Keane effect as Spurs go through

LATE goals from Gareth Bale and Tom Huddlestone earned victory for Tottenham in their Carling Cup third round clash against Middlesbrough at White Hart Lane last night.

Spurs played 21 cup games last season and with boss Martin Jol under intense pressure following a dismal start to the season, the hunt for silverware is at least giving his side the chance to build momentum.

Two of their three victories this season have come in cup competitions — but getting out of the bottom three of the Premier League is the immediate priority.

The win was still welcomed by Jol. Bale rounded goalkeeper Brad Jones for the opener with 18 minutes remaining and Huddlestone headed in the second three minutes later.

Jones had frustrated Spurs with a polished performance, while Boro threatened from set-pieces, and in the end it was the substitution of Robbie Keane coming on for Jermain Defoe that proved the decisive moment.

Spurs skipper Paul Robinson was tested early on by Fabio Rochemback’s long-range drive and Chris Riggott wasted a glorious chance at the end of the first half when he volleyed over, but the rest of the opening period saw the hosts push forward and apply pressure.

Boro keeper Jones, in the side instead of Mark Schwarzer, kept the scores level when Younes Kaboul flicked on Bale’s free-kick, and he also tipped a Defoe header onto the bar before the break after Tainio’s effort deflected into the striker’s path.

Spurs have looked suspect from dead-ball situations all season and they were shaky again after the break when Tom Craddock, a half-time substitute, was found unmarked from a corner but could not direct an effort on goal.

At the other end, Jones saved from a Bale free-kick after Jenas was fouled by Andrew Taylor 25 yards out, then David Wheater had to time a challenge on Aaron Lennon to perfection when the winger took the ball into the penalty area.

Defoe tested Jones again, with a diving header from Pascal Chimbonda’s cross, before being withdrawn with jeers ringing around White Hart Lane.

Defoe looked angry at being taken off but the substitution was the catalyst for Spurs’ late goals.

Keane, brought on for Defoe, sent Bale through and the left-back rounded Jones and squeezed home his finish from a tight angle.

The second goal came when Lennon cut inside Rochemback and found Huddlestone, who tucked away his header.

TOTTENHAM: Robinson, Chimbonda, Kaboul, Dawson, Bale, Lennon, Jenas (Zokora 69), Huddlestone, Tainio, Berbatov, Defoe (Keane 69).

MIDDLESBROUGH: Jones, Young (Davies 80), Riggott, Wheater, Taylor, Cattermole, Boateng, Rochemback (Owens 76), Shawky (Craddock 46), Downing, Lee.