Kalala Strike Seals Historic Win

By: Gareth Edwards
Date: 21/09/2005

A stunning last gasp winner from Jean-Paul Kamudimba Kalala sent Town through into the third round of the Carling Cup and wrote himself into Grimsby folklore by helping the Mariners knock out Premiership giants Tottenham in the process.

Town matched Spurs on the night and successfully competed with a side boasting no less than five full England Internationals.

Town lined up with the same side who took Grimsby to the top of League Two last weekend, with the exception of Terry Barwick who dropped to the bench to be replaced by the returning Andy Parkinson. John McDermott was given a special award before the match for his 700th game for the club in all competitions and he certainly helped make sure it was a game to remember.

Tottenham put out an almost full-strength side, with Dutchman Edgar Davids the only exception after being ruled out through injury. Martin Jol fielded five England Internationals; Jermaine Defoe, Paul Robinson, Jermaine Jenas, Ledley King and Michael Carrick along with Republic of Ireland front man Robbie Keane and Champions league finalist Naybet. With the starting line-up reading like a who's who of Premiership football, the Mariners' task was always a daunting one.

Tottenham inevitably started the better of the two, playing on some early nerves to build some pressure. Defoe hit an early free-kick wide from a dangerous position after Rob Jones fouled Keane, but the defender got his own back minutes later by blocking a header from the Irishman. Town were obviously defending their own half and attempting to crowd the Spurs players out and although this meant the Londoners enjoyed a lot of early possession, their chances were restricted.

Town then began to settle and through some well taken Parkinson set pieces had their first chances at the Tottenham goal. Firstly, Rob Jones had a header cleared from a corner and then Gary Jones went close, Paul Robinson showing his credentials with a flashy stop, but the linesman had ruled Jones was offside regardless.

Jermaine Defoe was caught offside by an organised Town defence in a dangerous attack and Paul Bolland got his first sight at goal at the other end. Steve Mildenhall was then called into action for the first time, having to rush from his goal to deny Robbie Keane in a one-on-one situation and John McDermott was forced to intervene again to stop the increasingly dangerous Keane.

Reddy was almost forced to do a lone-striker role up-front, with Gary Jones dropping deep and it was through this combination that Town looked most dangerous. The former, headed across goal to create a decent chance for Town and Reddy latched onto it with a header, only to see Naybet make a vital block. Gary Cohen, then hit a neat volley from distance on target, but it never really troubled Robinson. Jermaine Jenas his another Spurs free-kick wide and Defoe headed wide, across goal, spurning Spurs' best chance of the half, after being set-up by the increasingly lively Keane.

Town's best chance then followed, with Andy Parkinson hitting what seemed to be a speculative effort from 30-yards, and Robinson was forced to make an awkward parry, which only was just diverted wide. Both teams were looking for that vital goal just before half-time and Reddy once again almost found it, heading across goal teasingly but frustratingly no one could get a touch. This brought the end to an exhausting half for the players and fans alike and Town left the field to generous applause from their supporters.

Half Time: Town 0 Spurs 0

The report continues in the Second Half.

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