Spurs go the extra to dismiss Port Vale

TOM HUDDLESTONE proved the difference as Tottenham came from behind to grab an extra-time win to reach the Carling Cup quarter-finals at Port Vale’s expense.

The League One side had scented an upset when Leon Constantine scored after 63 minutes, but Spurs were level in the fourth-round tie when Huddlestone’s free-kick appeared to be glanced in off the Vale striker.

England U-21 midfielder Huddlestone then drove home eight minutes into extra-time, and Jermain Defoe settled the fourth-round tie when he slid in for a third.

The result was particularly harsh on goalkeeper Mark Goodlad, who had denied the Premiership side with a number of fine saves as Vale impressed against Martin Jol’s team at White Hart Lane.

Defoe almost broke the deadlock in the 25th minute. The England striker picked the ball up on the halfway line before gliding past Sonner and attempting to chip Goodlad from 30 yards, with the goalkeeper getting back to tip the ball around the post.

In the second half Constantine had an overhead kick drift wide to underline the visitors’ threat, and home fans called for Aaron Lennon’s introduction off the bench.

Defoe had another effort on goal, after 56 minutes, and was even closer to breaking the deadlock. Goodlad was forced to tip around the post at full stretch as Defoe drove to cap a sweeping move.

Lennon was brought on with 28 minutes left, replacing Malbranque, but Vale were ahead with their next attack.

Constantine prodded home from close range after Spurs had failed to clear and Akpo Sodje headed the ball back into the danger area.

Defoe shot wide with 13 minutes remaining, but Spurs were level moments later as Huddlestone’s free-kick from the left flank drifted in as Dervite and Constantine tussled. Huddlestone claimed the goal although it may have come off the Vale player.

Goodlad tipped over from Berbatov, but he had no answer to Huddlestone’s drive eight minutes into extra-time.

Davids’ cross broke to Berbatov who laid the ball back to Huddlestone 25 yards out, whose drive flew in off a Sonner deflection.

Defoe’s goal came in the second period of extra-time when he slid in to meet Ifil’s cross, adding gloss to the scoreline.

TOTTENHAM: Cerny, Ifil, Dawson, Dervite, Young-Pyo Lee, Murphy (Ghaly 70), Davids, Huddlestone, Malbranque (Lennon 63), Defoe, Barcham (Berbatov 66).

PORT VALE: Goodlad, Pilkington, Miles, Walker, Abbey, Harsley, Jeff Smith (Cardle 104), Whitaker, Sonner (Gardner 104), Constantine, Sodje (Husbands 104).

Referee: S Bennett (Kent).