Keane strike sees Spurs lead

Blackburn 0, Tottenham 1 (half-time)

Robbie Keane’s superb strike set the scene for a first half dominated by visitors Tottenham.

Henning Berg made an important interception to block Sheringham after a menacing Spurs break, and when the striker had another chance he sent a diving header wide.

Dunn came close to matching Keane’s strike when he cut inside from the right and unleashed a venomous shot from the edge of the penalty area which glided just past a post, then Duff sliced over after some neat skill had carved open the Spurs defence.

Tugay, normally so good in possession, lost the ball again to set up a Tottenham counter-attack which could easily have ended in a goal had there been any quality in Simon Davies’ centre.

With the half drawing to a close, Thompson curled a free-kick not too far wide with Keller anticipating a cross. Cole did scuff the ball into the net soon after, but it was ruled out for offside.