Giovani lights up Lisbon as Tottenham see off Benfica

A great bit of skill from Giovani dos Santos set up the winner for Gareth Bale as Tottenham beat Benfica 1-0 in Lisbon last night.

Spurs claimed victory in the Stadium of Light when Giovani, fresh from impressing for Mexico in the World Cup, sent Bale clear in the 55th minute with a back-heel for the left-back to score. Almost as satisfying for manager Harry Redknapp was the clean sheet his side achieved after the 4-1 home defeat to Villarreal in their last friendly.

Elsewhere, Birmingham came back from two goals down to win 3-2 at MK Dons. A Jermaine Easter penalty and a neat finish from Jabo Ibehre put the home side 2-0 ahead just after half-time but two Cameron Jerome goals and a deflected Garry O'Connor shot three minutes from time gave Birmingham victory.

West Ham were held to a 1-1 draw by League Two Southend at Roots Hall. New Hammers signing Pablo Barrera released Alessandro Diamanti to score from 20 yards midway through the second half before Anthony Grant equalised for Southend from the edge of the area.

Stoke won 2-1 at Bristol Rovers, Tuncay Sanli and Ricardo Fuller getting their goals, while Wolves beat Hearts 2-0 at Tynecastle. They took the lead after four minutes through Greg Halford's free-kick and 12 minutes later Stephen Ward headed a second.