Defoe puts Spurs through to semis
Defoe scored the vital goal as the Premiership side avoided embarrassment
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Charlton Athletic's dismal season stumbled to a new low with a 1-0 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers that saw the League Two side advance to the last four of the Carling Cup. |  |
Wednesday, 20, Dec 2006 10:47
Jermaine Defoe scored the winner for Tottenham as they beat Southend 1-0 in the Carling Cup but they needed extra-time to do it.
Defoe's goal came in the 114th minute and was set up by Mido, his cross from the left found Defoe in the centre of the goal and he finished decisively, just as the game looked to be heading for penalties.
Martin Jol fielded a strong side despite being forced into changes due to injuries but the Championship side proved to be a match for the north London giants.
In what was a true cup-tie, the visitors were competitive in midfield and the game in the first period was played at a fast pace.
Defoe created Spurs' best chance of the first half for Mido, the Egyptian striker's volley from 12 yards out hit the bar and bounced to safety.
Jamal Campbell-Ryce came close to scoring for Southend in the 45th minute after Freddie Eastwood's shot fell to him on the edge of the area but Paul Stalteri got in a saving block as it headed towards goal.
As the game wore on Southend's confidence increased as they seemed capable of keeping Spurs' opportunities to a minimum without creating any clear chances for themselves.
Tottenham's 19-year-old midfielder Tom Huddlestone tested Southend goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan with a free kick and another drive from outside the area but the home side's chances were limited and Dimitar Berbatov was brought off the bench to add a cutting edge.
Spurs eventually showed enough force up front when two of their three strikers combined for the goal that sent them through to the last four.