Robbo saves the day

Last updated : 18 February 2005 By Alistair Murray

Paul Robinson almost single-handedly kept Spurs in the fourth round replay at White Hart Lane on Saturday as the home side began the game in lacklustre fashion.

Jol redressed the team’s balance at the interval, by changing to a more orthodox formation. Spurs immediately controlled the game and eased towards clinching a fifth round tie with Nottingham Forest in a repeat of the 1991 finale.

Robinson’s fine performance had prevented Bryan Robson’s side running away with the tie in the first half. Spurs again conceding early on before scoring three times themselves, were fortunate to avoid the defeat and premature exit from a competition they last won 14 years ago.

In the first half Spurs lacked shape allowing the visitors to repeatedly threaten Ledley King and Anthony Gardner. King is in need of a rest but with Nourredine Naybet also struggling after a lengthy run in the side, the Moroccan, who is more than ten years King’s senior was replaced by Gardner who was returning from a broken nose. However, it was left to Robinson as the most effective line of defence as the England keeper kept Spurs in the cup-tie.

"At my age to be playing in the team I am now, and to be playing for England as well means I still have five more years until I'm 30. Although I feel I'm playing the best football of my career hopefully there's still many more years from me still to come," said Robinson.

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