Keane spurs Tottenham to victory

sand king SG

Keane spurs Tottenham to victory

Tottenham Hotspur beat Reading at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday night to secure an FA Cup fourth round tie against United at Old Trafford.

The two sides drew 2-2 at White Hart Lane 10 days earlier, but on this occasion an early Robbie Keane goal was enough to tip the balance in Spurs' favour.

Keane was quickest to react in the 15th minute after Royals goalkeeper Adam Federici tipped Younes Kaboul's header onto the underside of the bar, presenting Keane with a close-range tap-in.

Reading had the better of the second half chances, and Stephen Hunt volleyed against the bar, but the home side couldn't find a way past Tottenham stopper Radek Cerny.

Spurs' victory means they will now come to Old Trafford on Sunday 27 January (14:00 GMT) to face a Reds side determined to reach Wembley again.

scorchio SG

erm...y is this here? Confused

jonchao72 SG

lol agreed Laughing

Pitot SG

because we will face them next. Laughing

sand king SG

yea thats why. Laughing

Dead_Man_Inc SG

Irwin: Spurs will be tough

Denis Irwin says United face a stern test in the FA Cup fourth round after Tottenham Hotspur defeated Reading at the Madesjki Stadium on Tuesday night.

The two teams needed a replay to settle their third round tie and its the Londoners, thanks to Robbie Keanes strike in the 15th minute, who will arrive at Old Trafford on Sunday 27 January.

Spurs gave us a tough game in the league back in August, Irwin told ManUtd.com. I think we were quite fortunate to win that day. That match was a turning point in the season because wed struggled to score goals up to that point and it turned out to be our first win of the season.

Irwin, who played in three FA Cup finals under Sir Alex Ferguson, said theres no question his former boss wants to reach Wembley again.

The FA Cup is a massive competition and you could see how seriously the manager is taking it by looking at the strong side we had out at Villa Park in the third round. United want to win it.

Its a competition thats synonymous with this club weve got the best record in it and the manager has won it a record five times. So its something everyone connected to the club wants to do well in.

sand king SG

Ramos plays down chances

Juande Ramos has played down Tottenham's hopes of negotiating a route past United when his side travel to Old Trafford in the FA Cup.

Having ousted Reading in Tuesday night's third round replay, Spurs will now visit Old Trafford on January 27, and Ramos is already tiping United as favourites to progress.

"I dont think Sir Alex Ferguson will be worried about me, his team is too good, Ramos told the Daily Mirror. "And in their own stadium they must be clear favourites to win."

With Tottenham still going strong in three cup competitions and climbing the Premier League table after a dreadful start to the season, Ramos is concerned that his squad may begin to suffer fatigue.

"Were delighted we are still in three cups but there is little time for players to recover between games," he said.

"My biggest concern is that our league form could suffer. Already we have injuries and suspensions and players who are tired."