Tottenham’s Gary Doherty scored his first goal for the Premiership club in tonight’s action packed 4-2 victory over Newcastle United. The Carndonagh born converted centre-half latched on to a 27th minute right-wing cross from Stephen Clemence, and the Irish youngster finished with a thunderous header from 12 yards.
That pulled Spurs level after they had fallen behind to a Nolberto Solano strike four minutes earlier. In a game that boasted six goals, three penalties and three sendings-off, Doherty was constantly in the thick of the action. Solano was dismissed in the 32nd minute for handling a goal bound header from the converted the young Irishman, who is equally at home at centre-forward, but the resulting spot kick from Darren Anderton was saved by which Steve Harper. However, Anderton had converted an earlier penalty, after Gary Speed was given his marching orders after a foul in the area. Doherty later played a major part in Sergei Rebrov’s sublime effort after which put the home side 3-1 in front.
Kieron Dyer pulled one back from the spot, as Neil Sullivan was dismissed for allegedly tripping him in the area and the Newcastle midfielder was then ejected by referee Steve Bennett for expressing his opinions about a challenge rather too vehemently with a linesman. Les Ferdinand wrapped up a long-awaited three points 13 minutes from the end with a free header past Steve Harper.
A miserable Christmas had left Tottenham nervously peaking over their shoulders at the relegation scrap developing below them. But a night of new year madness ended their shocking run of six games without a win.
Filed by Shane Murray
