford away and Middlesbrough at home for example) and we could have been a contender … for a European place.  As it is ninth is probably the highest we will finish, so we will hope that the remaining games of this season show us more of the youngsters and some hope for the future.

MEHSTG TOP MAN : – DARREN ANDERTON

Teams : –
Spurs : –  Ian Walker, Sol Campbell, Stephen Carr, Chris Perry, Darren Anderton, Stephen Clemence, Steffen Freund, David Ginola (Matthew Etherington 73), Willem Korsten, Steffen Iversen, Chris Armstrong
Substitutes not used :   –
Wimbledon : –  Neil Sullivan, Duncan Jupp, Kenny Cunningham, Hermann Hreidarsson, Marcus Gayle (Andreas Lund 82), Alan Kimble  , Trond Andersen, Michael Hughes, Andy Roberts (Martin Andresen 59 [Damien Francis 79]), Jason Euell, Carl Cort
Ref. : –  Dermot Gallagher  (Banbury, Oxfordshire)
Attendance : –  33,089

As Chef in South Park would say, the journey to Selhurst is like making love to an ugly woman – it’s best done in the dark. The suburbs of South London are not the height of attractiveness when seen from a railway line and therefore, despite the tube strike, it was a journey that was improved by the gathering night. Arriving at the ground with fifteen minutes to go, the atmosphere had already built up, with Tottenham fans out-singing the sprinkling of home fans before the teams came out. Like all games here, standing was compulsory – if you wanted to see anything that is. The pitch was scrubby and from the start it was obvious that any runs from Ginola would be doomed to failure – if not thanks to the pitch, then the brutish challenges from the Dons defenders. There was little to get excited about in the early exchanges, with Wimbledon getting the ball into the area and causing Spurs some slight panic in clearing and Euell hit a volley from outside the box that Walker pushed over (which is where it seemed to be going anyway). Tottenham’s best chance came from Les’ swivel and shot in the 19th minute, which forced Sullivan to push the ball wide. The breakthrough was made in the 39th minute, when Steffen Iversen was played in by a Dons defender on the edge of the box and he immediately looped a perfect parabola over the stranded Wimbledon keeper. Stef had been offside, but as the pass came from an opponent, the goal rightly stood. We went mad !! The goal was what we needed, because now they had to score twice to win and they hadn’t looked like doing that in any of the five games recently. Straight from the restart, it became obvious that the home side were out to get some revenge, as they realised their chance had gone. Tackles, on and off the ball, were made, with little concern for punctuality or legality. Ref Gary Willard, seemed unable to bring himself to give Spurs anything and for a while I thought I was watching “The Simpsons” – he was such a homer.

The second half was fairly tame in comparison. They came out and tried to hit Tottenham with the high ball treatment. Sol was outstanding in the centre of defence and for all the half-clearances and nervy challenges, Vega performed well alongside him. Perhaps most effective, but not necessarily the most obvious contribution came from Steffen Freund. He ran himself into the ground, taking the blows and getting up to close their midfield men down again. One block from a free-kick in a dangerous position was particularly needed. The Wimbledon side hoped for a knock down or a half chance and they did get them. A low ball pulled back into the box was skied over and near the final whistle, a half-cleared ball fell to Earle on the edge of the area and his drive skimmed off the crossbar and over. But Walker hardly had a real save to make and although Tottenham did keep the ball at the other end for periods, there were no real clear opportunities. The end came and a roar louder than all the singing that had gone on throughout the game signalled a pitch invasion that left some of the Spurs players without their shirts. I didn’t see GG’s reaction at the end, but I should imagine that even though he is only part way towards his vision of the Tottenham future, he must have been pleased to have one Wembley ticket booked so soon.

Special mentions should be made of Ferdinand, Edinburgh and Ginola, who all worked tirelessly to close down and harass the Dons players when they looked like making a dangerous move forward. But for keeping his cool against niggly opponents and coming out on top ….

MEHSTG TOP MAN : – STEFFEN FREUND

Pete Stachio

Teams : –  Wimbledon : –   Neil Sullivan, Ben Thatcher  , Chris Perry, Kenny Cunningham, Dean Blackwell, Andy Roberts  , Michael Hughes, Robbie Earle, Marcus Gayle, Jason Euell (Mark Kennedy 79), Efan Ekoku (Carl Leaburn 80)
Unused subs. : –  Paul Heald, Neil Ardley, Alan Kimble
Manager : – Joe Kinnear
Spurs : –  Ian Walker, Stephen Carr, Justin Edinburgh (Andy Sinton 65), Ramon Vega, Sol Campbell, Allan Nielsen, Steffen Freund, Steffen Iversen, Les Ferdinand  , Darren Anderton, David Ginola (Luke Young 85)
Subs. not used : –  Espen Baardsen, Ruel Fox, Chris Armstrong
Attendance : –  25,204
Ref. : – Gary Willard (Worthing, Sussex)

“More of the same”, someone said to me outside the ground, before the two adversaries met for the fourth time in eighteen days. “You never know what might happen”, I said half-heartedly. Well, blow me down, if Andy Sinton hadn’t scored a scorcher of a goal after three minutes to set Tottenham on their way to Leeds in the next round !! Coming after all the dull and dreary fare served up in the three previous games, this set the tone for a Spurs win that was reasonably comfortable. Ardley had forced Walker to a sprawling save before the match had hardly begun, but Sints’ powerful shot gave Tottenham the basis for the result they required. Other opportunities arose for Anderton and Ferdinand, but the ball ran away from them as they homed in on goal, with Carr, Freund and Edinburgh all having shots go wide. The only real worry for Spurs had been a powerful swerving shot from Kennedy which went the wrong way as far as he was concerned and flew wide of the post by inches.

Into the second half and Earle was a whisker away from getting a touch to a cross-shot, but was flagged offside anyway. Then, breaking from a throw-in at the other end, Les shrugged Perry easily off the ball, before unselfishly squaring for Nielsen to tap home from two yards out. A similar chance came about when Ferdie, playing his best game in a Spurs shirt, got past Blackwell in the same circumstances, but his ball into the six yard box was slightly behind Iversen. Only a half-hit free-kick from Ardley from outside the box forced Walker into action and Edinburgh cleared from in front of goal when Earle knocked the ball in from out wide.

