Spurs edge past Reading
Ivar Ingimarsson challenges goal hero Robbie Keane
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Sunday, 01, Apr 2007 07:35
A Robbie Keane penalty gave Tottenham a 1-0 win over Reading at White Hart Lane, boosting Spurs' hopes of securing a Uefa Cup spot.
The first half spot kick seemed harsh on the away side after Greg Halford, making his first Premiership start for the Royals, was deemed to have handled the ball inside the box.
Earlier Steed Malbranque had clipped the post with a firmly-struck effort before both Keane and the in-form Dimitar Berbatov wasted chances with just Reading keeper Marcus Hahnemann to beat
The early attempts set the tone for a pulsating encounter that was dominated for long periods by the home side.
But Reading had opportunities of their own, Leroy Lita seeing a first half header come back off the post after Glen Little had found him in the box.
Dave Kitson also went close but Steve Coppell's side nonetheless had Hahnemann to thank for a series of saves which kept Reading in the game.
But Hahnemann was unable to prevent Keane from dispatching the penalty, and worse was to follow for the away side when an injury to the American forced Coppell to bring on reserve keeper Adam Federici at half time.
Federici was making his Premiership debut, and found himself in at the deep end as Malbranque went close again and Jermaine Jenas had a goal ruled out for offside.
Substitute Jermain Defoe was also guilty of several misses but Reading were unable to turn the tables and now sit four points behind their sixth-placed opponents.