Premier League title contender Tottenham was held to a 0-0 draw in the FA Cup by third-tier side Stevenage on Monday (NZT).
Spurs had a goal by Louis Saha ruled out because of offside but were largely frustrated by an organised Stevenage team containing former Tottenham fringe players Chris Day and Ronnie Henry.
Tottenham fielded a strong lineup despite the absence of Luka Modric through illness and seemed to have made the breakthrough when Saha hit a left-wing cross by Danny Rose through a crowd of players and through the net.
But the linesman hoisted his flag to signal that the ball had brushed the offside Scott Parker on its way into the net, and the referee ruled out the goal.
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp said he hoped the superior pitch at his club’s White Hart Lane stadium would work in the Premier League side’s favour in the replay.
“The pitch was bumpy and the ball was bobbling everywhere,” Redknapp said. “It was difficult to get the ball down and play on that pitch. It was very, very hard.
“This wasn’t a game to get the ball down and play football. We started hitting it long and it was difficult to get that much going. We are still in the cup and are at home now. It gives us a big chance but I wouldn’t underestimate them by any chance.”
The winner of the replay will play Bolton in the next round.
AP
Article source: http://www.3news.co.nz/VIDEO-Highlights-Stevenage-vs-Tottenham-0-0-FA-Cup-2012/tabid/415/articleID/243442/Default.aspx