The icing on the cake to knock Wimbledon out of the FA Cup came when Nielsen went to make a tackle on the edge of the box and Euell’s clearance rebounded off his knee, rocketing past Sullivan low into the corner of the net. It was a moment to savour after 540 minutes of frankly poor football. However, let’s hope we haven’t used our full allocation of luck and there will still be some to come in the second leg of the League Cup semi. And all this without Ginola …

MEHSTG TOP MAN : – LES FERDINAND

Pete Stachio

Teams :
Spurs –  Ian Walker, Stephen Carr, Justin Edinburgh, Ramon Vega, Sol Campbell, Allan Nielsen, Steffen Freund  (Luke Young 90), Andy Sinton, Steffen Iversen, Les Ferdinand (Chris Armstrong 87), Darren Anderton (Mauricio Taricco 87)
Manager :  George Graham
Wimbledon –  Neil Sullivan, Chris Perry, Alan Kimble, Duncan Jupp  (Carl Cort 46), Dean Blackwell, Neil Ardley, Andy Roberts (Ceri Hughes 80), Mark Kennedy, Robbie Earle, Carl Leaburn, Jason Euell
Manager : – Joe Kinnear
Attendance : –  24 ,049
Ref. : – Dermot Gallagher  (Banbury, Oxfordshire)

Goodness, this is getting boring. How many times can you say the same thing without getting repetitive?? You can have too much of a good thing you know !! Still, only two more meetings this season with the most dreadful side in Christendom. All talk of Wimbledon playing football must surely be taken with a sizable helping of Sodium Chloride. The fact that in the last three games, they have hardly been able to create a decent effort on goal (apart from Earle’s overhead at home) speaks volumes. However, having said that, Tottenham have hardly been a lot better. While trying to play against a team out to spoil is never easy, there has been little fluidity in the passing from our boys. Indeed, in the first half, they could hardly string three passes together for most of the time. The best attacking moment was down the left when Justin put Ginola away, but David overran the ball.

The second half was only marginally better. A half-hearted cry for a penalty was waved away when Cunningham made a good tackle on Ginola and Dazza hit a 20 yard free-kick against the post. In a final flurry, Les was denied by a sliding Thatcher intervention and then at the death, put a header straight into the arms of Sullivan. The Dons only real shot on goal came from Hughes, who hit a long range drive into the side netting. Ardley wormed his way through, but could only produce a weak dribbler that went wide of the goal.

In truth, these sides appear to know each other too well. There is little enough opportunity for any spark of genius to open up the tie as heavy marking and closing down is the order of the day. It may come down to a mistake that will settle this semi or it will go all the way to penalties. Of course, a repeat of the result of the FA Cup tie would see Spurs through in the second leg, which is a nice thought, but the journey home from South London after extra time and penalties would be interminable should Tottenham not make it.

MEHSTG TOP MAN : – STEPHEN CARR.

Teams :
Spurs –  Ian Walker, Sol Campbell, Stephen Carr, Justin Edinburgh, Ramon Vega, Allan Nielsen, Steffen Freund, David Ginola (Andy Sinton 59), Steffen Iversen, Chris Armstrong (Les Ferdinand 60)
Manager :  George Graham
Wimbledon : –  Neil Sullivan, Kenny Cunningham, Chris Perry, Dean Blackwell, Ben Thatcher, Neil Ardley (Ceri Hughes 89), Michael Hughes  , Andy Roberts, Robbie Earle, Jason Euell (Carl Leaburn 83), Efan Ekoku
Manager : – Joe Kinnear
Ref. : – Steve Dunn  (Bristol)
Attendance : –  35 ,997

Only in the Cup can you relive the old days when you get drawn away at a lower league ground where you can stand and see your team play on a pitch like a ploughed field. This was it. What a disgrace Wimbledon are to the Premier League. If they sang “No-one Likes Us”, no-one would be surprised. The nature of the game came as no surprise either, with the Dons launching an aerial bombardment to try an unsettle the Spurs defence. However, a clever flick by Earle put Euell in after four minutes and his first shot was blocked by Walker, but as the ball looped up off his body, the England Under-21 striker could only head against the outside of the post. In the previous round the ball had fallen for Watford, this time not for Wimbledon. Later in the half, Carr cleared off the line when Leaburn had headed on a corner, but apart from that they offered little direct threat. Tottenham had a goal ruled out as the line judge called Iversen offside when he slipped home the rebound from Ginola’s fierce shot. Anderton had a rasping drive go not far wide early on and Carr dipped a forty yarder that had Sullivan scrambling across his goal. On the disciplinary front, Justin was cautioned for a late challenge and two Wombles were booked for late tackles also.

The second half was a bit better, but not a great deal. Either side of the home team’s goal, Armstrong had chances. The first a shot, following Iversen’s long run out of defence, which was saved and then Sullivan also denied him a diving header when Ginola whipped in a wicked cross from the right. Vega looked to be at fault for their goal, being beaten in the air, but Freund left Earle space to overhead kick the ball past Walker. The Spurs response was emphatic. Ginola seemed to be going nowhere, when he drifted right of centre and from twenty yards unleashed a rocket of a drive that whizzed into the net about a foot off the floor the whole way. Sullivan didn’t stand a chance. After that there were some worrying moments in the Tottenham defence with one Walker clearance smacking Vega in the face and luckily rebounding away from goal. At the other end the only worry was if Justinho would stay on the pitch; a tackle from behind bringing a stern lecture from the referee, but no second yellow with matching red.

So, a fifth game is added to the rubber and boy, oh, boy, how we all look forward to these matches with Wimbledon. Don’t go away now because there will be another one along in a minute …

MEHSTG TOP MAN : DAVID GINOLA

Teams :
Wimbledon – Neil Sullivan, Kenny Cunningham, Chris Perry, Dean Blackwell, Ben Thatcher, Neil Ardley  (Carl Cort 75), Michael Hughes  , Andy Roberts, Robbie Earle, Jason Euell (Ceri Hughes 86), Carl Leaburn
Subs not used. : –
Manager : – Joe Kinnear
Spurs –  Ian Walker, Sol Campbell, Stephen Carr, Justin Edinburgh  , Ramon Vega, Darren Anderton, Ruel Fox (Les Ferdinand 73), Steffen Freund, David Ginola, Steffen Iversen, Chris Armstrong
Subs not used : –
Ref. : – Dermot Gallagher  (Banbury, Oxfordshire)
Attendance : –  22,229

It may have been 0-0, but there were enough talking points in this match to keep us going. The early chances fell to Chris Armstrong, who headed successive crosses from Ginola against the post and low down forcing Sullivan to save. Apart from that the first half was all about the visitors strong-arm tactics in trying to rough Spurs up. Glad to say that it didn’t work apart from Sinton’s injury caused by Hartson’s horrendous studs up, over the top challenge which earned him a booking, but should have got him sent off. Even more so when a short time after he raked Freund down the back of his ankle. Wimbledon, in truth, created very little and that meant that Walker had a fairly solitary afternoon, just picking off the odd cross here and there.

