Tottenham and Blackburn stroll through
Robbie Keane delights Martin Jol with decisive strike
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Thursday, 28, Sep 2006 10:47
Both Tottenham and Blackburn Rovers made it into the second round of the Uefa Cup, ensuring that impressive away results were followed by professional second-leg displays.
Spurs made progress thanks to 1-0 win over Slavia Prague, although the margin of victory could have been greater had the solitary goalscorer, Robbie Keane, made better use of the chances that came his way.
By half-time the Republic of Ireland marksman still hadn't broken his duck for the season in spite of a trio of opportunities.
As the Czech visitors pressed forward after the break hoping to cancel out Spurs first-leg advantage, it looked as if that profligacy may cost the north Londoners.
Paul Robinson denied Pavel Fort and David Hubacek with smart saves, before Keane stole a yard of space and zapped a shot into the corner of the net on 80 minutes.
Mark Hughes' Blackburn side made lighter work of their return tie against Red Bull Salzburg winning 2-0 to take the contest 4-2 on aggregate.
Benni McCarthy added to the strike he registered in Austria with a well-taken effort to put Rovers ahead after 32 minutes.
Twisting round Thomas Linke, McCarthy held off the defender's attempt to recover before thrashing the ball past Timo Ochs.
David Bentley eased any lingering concerns amongst the home support when he smashed home Shabani Nonda's lay-off from 25 yards.