Tottenham struggled for an hour before finally overcoming Third Division Torquay in the Worthington Cup. Spurs claimed victory with two second-half goals from Ledley King and Les Ferdinand.

Centre-half King opened the scoring after 61 minutes, and Ferdinand, who started the night as skipper, claimed his first of the season eight minutes later.

The game started badly for the Premiership side with Republic of Ireland international Gary Doherty stretchered off after 11 minutes at White Hart Lane.

Doherty was hurt in a crunching tackle by Eifion Williams, which earned the Torquay striker a booking.

The defender had a quick x-ray before an ambulance took him to hospital for further checks, but the injury is not thought to be serious.

American goalkeeper Kasey Keller made his Tottenham debut.

Keller - who hails from Washington - was signed on a free transfer this summer from Spanish side Rayo Vallecano as back-up for Neil Sullivan.

The keeper was forced to pounce on the ball after 13 minutes when Chris Perry's attempted clearance hit David Graham and ran across his goal-line.

Spurs had another lucky escape after 29 minutes. Torquay right-back Steve Tully sent in a low cross and defender David Woozley was unmarked as he swept a shot on to the crossbar.

But the second half was a different story with King steering home from six yards after latching onto Christian Ziege's free-kick.

Spurs completed the job soon after. Sergei Rebrov skilfully found Mauricio Taricco on the right flank and his deep cross was headed in powerfully by Ferdinand as he outjumped McNeil.

Rebrov deserved a goal and was unlucky to see his curling shot rebound off the post after 78 minutes as Spurs eased their way into the third round.