|
|
Leeds United 1-3 Tottenham: Jermain Defoe hat-trick sends Spurs into FA Cup fifth round
England striker finally ends League One side's dogged resistance at Elland Road...
3 Feb 2010 21:40:00
By Alan McGuinness
A hat-trick from Jermain Defoe ensured Tottenham Hotspur progressed to the Fifth Round of the FA Cup at the expense of Leeds United.
The away side started with plenty of intent and had no trouble creating chances. Sebastian Bassong and Peter Crouch were the first to spurn opportunities for the visitors.
Michael Doyle had the home side's first sniff of goal with 13 minutes on the clock, forcing Gomes to make a save.
As the first half developed it seemed as if Jermain Defoe and Casper Ankergren were having their own personal duel.
The Danish keeper first squared up to the England man in the 12th minute, but the Spurs striker fired his shot wide.
Then 10 minutes later Defoe was put clean through by Jermaine Jenas. With just the keeper to beat, he fired straight at Ankergren.
With half an hour on the clock the situation was repeated. This time Lubomir Michalik stopped Defoe in his tracks before he could get his shot away, and despite appeals for a free kick from the visitors nothing was given.
After 34 minutes Defoe tested Ankergren again, and then he finally got his goal.
David Bentley, taking advantage of a rare run in the Spurs side, beat Andy Hughes down the right wing and pulled the ball back for Defoe. With his back to goal the striker turned and hit a rather sliced shot that looped fortunately in under the bar.
Then on the stroke of half time Leeds levelled matters. Jermaine Beckford's shot was acrobatically blocked by Gomes and Luciano Becchio was on hand to tap in.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first.
Defoe resumed his duel with Ankergren minutes after the restart, nearly beating the big Dane with a dipping shot.
Bentley was the fulcrum of the majority of his side's attacking verve, setting up chances for Defoe, Crouch and Kranjcar and also having a shot on goal himself.
Defoe thought he had given Tottenham the lead after 67 minutes but he was offside.
He didn't have to wait long to grab what proved to be the winning goal. To no great surprise Bentley was the provider for his compatriot, and Defoe steered the cross into the net. With the score at 2-1 Spurs led the tie for the fourth time overall.
The bar denied Crouch a third, before Defoe sealed his hat trick.
He raced clear as Leeds searched for an equaliser, rounded Ankergren and prodded home.
The dream is over for Leeds United, but it has been an incredible journey.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
The away side started with plenty of intent and had no trouble creating chances. Sebastian Bassong and Peter Crouch were the first to spurn opportunities for the visitors.
Michael Doyle had the home side's first sniff of goal with 13 minutes on the clock, forcing Gomes to make a save.
As the first half developed it seemed as if Jermain Defoe and Casper Ankergren were having their own personal duel.
The Danish keeper first squared up to the England man in the 12th minute, but the Spurs striker fired his shot wide.
Then 10 minutes later Defoe was put clean through by Jermaine Jenas. With just the keeper to beat, he fired straight at Ankergren.
With half an hour on the clock the situation was repeated. This time Lubomir Michalik stopped Defoe in his tracks before he could get his shot away, and despite appeals for a free kick from the visitors nothing was given.
After 34 minutes Defoe tested Ankergren again, and then he finally got his goal.
David Bentley, taking advantage of a rare run in the Spurs side, beat Andy Hughes down the right wing and pulled the ball back for Defoe. With his back to goal the striker turned and hit a rather sliced shot that looped fortunately in under the bar.
Then on the stroke of half time Leeds levelled matters. Jermaine Beckford's shot was acrobatically blocked by Gomes and Luciano Becchio was on hand to tap in.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first.
Defoe resumed his duel with Ankergren minutes after the restart, nearly beating the big Dane with a dipping shot.
Bentley was the fulcrum of the majority of his side's attacking verve, setting up chances for Defoe, Crouch and Kranjcar and also having a shot on goal himself.
Defoe thought he had given Tottenham the lead after 67 minutes but he was offside.
He didn't have to wait long to grab what proved to be the winning goal. To no great surprise Bentley was the provider for his compatriot, and Defoe steered the cross into the net. With the score at 2-1 Spurs led the tie for the fourth time overall.
The bar denied Crouch a third, before Defoe sealed his hat trick.
He raced clear as Leeds searched for an equaliser, rounded Ankergren and prodded home.
The dream is over for Leeds United, but it has been an incredible journey.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory
Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
-
The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution
The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market
-
Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday
