Men's

Tottenham Tribute Match

White Hart Lane

Thu 17 Oct 2002 | 19:45

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  • Barrett
    85'

Match Report

A night of legends past, modern-era, present day and, you never know, future, all together for the same cause, lit up the Lane on a wonderful night of nostalgia.

From the likes of double-winning hitman Bobby Smith, Cliff Jones, Tommy Harmer and Len Duqemin, all taking a bow at half-time in a parade of legends, to Klinsmann, Ginola, Gascoigne, Waddle and the Allens, modern day herores who have left an indelible mark on the club to present day stars Sheringham, Carr and Poyet, all together to raise funds for former players, players who made this club what it is today.

And then there was one for the future in the shape of Dean Marney. Still just 18, it was Marney's first taste of first team action at the Lane and from the first time he was on the ball and looked up to see Gascoigne, Ginola and Klinsmann all available, he didn't appear overawed and relished the occasion.

On the Premiership front, Gus Poyet, Steve Carr and Steve Clemence continued their comebacks from injury.

So everyone was a winner on the night - apart from the Spurs XI team, who lost out to an impressive DC United with a goal from Wade Barrett in the 85th minute.

Of course, that didn't matter. What did matter was to look around to see the stands packed as fans were able to pay tribute and see their heroes all on the same pitch together.

And they didn't disappoint. Ginola was magnifique, as always at his English 'home' and was handed the man of the match award.

A slimline Gazza kept it simple, Klinsmann was a bundle of energy for 65 minutes and Waddle's trademark body swerve was still intact, as was his ability to whip a devilish cross in.

In terms of match action, DC had the better chances in the first half and Kasey Keller was forced into action on three occasions.

At the other end, Ginola's promptings led to the best chance as Sheringham's low drive came back off the foot of the post.

Lars Hirschfeld took up the challenge after replacing Keller at half-time as DC got on top.

He produced two fine one-on-one stops, ex-Boro striker Moreno had the ball in the net on the hour after Olsen's chip came back off the bar but the flag was up and Marney cleared off the line as Convey's pass was dummied by Moreno.

At the other end, Clive Allen's lovely flick played in Sergei Rebrov, who dragged his shot wide and young Stephen Kelly's header was cleared off the line.

DC finally broke the deadlock with the winner five minutes from time. Moreno's miss control allowed Barratt to latch onto Convey's pass and he finally beat Hirschfeld.

Gazza, Klinsmann and Ginola all went off to standing ovations in that second half as the fans paid tribute, you never know, for the final time for these heroes in Spurs colours.