The second half was little better football-wise, with the Dons hitting the long ball trying to unsettle the Tottenham back line and although Spurs tried to open them up, there were just too many bodies in the way for most of the time. Ginola set up Edinburgh with a back-heel and the defender’s run ended with the ball flashing across the face of the goal. Iversen headed just over and Freund had a couple of long range efforts fly too high. Freund was busy closing down and tying up the midfield and Taricco looked good going forward on his home debut when he replaced Clemence. The final whistle would have come as some relief for the football purist. But this is what we can expect in the next three encounters with the South London side. It won’t be pretty and Tottenham must show as much commitment as they did today and a darn sight more constraint.

Ginola had the Wimbledon defence terrified every time he ran at them. They proved this, by doubling up the marking on him and tugging at his shirt and flying in with tackles to try and put him off his game. The drag back that left Thatcher skidding off the pitch was a dream and the turn that left his two markers before he was strongly challenged in the box, a delight. He must, however, give some end product to his play and I’m sure that this will be what GG will emphasise to him over the coming week. His dribbling ability has the potential to win all the upcoming games against this lot, but his theatrical falls only serve to detract from what he does so well. It gave Kinnear the opportunity to deflect flak away from his side’s physical approach to the game and left the referee doubting any claim for fouls that would have been awarded to other players (i.e. the last foul, which should have been a free-kick on the edge of the box in a central position). Not only does he do himself a disservice by such actions, but he does the team out of set-pieces in dangerous areas. He must really concentrate on winding the opposition up by using his skill, rather than getting himself wound up by not being given free-kicks and penalties and going up to confront the ref at the end of the game. The scuffle between Chris Hughton and Mick Harford in the tunnel at the end of the match is a typical example of Wimbledon’s bully-boy tactics and it was good to see that the Spurs assistant coach was not intimidated by his opposite number at Wimbledon.

MEHSTG TOP MAN : – DAVID GINOLA

Teams :
Spurs : –  Ian Walker, Colin Calderwood (Ramon Vega 76), Sol Campbell, Stephen Carr, Justin Edinburgh, Stephen Clemence (Mauricio Taricco 71), Steffen Freund, David Ginola  , Andy Sinton (Ruel Fox 19), Steffen Iversen, Chris Armstrong
Subs not used : –
Manager : – George Graham
Wimbledon : –  Neil Sullivan, Kenny Cunningham  , Chris Perry, Dean Blackwell, Ben Thatcher, Marcus Gayle (Efan Ekoku 77), Neil Ardley (Mark Kennedy 75), Michael Hughes, Andy Roberts  , Robbie Earle, John Hartson    (Carl Leaburn 85).
Subs not used :
Manager : – Joe Kinnear
Attendance : –  32,422
Ref. :-  Mike Riley (Rotherham)

What a difference a summer makes. If I used rude words on this site, then I would be using a very rude one now after witnessing a pitiful display by Tottenham Hotspur. The first half saw Wimbledon take the initiative and attack from the start, with the ball regularly flying across the face of the Spurs goal. Sol Campbell had Tottenham’s first meaningful shot after about half an hour, but then Walker had to dash from his line to smother Earle’s shot when he was left free on the edge of the box. Spurs offered very little and looked disjointed, going in at half-time lucky to be level. It didn’t last long though, with the home side taking the lead just three minutes into the second half. A free-kick was swung in and Walker came to punch, but got nowhere near the ball, which Earle nodded in. He had a free header, as did Ekoku for the second, finishing off Hughes’ cross after he easily went past Carr. 

Walker partly made amends for his earlier error with good saves from Perry and Euell, but it was only then that Tottenham decided to start playing, with the introduction of Saib for the ineffectual Anderton being the spark they needed. His first touch was intercepted, but his second was a precise pass to Fox which opened up the Dons defence and was hit on the turn to pull a goal back. Fox had been booed by the Spurs fans for his lacklustre display and made a cupped hand to his ear gesture as the team lined up for the restart. Whilst not condoning booing of any Spurs player during a game, Fox had no right to respond in such a manner and will not endear himself to the Tottenham crowd if he continues to do so. David Ginola made his only telling contribution to the game (apart from getting booked for diving just a minute after the ref had warned him about it), when his mazy run into the box ended with a shot crashing against the bar and away from the goal. Ferdinand was anonymous for long periods, being easily knocked off the ball and his weak shot from three yards out summed up his performance. Armstrong had a header tipped over the bar and there were a few goalmouth scrambles as Vega was pushed upfront in an attempt to confuse the Wimbledon defence, but he only got in the way of the Spurs players. Then, against the run of play, a low cross into the Tottenham box in the last minute was knocked past Walker by Ekoku, who stole in front of a static Tramezzani. 

All in all, a pretty poor showing and on this evidence, a long hard season lays ahead.

MEHSTG TOP MAN : MOUSSA SAIB

Teams :
Wimbledon : –  Neil Sullivan, Kenny Cunningham, Chris Perry, Dean Blackwell, Alan Kimble, Jason Euell (Marcus Gayle 71), Neil Ardley (Peter Fear 82), Michael Hughes    (Duncan Jupp 83), Andy Roberts, Robbie Earle, Efan Ekoku .
Subs not used :
Manager : – Joe Kinnear
Spurs –  Ian Walker, Paolo Tramezzani, Ramon Vega, Sol Campbell, Stephen Carr, Nicola Berti (Allan Nielsen 57), Ruel Fox, Darren Anderton (Moussa Saib 72), David Ginola  , Chris Armstrong
Subs not used :
Manager : –  Christian Gross
Attendance : –  23,031
Ref. : – Graham Poll (Herts)

Spurs came into this game knowing that only a win would leave them safe from relegation.  With David Ginola striking a shot against a post and then with Tottenham going one up through a Ferdinand shot in the 18th minute that converted Anderton’s cross, they then went 1-2 down when Peter Fear who hadn’t scored for over a year hit two – the first a twenty-five yard volley in the 22nd minute.  The Dons midfielder powered home his second from close range on the half hour.

