1mins Coulibaly shot 0-1

22mins Townsend shot 0-2

24mins McEvoy shot 0-3

27mins Kane shot 0-4

37mins Richardson shot 1-4

Half time: Spurs 4 United 1

Full time: Spurs 4 United 1

Newcastle's second string suffered their first defeat in four league and cup games on Tuesday lunchtime, in a fixture staged at Tottenham's training ground following the previous night's rain-enforced postponement at Bishops Stortford. 

At a venue where they scored six without reply in the corresponding game last season, Spurs led within 20 seconds of the first whistle when Andros Townsend crossed for Souleymane Coulibaly to beat visiting goalkeeper Jak Alnwick from close range.

The home side doubled their lead midway through the first half through Townsend, before Kenny McEvoy seized on a loose ball in the box to make it 0-3 on 24 minutes. Harry Kane then joined the goalscoring party, rifling home a 20 yarder after 27 minutes as Townsend continued to rampage down the Spurs left, causing United full back Lubo Satka no end of problems. 

Switching Remi Streete from central defence into that spot started to stem the flow of crosses and midfielder Michael Richardson marked his reserve return following a loan spell at Accrington Stanley by shooting home on 37 minutes following a corner.

The yellow-clad Magpies then came close to further reducing the arrears on the stroke of half time when Rolando Aarons burst down the right before crossing to Jonathyn Quinn, who hit goalkeeper Archer with his shot.

Townsend failed to reappear for the second half and with the England winger having departed, the second period was a more mundane affair with no further scoring. Richardson had one chance to add a layer of respectability to the scoreline, but was denied by Archer when facing him one on one.

Heavy rain in Hertfordshire on Monday night had caused this game to be called off, due to a poor playing surface at the Woodside Park home of Bishops Stortford, where the game was originally due to be staged. 

The Conference South side had been forced to call off a number of home games recently and prospects for play didn't look great before the heavens opened at 5.30pm.

With both teams ready for action, match referee Ian Cooper bowed to the inevitable at 6.30pm and ruled the surface unplayable, meaning that a small gathering including Spurs boss Tim Sherwood and coach Les Ferdinand plus various Toon fans had a wasted night.

United remained in the South East overnight and the two teams played the game at Spurs' training ground - around 30 miles away - with a noon kickoff.

Both sides lined up as per the Monday night teamsheet, although Spurs added two subs to their bench and a new referee took over.


Biffa with thanks to DG & AW