Men's

Round 5

Craven Cottage

Sun 18 Feb 2007 | 16:00

Tottenham Hotspur Badge

0

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4

  • Montella
    90+1'

Match Report

Two superb Robbie Keane volleys set up a derby win over Fulham as Tottenham reached the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Keane first struck in the sixth minute, powering a shot past Jan Lastuvka after Mido had headed the ball on.

The Spurs striker's second goal also stemmed from a Mido header but this time Keane's volley was even better.

Dimitar Berbatov came off the bench to add two more goals - the second a delightful chip - while Fulham's Vincenzo Montella was sent off late on.

Keane capped a fine performance by setting up the fourth, flicking on for Berbatov, who proceeded to gently chip the ball over the Fulham keeper.

The Republic of Ireland star was also involved in Montella's sending off after the former Roma striker raised his arm.

Paul Robinson had an impressive game for Spurs in goal, making three good saves, although he was helped by Fulham's lack of cutting edge.

Spurs' mediocre league form might be a mystery but Martin Jol's side clearly have not lost the ability to raise their game for a Cup tie in the great traditions of the club.

In five previous cup outings this season - in the Carling Cup and Uefa Cup - the eight-times FA Cup winners have lost only one game away from home and they were quickly into their stride at Craven Cottage.

Robinson's huge punt upfield was headed on by Mido and Keane, after the ball had bounced, crashed a superb shot past Lastuvka into the roof of the net.

Despite that positive start, as the half wore on Robinson became the busier of the two goalkeepers and he had to react quickly to turn Brian McBride's shot over the bar.

Bizarrely, it was Robinson's own player Mido who next forced the goalkeeper into a save.

Needlessly the Egyptian striker struck a backpass from the halfway line that proved difficult to clear for Robinson.

The Spurs goalkeeper was soon shaking his head again at Mido after the Egyptian unsuccessfully tried to clear the ball with his head, requiring Robinson to throw himself to his right to tip away the ball.

With Fulham struggling to create any meaningful chances, their manager Chris Coleman introduced Montella and Collins John.

Montella, who had scored three goals in his previous two FA Cup games, immediately proved more adept at holding the ball and bringing other players into the match.

Just as Fulham suggested they might be capable of making a game of it, Spurs extended their lead with a goal that showcased the understanding between Mido and Keane.

Mido flicked on an Anthony Gardner free-kick and Keane brilliantly volleyed past Lastuvka.

Fulham manager Chris Coleman:

"We're disappointed as we conceded two identical goals for Keane's goals.

"And if you dont learn from mistakes you can't expect to win a game.

"I can't dress it up - we defended poorly. We've 11 league games left and it will interesting to see if we can keep a clean sheet."

Spurs manager Martin Jol:

"It's a big relief - we haven't been in a good form away from home and we had wanted to turn a corner and to do well for the supporters.

"We played Mido because of his physical presencee and he was in good form and he proved his value to us.

"Maybe this is our year - if we can show that passion we can beat anyone."