Football / FA Cup Third Round: Tottenham survive penalty shoot-out

Tottenham Hotspur. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Peterborough United. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

(aet; Tottenham win 5-4 on penalties)

TOTTENHAM finally roused themselves from the acute embarrassment of a potential FA Cup humiliation last night to squeeze out Peterborough only via the thoroughly unsatisfactory route of a penalty shoot-out decider.

The unlucky final cut fell on the shoulders of Andy Furnell, Peterborough's 16-year-old YTS rookie substitute, who gave a composed display after appearing after half-time. But sadly he will bear Posh's downfall because he was the only one to miss with his attempt from the spot when Ian Walker turned his shot onto the post. Nick Barmby and Steve Sedgley then made sure to edge Spurs home on a night when there was so little to savour in their display. Relief was manifest in the stands, but hardly any of Walker's colleagues felt like celebrating.

Victory gives them a fourth- round tie at Ipswich, but Spurs knew they had played poorly, too often surrendering the initiative to their brave opponents from the foot of the First Division. As it was, Spurs received a fresh injury problem when Mickey Hazard was rapped across the shins and limped off with knee and ankle ligament damage and he only reappeared on crutches to watch the penalties. He will receive a fuller diagnosis today, but it is feared that he will be out for quite some time.

Peterborough were magnificent despite going behind to Barmby's 12th-minute tap-in when Fred Barber had lost his hold on Darren Anderton's shot. But they quickly picked up the pace and grew steadily in purpose and conviction.

They equalised in the 24th minutes when Walker spilled the ball at the feet of Ken Charlery. He later redeemed himself by blocking at the feet of Charlery and Furnell. At the back, Posh defended heroically when they were called on to absorb a large number of corners and free-kicks.

It was nip and tuck all the way and although Spurs took the honours it was Peterborough who stole the hearts.

Tottenham Hotspur (4-4-2): Walker; Austin, Calderwood, Sedgley, Edinburgh; Anderton, Hazard (Kerslake, 52), Samways, Caskey; Campbell (Hendry, 69), Barmby. Substitute not used: Day (gk).

Peterborough United (4-4-2): Barber; McDonald, Howarth, Welsh, Greenman; Adcock, McGlashan (Spearing, 64), Kruszynski, Brissett; Iorfa (Furnell, h/t), Charlery. Substitute not used: Tyler (gk).

Referee: G Poll (Berkhamsted).