Spurs 3-0 Oxford. Match report

By Gary Beaumont
July 24 2003

Well what can I say?
I had a super time on Sunday and got to meet some of the guys and gals form the board. I got to Oxford about 12:30, and as arranged the first stop was supposed to be the Famous Bullnose Morris, however after being told; 'We do not recommended you go there as away fans' we decided to meet at the ground instead. Luckily there was a derelict building that also served drinks, so the resident NLP alcoholics decided to congregate here. The first unfortunate poster to meet my rather elongated self was Big Sheeds and Little Sheeds, although Little Sheeds was actually taller than BS, how very confusing! Anyways the next arrival was the cheeky chappie (John Turnball) plus one. Next to arrive was Paula, Bro and Dad. (I think). Next up was Scott Wood plus one other.

Note: I hope that was everyone, apologies if I left anyone out, but the drinking continued so my memory took a bashing.

A few drinks later and it was time to take our seats up. Whilst this was being done Paula informed me that she had found a stray by the name of Jolyon. So we all took up our seats and waited for the big kick off.
The team was like this
1st Half
GK: Burch
LWB: Jacko
CB: Perry
CB: Hughes
CB: Henry
RWB: Tano
M: Anderton
M: Blondel
M: Poyet
M: Etherington
S: Zamora

2nd Half
GK: Burch
LWB: Jacko/Galbriath
CB: Perry
CB: Henry
CB: Tano
RWB: Carr
M: Anderton
M: Blondel
M: Poyet
M: Etherington/Yeates
S: Keane

Let me just start by saying this was a much better performance compared to that of the Stevenage game. Although missing some key players the side played quick fluid football on a very good pitch. The defensive side of the game was the biggest factor for me, as this was so much of an improvement compared to our recent games. I realise that this was only Oxford but things have to start somewhere and this was a defiantly a platform they can grow from. I felt the youngster Henry was as solid as they come and he should certainly feature in more games this season. At least we know if King cannot live up to his previous form that we certainly have other options. Perry was also lively at the back and helped clean things up when needed. As for our midfield; Blondel seemed to have a free role in the centre (perhaps after complaining that he was isolated in the Stevenage game) and relished this newfound freedom. He was nippy and lively and put himself about the pitch like a little terrier. This channelled energy was exactly what we needed and enabled other players to venture forward with confidence. He also (for the first time I might add) had the confidence to run at players and try to take them on. This is something that we really lack and only Jacko, Ricketts and Blondel seem to be able to do this (apart from the strikers that is). Jacko was lively again on the wing and made countless runs that unfortunately were not spotted. It is a shame because his potential is there to be seen and some of the first team players have to realise we have wingers that are prepared to run. Personally I thought he had a cracking game and did not put a foot wrong. His crossing is also first class and this was proven when he set up Zamoras second goal. As for Zamora, well, what a debut. He was everything we wanted: quick, sharp, skilful, eager and had bucket loads of energy. His goals were well taken and showed his determination for the side. His first was a reaction to a slight mistake by the keeper and he instantly curled it into the corner. His second as mentioned previously was scored when he got on the end of a Jacko cross.
How many times last year did we attempt to score by this scenario? Tano/Etherington run down the wing then hit a cross that either flies out of touch or is not met by anyone because our strikers had the pace of a geriatric in steel boots. It is great that we can finally do the simple things and get results with it.
As for the others, they all had good games (apart from Poyet); even Anderton was quite useful although he gave the ball away stupidly a few times. The second half was much of the same as the first; bouts of pressure at a relaxed pace. We threatened their goal more often than not, and of course Keane did not want to feel left out, thus the best goal of the pre season was scored. Keane struck a monstrous left foot (I think) from outside the area and it riffled into the goal. Galbriath and Yeates came on towards the end of the game and both looked sharp. Galbrieth was itching to go past players and prove he can play on the left wing also. He looked confident and quick and certainly has potential. So who says we need another left sided player???? Personally I feel it is about time we let Etherington go, just so the others can get a chance. Yeates was lively for the 10 mins he played and also looked like he wanted to prove a point. He had a go at three defenders and did not lose possession. He needs more opportunities, as I am sure he will blossom.
All in all a great game, only marred by some pathetic Tottenham fans that thought they would turn a friendly game into a fight. It just emphasises our mentality really and if this continues then we do not deserve to reclaim our glory years.

After the game we waited for the players and managed to speak with a few, Namely; Jackson who we offered Paula to, Zamora who I told should have scored a hatrick and Glenn who I asked if he would sign Parker, although his blank expression scared me somewhat. I was just waiting for the words; who?