Everton deny dominant Spurs

Goalscorer Weir (right) shadows Sheringham

Tottenham 1-1 Everton
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Defender David Weir crashed home an unlikely volley as Everton snatched a share of the spoils at Tottenham.

Les Ferdinand had given Glenn Hoddle's team a dream start in the fifth minute with his 14th goal of the season - and the 14th of his career against Everton.

We had enough possession to win the game but it was frustrating because they defended doggedly

Spurs boss
Glenn Hoddle

But just three minutes later Weir thumped home an equaliser and although Spurs dominated the remainder of the game they were never able to edge ahead again.

With his mind on Wednesday's Worthington Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea, Hoddle rested Ledley King and Gus Poyet.

The non-appearance of Poyet gave Oyvind Leonhardsen a rare start and he took full advantage by creating Tottenham's opener.

Simon Davies found Leonhardsen and the Norwegian's excellent cross was met with a trademark near post header by Ferdinand.

  Key moments

5 mins: Ferdinand header opens scoring for Spurs

8 mins: Weir levels for Everton

90 mins: Iversen's header hits crossbar

But within three minutes the Toffees were level.

Gascoigne - who received a warm welcome from the Spurs fans after his heroics during a four-year spell at White Hart Lane - played a part in the equaliser.

His cross from the right was only half-cleared before falling to Weir who volleyed home from the edge of the 18-yard area.

Almost immediately Ferdinand sliced well wide from a good position and five minutes later Alan Stubbs almost hooked a Darren Anderton cross into his own net.

Alexandersson challenges Spurs' Anderton

Duncan Ferguson - linking up with Kevin Campbell for the first time since October - produced a marvellous point-blank save from Sullivan after 36 minutes with his header from Gary Naysmith's corner.

The resultant corner was headed just wide by Alan Stubbs as Everton took their turn to dominate.

But just before half-time Spurs captain Teddy Sheringham - back after a three-game ban - headed narrowly over the bar.

At half-time Ferdinand - never comfortable after a 20th minute clash of heads with Weir - was replaced by Steffen Iversen.

The substitute - who has played more times for Norway than Spurs this term - had an almost immediate impact when he tried to play in Davies only for Naysmith to intervene.

That is a pleasing result for us because we were on the back foot for most of the game

Everton boss
Walter Smith

Minutes earlier, Stubbs had produced an excellent saving tackle to deny Iversen's compatriot Leonhardsen.

Spurs were well on top and soon after Anthony Gardner's header was tipped over by Steve Simonsen.

Later in the second half Simonsen again had to push away defender Dean Richards' powerful header.

Then in injury time Matthew Etherington crossed and his fellow substitute Iversen headed against Simonsen's crossbar - an effort which was to prove the final act.

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Tottenham: Sullivan, Perry, Gardner, Richards, Davies, Anderton, Sherwood, Leonhardsen (Etherington 76), Taricco (Rebrov 87), Ferdinand (Iversen 46), Sheringham.
Subs Not Used: Kelly, King.

Everton: Simonsen, Naysmith, Unsworth, Stubbs, Weir, Alexandersson (Clarke 60), Gemmill, Gascoigne (Moore 82), Hibbert, Campbell, Ferguson.
Subs Not Used: Gerrard, Tal, Chadwick.
Booked: Weir, Ferguson.

Att: 36,056

Ref: C Wilkes (Gloucester).