Jurgen Klinsmann got Spurs back into it before half time with a near post finish to Ginola’s low left wing cross and Tottenham had a man extra seven minutes after half time when Ben Thatcher (later to sign for Tottenham) wildly lunged at Allan Nielsen and was sent off.  

The extra space afforded to Spurs was used to good effect with good passing and Klinsmann scored three more before creating a goal for Moussa Saib to round things off with his only goal in Spurs colours.   After 55 minutes, Berti pounced on a McAllister mistake and fed Jurgen to hit the square pass past Sullivan, then he completed his hat-trick when Ferdinand headed on Walker’s 58th minute clearance and Klinsmann powered the ball home low into the net.  A drilled shot into the corner of the net two minutes later grabbed the German striker his fourth and then he turned provider, slipping a back-heeled pass through the Wimbledon defence to leave Saib the opportunity hit shoot in off the post for the sixth.

Although there was a mathematical chance that Tottenham could still go down, the performance in this game ensured their safety.

Teams :
Wimbledon –  Neil Sullivan, Alan Kimble, Ben Thatcher  , Chris Perry  , Brian McAllister, Andy Roberts, Michael Hughes, Jason Euell (Damien Francis 36), Peter Fear, Carl Leaburn (Marcus Gayle 46), Mark Kennedy (Ceri Hughes 63)
Subs not used :  Paul Heald, Efan Ekoku.
Spurs –  Ian Walker, Colin Calderwood, Sol Campbell, Stephen Carr, Ruel Fox, Allan Nielsen (Moussa Saib 72), Darren Anderton, Les Ferdinand (Chris Armstrong 61), David Ginola, Jurgen Klinsmann, Nicola Berti 
Subs not used :  Frode Grodas, John Scales, Stephen Clemence
Attendance : –  25,820
Referee : – Graham Barber (Tring, Hertfordshire)

What was I saying about Wimbledon being tight at the back ?? How could I ever have doubted our fine team and thought for a minute that they may succumb to such lowly foes ?? Even in their current predicament, they surely had enough class to do what was required ?? Well, as we all know now, they did. And how!! The game started well, with Spurs taking the fight to the home team. It took a while to make the breakthrough, when Ginola jinked around Thatcher and curled an exquisite shot against the right hand goalpost. The ball rebounded (for once) to Fox, who fed Anderton to cross for Klinsmann. Although slightly behind him, his header was superbly directed into the path of Ferdinand to prod past the slow-off-his-line Sullivan. All seemed well with the world, but like a bolt from the blue(s) came two rapier-like thrusts into the Spurs net. Let’s examine the evidence. Peter Fear had not played all season and hadn’t scored for three years. So, it was obvious that today was going to be his day, wasn’t it ?? In between, Walker had to pull off a smart tip over from a header and Berti had a header disallowed (rightly so) for offside, but, in truth, Spurs should have been strolling this one. It took a moment of classic Klinsmann to restore parity. Ginola again outwitted Thatcher and put in a low, near-post cross, that found Jurgen getting ahead of his marker and the keeper to glance home. Similar to his goal against West Ham, it gave Spurs heart. Going in at half-time, it was important to hear how the other matches were going, but the awful quality of the PA meant that you had to rely on whispers from those with radios and fill in the gaps yourself.

Ian Walker must wish he could play Wimbledon every week, because in the second half, I can’t remember him being called on to make a save at all. All the action was centred around the Dons goal and it all arose from one moment of madness. Ginola again beat the young right back to the ball and turning to run towards his own goal, was caught high on his shin by Fear. The ball had run to Nielsen, following up behind and before he knew it Thatcher was flying through the air two footed, straight at him. He was lucky to escape serious injury and the view of Robbie Earle on Sky TV the next day, that the ref was hasty and that Nielsen soon got up afterwards, was crass in the extreme. The red card was the only possible option for the referee and reduced to ten men, Wimbledon were reduced to chasing shadows, because Tottenham showed that it can be easier playing against ten men. Within three minutes, Berti had blocked McAllister’s clearance and it fell to Jurgen, who advanced into the box and shot past Sullivan. Four minutes after that, Ferdinand flicked on a long ball and Klinsmann turned across his marker to fire in his third. Then two minutes on, he was put in on goal by Les’ strong run and perceptive ball, to strike a left foot shot to notch his fourth of the game. He might have had five had his header from Anderton’s cross been a foot or so lower. But his contribution had not finished. He played a sublime back-heel back into Moussa Saib’s path and the Algerian ran on, slotting the ball into the net for his first Spurs goal. In fact, Spurs could have scored a few more, but were content for long periods to play possession football in the spring sunshine. Even Sol drove through the Dons midfield and onto the edge of the penalty area, before over-running the ball. But, it was a day like that. I remember, a few seasons back when we played at Selhurst against Wimbledon and we emerged 5-2 winners, with Gary Lineker responsible for four of them. The four today were possibly even better than Saint Gary’s haul, what with the pressure on the team and on Klinsmann in particular. On a day that every Spur played their part, perhaps a word of praise for Christian Gross. It was his team and his selection that won the day. For all the arguments about who should play and how, we saw Armstrong on the bench, Ginola out wide on the left, Calderwood in the back four and Anderton on the right. But on the day it worked for him. And while he has taken a lot of criticism for things over the last couple of months, he deserves some applause for keeping Spurs afloat.

Gary Sampson

The game finished 0-0, but Tottenham had most of the opportunities to score in this Premier League match at home to Wimbledon.  

Ginola and Dominguez tormented the Dons defence, creating openings for Ferdinand, Vega, Armstrong, Clemence and Nielsen to score, with the Portuguese winger also going close. The only chances made by the visitors came when Hughes hit the side-netting and Carl Cort shot wide form a good position.  Ruel Fox hit the post with a low shot, but the one time the ball went in the net, Cort was disappointed to see it chalked off for offside.  Michael Hughes went close on two occasions while Walker saved well from Ekoku.  However, the deadlock was not broken and a point each was the end result. 

