Cardiff fail to thrill

Cardiff 0 Tottenham 0

Michael Chopra missed a wonderful opportunity to give Cardiff a first-half lead in their FA Cup third-round clash against Tottenham.

The former Newcastle striker raced through for the Coca-Cola Championship side in the 15th minute following a poor back-header from Young-Pyo Lee, but his finish drifted wide.

Bluebirds goalkeeper Neil Alexander was forced to save from Dimitar Berbatov, but it remained goalless at the break at Ninian Park.

Alexander was forced to save midway through the half when Pascal Chimbonda’s free-kick broke to Berbatov on the edge of the area, and the Bluebirds goalkeeper held on at the second attempt.

Robinson fumbled an off-target effort by Steve Thompson, while Davenport had to head clear in his own six-yard area when Chopra crossed dangerously from the right.

Chopra crossed again from that flank in the 32nd minute after making the most of indecision in the Spurs midfield, but Thompson was inches from connecting with a finish.

Thompson sliced a shot wide after the restart, then Defoe missed the target when he was played behind the Cardiff defence by Steed Malbranque.

Joe Ledley stabbed over for the hosts after another cross from Chopra, in the 55th minute, while Riccardo Scimeca fired wide on the hour mark.

D

efoe got on the end of a lofted through-ball from Tom Huddlestone but could not get an effort on goal. Alexander then punched clear in the 63rd minute when Defoe charged in on goal to chase a Berbatov flick.

Despite the Spurs pressure, Cardiff remained a threat and Thompson had a long-range effort fly over.

Spurs brought on Lennon after 67 minutes, replacing Danny Murphy.