TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 0
WIGAN ATHLETIC 0

WHITE HART GAIN

Report by Paul Chialton

A hard-working and gritted performance from Latics earned a point at White Hart Lane against a Tottenham side out to prove a point to their fans.

It was a hard-earned point and after a dominant second-half Steve Bruce's men were unlucky not to get more from this fixture.

Latics created plenty of opportunities towards the end of the game and were it just for a little more composure they could very well have gone home with all three points.

Tottenham simply could not break down Latics defence throughout, with Figueroa snuffing out David Bentley's threat, and Palacios helping out at the back to clear the danger as well.

Darren Bent and Roman Pavlyuchenko were so quiet throughout the game fans must have wondered if they were actually playing thanks to the tireless work of Emerson Boyce and Titus Bramble. Bramble in particular was once again solid in defence. The late introduction of Aaron Lennon to the game looked to cause problems for the defence, but they quickly adapted to his threat with Maynor Figueroa playing well to stop the winger from creating chances.

Paul Scharner added more strength to the line-up operating in the centre of midfield making some crucial interceptions and breaking-up the Tottenham play nicely. He could have been on the score-sheet in the first half firing low from 20 yards only to have his shot pushed around the post for a corner.

Henri Camara was introduced for the final 10 minutes to inject more menace into the game as it seemed Tottenham were on the ropes, but frustratingly Latics were unable to deliver the knockout blow.

It was another solid performance from Latics though, who are growing with each game and the travelling fans will have been happy with the performance ahead of Wednesday's Carling Cup game away to Ipswich.

LATICS: Kirkland, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, Valencia, Palacios, Scharner, Koumas (Kapo, 71), Zaki (Camara, 81), Heskey
Subs: Pollitt, Kingson, Taylor, Kilbane, de Ridder,
SPURS: Gomes, Zokora, Corluka, Woodgate, Assou-Ekotto, Bentley (Lennon, 63), O'Hara, Jenas, Bale (Huddlestone, 79), Bent, Pavlyuchenko (Campbell, 46)
Subs: Sanchez, Gilberto, Dos Santos, Gunter,