Teams : –
Spurs –  Ian Walker, Stephen Carr, Sol Campbell, Gary Mabbutt, Ramon Vega, Jose Dominguez, Ruel Fox (Allan Nielsen 78), Stephen Clemence, David Ginola  , Chris Armstrong, Les Ferdinand
Subs not used :   Espen Baardsen, Colin Calderwood, John Scales, Andy Sinton
Wimbledon –  Neil Sullivan, Kenny Cunningham, Dean Blackwell, Chris Perry, Alan Kimble, Ceri Hughes, Robbie Earle, Michael Hughes, Vinnie Jones (Ben Thatcher 46), Carl Cort, Efan Ekoku (Jason Euell 83).
Subs not used :  Paul Heald, Marcus Gayle, Dean Holdsworth
Attendance : –  26,261
Referee : – Paul Durkin (Dorset)

Jason Dozzell’s second half header (and what turned out to be his last Spurs goal) from an Andy Sinton corner was enough to give Spurs the win in this Premier League match.  

It came in a match that Tottenham had dominated with Nielsen and Dozzell also having goals chalked off by the referee.  Sullivan kept out Sheringham, Rosenthal and Dozzell, while Campbell and Sinton also went close. In addition, Teddy Sheringham and Jason Dozzell also rattled the woodwork of the Wimbledon goal as Spurs kept their first clean sheet in the league against the Dons, thanks to a good save from Walker, who stopped Dean Holdsworth after good work from Leonhardsen.

Teams :
Spurs –  Ian Walker, Dean Austin, John Scales, Sol Campbell, Justin Edinburgh, Ruel Fox, Allan Nielsen, Andy Sinton, Jason Dozzell, Teddy Sheringham, Ronny Rosenthal
Subs not used :  Espen Baardsen, Stephen Carr, Stuart Nethercott, Colin Calderwood, Rory Allen
Manager : – Gerry Francis
Wimbledon –  Neil Sullivan, Alan Kimble, Chris Perry, Kenny Cunningham, Dean Blackwell, Vinnie Jones, Neal Ardley (Jon Goodman 87), Robbie Earle, Oyvind Leonhardsen, Dean Holdsworth, Marcus Gayle.
Subs not used :  Paul Heald, Brian McAllister, Mick Harford, Peter Fear
Manager : – Joe Kinnear
Attendance : –  32,654
Ref. : – Keith Burge (Tonypandy)
Linesmen : –  Mr. M .A. Williams (Herefordshire) – Red/Yellow flag; Mr. D. C. Griffiths (Carmarthenshire) – Yellow Flag
Reserve Official : – Mr. S. W. Ticknell (Hertfordshire)
Match Sponsor : – Directa (UK) Ltd
Associate Sponsor : –  Cole & Cole
Match Ball Sponsor : – Tupsley Pegasus Juniors FC
Programme Sponsors : – FIBI Bank (UK) Ltd.

Coming into the game without a goal or a point, it was some surprise when Wimbledon beat Spurs by a single goal in this Premier League match.   Rory Allen made his debut coming on for injured debutant Allan Nielsen at half-time, as Spurs were under-strength for this trip to Selhurst Park.  A third minute goal proved too much to come back from as Ardley’s cross was cleared back to him and his second effort was headed in by Robbie Earle.

Ian Walker did well to tip Vinnie Jones’ drive over the bar and then did well to keep out Efan Ekoku’s effort with the help of the post.  Spurs went close when Anderton’s half-volley grazed a post and things were made easier when Jones was dismissed after an hour for a second yellow card.  Sullivan kept out Sinton and Nethercott, while Rosenthal could not keep his effort on target, as the home side did enough to deny Tottenham.

Teams :
Wimbledon –  Neil Sullivan, Kenny Cunningham  , Brian McAllister, Chris Perry, Marcus Gayle (Mick Harford 79), Ben Thatcher, Neal Ardley, Vinnie Jones    , Robbie Earle, Efan Ekoku  (Andy Clarke 79), Jon Goodman (Alan Kimble 64).
Subs not used :
Spurs –  Ian Walker, Colin Calderwood  , Sol Campbell, Clive Wilson, Justin Edinburgh  , Darren Anderton (Stuart Nethercott 75), Ruel Fox, David Howells, Jason Dozzell  (Ronny Rosenthal 74), Allan Nielsen (Rory Allen 46), Andy Sinton  .
Subs not used :
Attendance : –  17,506
Ref. Steve Dunn (Bristol)

Rory Allen replacing Allan Nielsen was the first time a debutant had replaced another debutant in a League match for Tottenham.

Ruel Fox’s 85th minute header (yes a header !) won this match for Spurs at Selhurst Park, the adopted home of Wimbledon.

It was a turgid game, with both teams cancelling each other out until the closing minutes.  Colin Calderwood had cleared off the line and Ian Walker kept the Wombles out with some good saves, but with five minutes left, Teddy Sheringham put Chris Armstrong away and knocked his cross back into the goalmouth, where Fox rose to head past Paul Heald to take the points back to North London.

Teams :
Wimbledon –  Paul Heald, Kenny Cunningham, Alan Reeves, Chris Perry, Alan Kimble, Robbie Earle  , Oyvind Leonhardsen  , Efan Ekoku, Jon Goodman (Vinnie Jones 85), Mick Harford   (Marcus Gayle 73), Dean Holdsworth
Subs not used :  Hans Segers
Spurs –  Ian Walker, Colin Calderwood, Sol Campbell (Steve Slade 85), Clive Wilson, Gary Mabbutt, Ruel Fox, David Howells, Jason Dozzell (Justin Edinburgh 56), Chris Armstrong, Teddy Sheringham, Ronny Rosenthal.
Subs not used :  Chris Day
Ref. : – David Elleray (Harrow)
Attendance : –  16,193

Although players from each side scored twice, it was Tottenham who enjoyed a 3-1 home win, as one of the goals was put through his own net by Gary Elkins.

Chris Armstrong set up Sheringham for both goals and under pressure, Elkins headed past his own goalkeeper with Wimbledon’s goal coming before the half-time interval, as Vinnie Jones’ long throw found Marcus Gayle’s head.  The ball hit the bar and rebounded out for Robbie Earle to head into the net.   

