Brentford FC 2–3 Tottenham Hotspur on 15 September 1998

In front of a noisy and expectant home crowd, we produced a battling performance against the Third Division Londoners, with Ramon Vega's 82nd minute header giving us a precious lead for the return leg at White Hart Lane next Wednesday.

With Brentford flying high in the Third Division many saw this tie as a potential Cup shock. David Pleat made changes to the side that lost to Middlesbrough on Sunday. Nicola Berti was replaced in midfield by Colin Calderwood with Vega returning to defence alongside Sol Campbell.

With Ruel Fox and Allan Nielsen injured, Andy Sinton, a former Brentford player, started on the right, David Ginola on the left and Stephen Clemence partnered Calderwood in a four-man midfield.

Les Ferdinand was also unavailable so Rory Allen started his first game of the season in attack alongside Chris Armstrong.

However, from the first whistle, Brentford did not allow us to settle and Espen Baardsen was kept busy.

Allen could have given us the lead in the 24th minute, but the England Youth international's header fell narrowly wide from Ginola's right-wing cross. Four minutes later Brentford took the lead when Andy Scott finished from close range after a Jamie Bates header had caused confusion in the penalty area.

Allen again had a headed chance in the 41st minute, but goalkeeper Jason Pearcey saved. However, just three minutes later, Allen turned provider for our equaliser when his lob enabled Stephen Carr to run in on goal. The 22-year-old fired in to register his first competitive goal for the Club.

We began the second half in blistering fashion and Pearcey produced a wonderful save from Calderwood after a piece of magical skill from Ginola presented the opportunity before substitute Jose Dominguez put us in front. The Portuguese winger profited from a bad clearance by Chris Coyne in the 53rd minute to drill a shot into the far corner. His trademark back-flip goal celebration followed. But, a mistake by Sinton gave Brentford an equaliser 13 minutes later. The England international's back-pass eluded Baardsen and Darren Freeman had the easy task of putting the ball into an empty net.

That gave the home side fresh impetus but we responded with Vega's late header, from Ginola's right-wing corner, in front of the excellent Spurs fans.

Assistant Head Coach Chris Hughton said afterwards: "We are delighted with the win. We all knew when we came here it would be difficult for us because there has been a lot of changes here in the last year and they have a new side with lots of enthusiasm."

Chris was also happy for Dominguez: "We were looking for a bright spark and Jose helped turn the second half our way. His goal was a nice moment for him. He is a nice lad who has been on the fringes, but his chances have been limited because of injury."

It makes for a fascinating return tie.