Keane brace seals Spurs win

Monday, 27, Mar 2006 10:46

Two late Robbie Keane goals saw Tottenham overcome West Bromwich Albion, after going behind in the first half.

Bryan Robson's side started the sharper and capitalised on their bright spell when defender Curtis Davies powerfully headed home a Jonathan Greening cross.

After the interval, Martin Jol's side increased the pressure and with 22 minutes remaining, Michael Carrick put Keane through to deftly chip in the equaliser.

A stern Baggies defence almost held on for a draw, until Jermaine Defoe was fouled by keeper Tomasz Kuszczak and Keane duly slotted home a penalty in the dying minutes.

The 2-1 win sees Tottenham consolidate their hold on the fourth Champions League spot, three points clear of Blackburn and five ahead of Arsenal, who have a game in hand.

West Brom stay one place above the relegation zone, three points ahead of both Birmingham and Portsmouth.

England hopeful Defoe started his second game in succession alongside Keane, though relegation pressure saw Robson's side press for an opener.

The breakthrough came when Nathan Ellington was adjudged to have been fouled by Michael Carrick and won a free kick, which Greening crossed for Davies to nod the ball past Paul Robinson.

Before half-time, the home side drew some smart stops from the Baggies keeper but failed to find the net.

In the second half, Jol announced his attacking intent by throwing on Mido, whose first contribution was a shot that flashed past the post.

The pressure finally told on 67 minutes when Carrick's pass found Keane, who subtly flicked the ball over the Albion keeper.

Defoe chased a poor back pass in the 89th minute, before being untidily tackled by Kuszczak in the area.

Robbie Keane made no mistake from the spot to seal the victory for Spurs.