Teams :
Spurs –  Ian Walker, Dean Austin, Colin Calderwood, Sol Campbell, Clive Wilson, Gary Mabbutt, Gerry McMahon, David Howells (Jason Dozzell 81), Chris Armstrong, Teddy Sheringham, Ronny Rosenthal.
Subs not used :  Erik Thorstvedt, Justin Edinburgh
Manager –  Gerry Francis
Wimbledon –  Paul Heald, Kenny Cunningham, Gary Elkins  , Chris Perry, Andy Thorn  , Marcus Gayle, Robbie Earle, Peter Fear (Jon Goodman 66), Vinnie Jones, Oyvind Leonhardsen (Andy Clarke  66), Dean Holdsworth
Subs not used :  Neal Ardley
Manager –  Joe Kinnear
Attendance : –  25,321
Ref.  Gerald Ashby (Worcestershire)

Jurgen Klinsmann’s second half goal was not enough to overcome Wimbledon who scored twice through Efan Ekoku.

Teams :
Spurs –  Ian Walker, Gheorghe Popescu (Dean Austin 39), Colin Calderwood, Sol Campbell (Ronny Rosenthal 39), Justin Edinburgh, Gary Mabbutt, Darren Anderton, David Howells, Nick Barmby, Jurgen Klinsmann, Teddy Sheringham.
Subs not used :  Erik Thorstvedt, Justin Edinburgh
Manager –  Gerry Francis
Subs not used :
Wimbledon –  Hans Segers, Warren Barton, Andy Thorn, Alan Reeves, Chris Perry, Alan Kimble, Kenny Cunningham, Peter Fear, Robbie Earle, Marcus Gayle, Efan Ekoku
Subs not used :
Manager –  Joe Kinnear
Attendance : –  27,258
Ref. : – Dermot Gallagher  (Banbury, Oxfordshire)

Teams :
Wimbledon –  Hans Segers, Alan Reeves (Chris Perry 24  [ 67]), Warren Barton, Alan Kimble, Scott Fitzgerald, Neal Ardley (Andy Clarke 72), Gary Elkins   26, Peter Fear   86, Steve Talboys, Mick Harford  16, Dean Holdsworth
Subs not used :
Manager –  Joe Kinnear
Spurs –  Ian Walker, Dean Austin, Gheorghe Popescu, Gary Mabbutt, Kevin Scott, David Kerslake, Ilie Dumitrescu  58 (Micky Hazard 81), Jason Dozzell, Darren Anderton  79, Jurgen Klinsmann, Teddy Sheringham  20.
Subs not used :  –
Manager –  Ossie Ardiles
Attendance : –  16,802
Ref. : – Mike Reed (-)

Teams :
Wimbledon – Hans Segers, John Scales, Dean Blackwell, Vinnie Jones (Chris Perry  59), Warren Barton, Gary Elkins, Peter Fear, Robbie Earle, Dean Holdsworth, Marcus Gayle, Andy Clarke (Gary Blissett  75)
Subs not used :  Neil Sullivan
Manager –  Joe Kinnear
Spurs –  Erik Thorstvedt, Dean Austin, Gary Mabbutt, Stuart Nethercott, Justin Edinburgh, Steve Sedgley (Ronny Rosenthal 65), Vinny Samways, Nick Barmby, David Howells, Darren Anderton (Micky Hazard 56), Teddy Sheringham.
Subs not used :  Ian Walker
Manager –  Ossie Ardiles
Attendance : –  20,875
Ref. : – David Allison (Lancashire)

A vicious challenge on Gary Mabbutt overshadowed the match, when he had to be stretchered off in the ninth minute of this 1-1 draw against Wimbledon. 

Nick Barmby’s fifth minute opener came about after David Howells had crafted the opportunity.  Losing Gary Mabbutt with a fractured skull in the seventh minute to a brutal challenge by Fashanu (which didn’t even bring a yellow card), Spurs battled against the odds, but Wimbledon drew level in the 71st minute, when Dean Holdsworth headed in.  However, Howells nearly got a winner when he hit an 86th minute shot against the post that bounced to safety.

Teams :
Spurs –   Erik Thorstvedt, Justin Edinburgh, Sol Campbell, Colin Calderwood, Gary Mabbutt (c) (Darren Caskey 7), Vinny Samways, Steve Sedgley, David Howells, Darren Anderton, Micky Hazard, Nicky Barmby
Subs not used :   Ian Walker, John Hendry
Wimbledon –   Hans Segers, Warren Barton  , Roger Joseph, John Scales, Neal Ardley, Greg Berry, Robbie Earle, Vinnie Jones  , Steve Talboys, John Fashanu, Dean Holdsworth
Subs not used :  Neil Sullivan, Scott Fitzgerald, Andy Clarke
Manager –  Joe Kinnear
Ref : – Keith Hackett (Sheffield)
Attendance : –  17,744

Another match that finished all square in the Premier League in this season as Spurs drew at White Hart Lane with Wimbledon. 

A 38th minute goal by Darren Anderton put Tottenham ahead in the derby, but Spurs were pegged back by a strike from Robbie Earle after 62 minutes. Tottenham’s cause was assisted by Brian McAllister’s red card awarded for a bad foul on Paul Allen, but the team couldn’t make the extra man count.

Teams :
Spurs –  Ian Walker, Steve Sedgley, Pat van den Hauwe, Stuart Nethercott (Lee Hodges 80), Neil Ruddock, Gary Mabbutt, Paul Allen (Andy Gray 60), Darren Anderton, Vinny Samways, Andy Turner, Teddy Sheringham
Subs not used :  Kevin Dearden
Manager –  Doug Livermore
Wimbledon –  Hans Segers, Warren Barton, Brian McAllister  , Scott Fitzgerald, John Scales, Neal Ardley, Robbie Earle, Vinnie Jones, Andy Clarke (Lawrie Sanchez 65), John Fashanu, Dean Holdsworth   (Paul McGee 81).
Subs not used :  Paul Kee
Manager –  Joe Kinnear
Attendance : –   24,473
Ref. :-  Ray Lewis (Great Bookham)

Spurs’ three goal first half blast shocked Wimbledon in this FA Cup Fifth Round tie and gave them a mountain to climb, although they did stage a second half comeback.

Anderton’s powerful drive and two goals from Nicky Barmby, one a diving header, put Tottenham in the driving seat, but a second half resurgence sparked goals from Gerard Dobbs and substitute Steve Cotterill made it interesting, but with the with the second goal coming into injury time, there was no realistic way that the Dons would salvage a draw.

Teams :
Spurs –  Erik Thorstvedt, Dean Austin, Neil Ruddock, Gary Mabbutt, Justin Edinburgh, Paul Allen, Darren Anderton, David Howells, Vinny Samways, Nick Barmby, Teddy Sheringham
Subs not used :
Wimbledon –  Hans Segers, Paul McGee, Gerald Dobbs, (Steve Cotterill).
Subs not used :
Attendance : –   26,529

A 37th minute opener for Wimbledon by former Spurs striker Terry Gibson was wiped out by substitute Nicky Barmby’s equaliser three minutes into the second half.  

Teams :
Wimbledon –  Hans Segers, Warren Barton, Alan McLeary, Roger Joseph, Scott Fitzgerald, Robbie Earle, Vinnie Jones  , John Fashanu, Steve Cotterill, Terry Gibson (Brian McAllister 79), Andy Clarke (Dean Holdsworth 67).
Subs not used :  Neil Sullivan
Manager –  Joe Kinnear
Spurs –  Ian Walker (Erik Thorstvedt  46), Dean Austin, Neil Ruddock  , Justin Edinburgh, Gary Mabbutt, Paul Allen, Nayim, Steve Sedgley, Vinny Samways, Gordon Durie (Nick Barmby 47), Teddy Sheringham
Subs not used :  David Howells
Manager –  Doug Livermore
Attendance : –   8,628
Ref. : – Allan Gunn

Teams :
Spurs –  Ian Walker, Pat van den Hauwe, Jason Cundy, Justin Edinburgh, Gary Mabbutt, Paul Allen, Nayim, Andy Gray (Steve Sedgley), Paul Stewart, Gary Lineker, Paul Walsh (John Hendry)
Subs not used :
Manager –  Peter Shreeve
Wimbledon –   Hans Segers, Warren Barton, John Scales, Terry Phelan, Roger Joseph (Scott Fitzgerald), Lawrie Sanchez, Paul Miller, Robbie Earle, Paul McGee (Gerald Dobbs), John Fashanu, Andy Clarke.
Subs not used :
Attendance : –   23,934
Ref. : – Tom Fitzharris

Gary Lineker’s four goal haul helped Spurs overcome a spirited Wimbledon performance.

Tottenham went a goal down after just five minutes, with Gudni Bergsson bringing down Paul McGee and Fashanu hitting home the spot-kick.  Six minutes later, Gordon Durie’s long throw was volleyed home with great power by Lineker and a penalty for a foul in the box gave the Spurs striker his second on 32 minutes.  A deep run by Vinny Samways beat the Dons’ offside trap and he slotted home after going past Hans Segers with ease.

It took only a minute of the second half for Gary to complete his hat-trick heading home Nayim’s corner flicked on by Durie at the near post and then a link-up between Samways and Nayim gave Lineker the opportunity to curl the ball in from a narrow angle in the 56th minute.  Although Alan Cork (60) and Micky Bennett (77) scored late on, the score-line flattered the home side at the finish.

Teams :
Wimbledon –  Hans Segers, Warren Barton, John Scales, Terry Phelan, Roger Joseph, Scott Fitzgerald (Alan Cork), Mickey Bennett, Vaughan Ryan, Robbie Earle, Paul McGee (Andy Clarke), John Fashanu.
Subs not used :
Manager –  Ray Harford
Spurs –  Ian Walker, Gudni Bergsson, Steve Sedgley, Gary Mabbutt, Pat van den Hauwe, Vinny Samways, Paul Allen (Ian Hendon), Nayim, Paul Stewart, Gordon Durie, Gary Lineker
Subs not used :   David Howells
Manager –  Peter Shreeve
Attendance : –  11,927
Ref. : – Paul Vanes (Reading)

Teams :
Wimbledon –  Hans Segers, Warren Barton, John Scales, Terry Phelan, Detsi Kruszynski (Alan Cork), Roger Joseph, Keith Curle, Dean Blackwell, Paul McGee (Lawrie Sanchez), John Fashanu, Terry Gibson.
Subs not used :
Manager –  Ray Harford
Spurs –  Erik Thorstvedt, Mitchell Thomas, Gudni Bergsson, Justin Edinburgh, Gary Mabbutt, Paul Allen, Nayim (Phil Gray), Steve Sedgley, Vinny Samways, John Moncur, Gary Lineker
Subs not used :
Manager –  Terry Venables
Attendance : –  10,500

Tottenham worked hard to match Wimbledon’s physical approach and came out on top with some very good football to earn a 4-2 win.

It was Paul Stewart who gave Tottenham a 10th minute lead when he headed in Paul Gascoigne’s corner, but in the 26th minute, Alan Cork equalised and then Paul McGee scored from long range to give them a 2-1 advantage.  However, it was 2-2 by the interval, with Gary Mabbutt heading in.

Having come off the bench, Paul Walsh made it 3-2 when he scored from Paul Allen’s cross five minutes from time and to rub salt into the Wombles’ wounds, there was still time for Gary Lineker to put away a penalty after Nayim had been fouled inside the area.

Teams :
Spurs –  Erik Thorstvedt, Pat van den Hauwe (Justin Edinburgh 46), Mitchell Thomas, Gary Mabbutt, Paul Allen, Nayim, Paul Stewart, Steve Sedgley (Paul Walsh 76), Paul Gascoigne, David Howells, Gary Lineker
Manager –  Terry Venables
Wimbledon –  Hans Segers, Warren Barton (Lawrie Sanchez 46), John Scales, Terry Phelan (Aidan Newhouse 74), Detsi Kruszynski, Roger Joseph, Keith Curle, Dean Blackwell, Paul McGee, Alan Cork, Terry Gibson.
Subs not used :  –
Manager –  Ray Harford
Attendance : –  28,769
Referee : – Allan Gunn (Sussex).

Teams :
Wimbledon –  Hans Segers, Eric Young, Terry Phelan, Detsi Kruszynski, Clive Goodyear, Keith Curle, Dennis Wise (Scott Fitzgerald), Vaughan Ryan, Paul Miller, John Fashanu, Steve Anthrobus (Alan Cork).
Subs not used :
Manager –  Bobby Gould
Spurs –  Erik Thorstvedt, Pat van den Hauwe (Mitchell Thomas), John Polston, Gudni Bergsson (Vinny Samways), Paul Allen, Nayim, Paul Stewart, Steve Sedgley, Paul Gascoigne, David Howells, Gary Lineker
Subs not used :
Manager –  Terry Venables
Attendance : –  12,800

Teams :
Spurs –  Erik Thorstvedt, Pat van den Hauwe, Mitchell Thomas, Gudni Bergsson, Gary Mabbutt, Paul Walsh (Paul Stewart), Steve Sedgley, Vinny Samways (Paul Allen), Paul Gascoigne, David Howells, Gary Lineker
Subs not used :
Manager – Terry Venables
Wimbledon –  Hans Segers, Eric Young, Terry Phelan, Roger Joseph, Keith Curle, Dennis Wise, Lawrie Sanchez, Vaughan Ryan, Paul Miller, Carlton Fairweather, Terry Gibson (Alan Cork).
Subs not used :
Manager –  Bobby Gould
Attendance : –  26,876

Teams :
Wimbledon –  Hans Segers, Eric Young, John Scales, Terry Phelan, Roger Joseph, Garry Brooke (Carlton Fairweather), Dennis Wise, Lawrie Sanchez, Paul Miller, Vinnie Jones, John Fahsanu.
Subs not used :
Manager –  Bobby Gould
Spurs –  Erik Thorstvedt, Guy Butters, Terry Fenwick, Chris Hughton, Gary Mabbutt, Paul Allen, Paul Stewart, Paul Walsh, Paul Gascoigne, David Howells, Chris Waddle
Subs not used :
Manager – Terry Venables
Attendance : –   12,366

Teams :
Spurs –  Bobby Mimms, Chris Fairclough, Mitchell Thomas, Gary Stevens (Guy Butters), Terry Fenwick, Gary Mabbutt, Paul Stewart, Paul Moran, Paul Gascoigne, Vinny Samways, Chris Waddle
Subs not used :
Manager – Terry Venables
Wimbledon –  Hans Segers, Eric Young, John Scales, Terry Phelan, Roger Joseph, Keith Curle, Dennis Wise (Carlton Fairweather), Lawrie Sanchez, Paul Miller, Vinnie Jones, John Fahsanu (Alan Cork).
Subs not used :
Manager –  Bobby Gould
Attendance : –   23,589

Teams :
Wimbledon –   Dave Beasant, Eric Young, Andy Thorn, Terry Phelan, Clive Goodyear (John Scales), Dennis Wise, Lawrie Sanchez, Vinnie Jones, Terry Gibson, John Fahsanu, Alan Cork.
Manager –  Bobby Gould
Spurs – Bobby Mimms, Brian Statham, Chris Fairclough, Mitchell Thomas, Terry Fenwick, Gary Mabbutt, Paul Allen, Paul Walsh, Vinny Samways, Ossie Ardiles (Steve Hodge), Clive Allen
Subs not used :
Manager – Terry Venables
Attendance : –  8,616

Teams :
Spurs –  Tony Parks, Chris Fairclough, Mitchell Thomas (Shaun Close), Chris Hughton, Gary Stevens, Gary Mabbutt, Paul Allen, Vinny Samways (Neil Ruddock), Ossie Ardiles, Nico Claesen, Clive Allen
Subs not used :
Manager – Terry Venables
Wimbledon –  Dave Beasant, Andy Thorn, Brian Gayle, Kevin Bedford, Clive Goodyear, Vaughan Ryan, Lawrie Sanchez, John Gannon, Carlton Fairweather, Terry Gibson (Alan Cork), John Fahsanu.
Subs not used :
Manager –  Bobby Gould
Attendance : –   22,282

Teams :
Wimbledon –  Dave Beasant, Nigel Winterburn, Andy Thorn, Brian Gayle, Dennis Wise, Vaughan Ryan, Glyn Hodges, Vinnie Jones, Kevin Gage, Alan Cork (Mark Morris), John Fahsanu.
Subs not used :
Manager –  Dave Bassett
Spurs –  Ray Clemence, Tim O’Shea, John Polston, Mitchell Thomas, Neil Ruddock, Richard Gough, Mark Bowen, Paul Allen, Tony Galvin, Ossie Ardiles, Nico Claesen (Clive Allen)
Subs not used :
Manager –  David Pleat
Attendance : –  7,917

Teams :
Wimbledon –  Dave Beasant, Nigel Winterburn, Andy Thorn, Brian Gayle, Dennis Wise, Vaughan Ryan, Glyn Hodges, Vinnie Jones, Kevin Gage, Alan Cork (Mark Morris), John Fahsanu.
Subs not used :
Manager –  Dave Bassett
Spurs –  Ray Clemence, Richard Gough, Mitchell Thomas, Gary Mabbutt, Gary Stevens (Neil Ruddock), Paul Allen, Ossie Ardiles (Nico Claesen), Glenn Hoddle, Steve Hodge, Chris Waddle, Clive Allen
Manager : – David Pleat
Attendance : –  15,636

Teams :
Spurs –  Ray Clemence, Richard Gough, Graham Roberts, Mitchell Thomas, Gary Mabbutt, Gary Stevens (Ossie Ardiles), Paul Allen, Nico Claesen, Glenn Hoddle, Chris Waddle, Clive Allen
Subs not used :
Manager : – David Pleat
Wimbledon –  Dave Beasant, Nigel Winterburn, Andy Thorn, John Kay, Brian Gayle, Andrew Clement (Kevin Gage), Lawrie Sanchez, Steve Galliers, Carlton Fairweather, John Fahsanu, Alan Cork.
Subs not used :
Manager –  Dave Bassett
Attendance : –  21,820

Wimbledon travelled to White Hart Lane for a League Cup Third Round tie, but The Wombles found Spurs in an unforgiving mood.

Both sides had chances in the first half of attacking play, but it was only in the 56th minute that Gary Mabbutt rose to head home Glenn Hoddle’s free-kick.  Then the second goal followed soon after when David Leworthy netted from close range to seal the win and to see Spurs through to Round 4.

Teams :
Spurs –  Ray Clemence, Gary Stevens, Chris Hughton, Graham Roberts, Paul Miller, Steve Perryman (c), Richard Cooke (David Leworthy), Mark Falco, Gary Mabbutt, Glenn Hoddle, Chris Waddle
Wimbledon –  Dave Beasant, John Kay, Nigel Winterburn, Steve Galliers, Mick Smith, Andy Thorn, Stewart Evans (Wally Downes), Alan Cork, Ian Holloway, Lawrie Sanchez, Glyn Hodges.
Attendance : –   16,919

Teams :
Spurs –  Barry Daines, Jimmy Homes, Terry Naylor, Keith Osgood, Steve Perryman, Glenn Hoddle, Neil McNab, John Pratt, Peter Taylor, John Duncan, Chris Jones
Wimbledon –
Attendance : –   22,807