We are through to the next round of the FA cup 4th Rd.

We are through to the next round of the FA cup 4^th Rd.

Spurs 2 Middlesbrough 1 FA Cup 3^rd Rd replay.

Let us start with the good news, well two good stories actually. The first is that we won and are through to the next round. At least Mourinho takes domestic cups competitions seriously, unlike Pochettino. The second is that we’ve signed midfielder Gedson Fernandes on loan from Benfica for 18 months. The 21-year-old made his debut for Benfica last season, and we have the option to make his signing permanent at the end of the loan period. Fernandes won the Portuguese title with Benfica last season and has played 53 times for the club, scoring two goals.

As for the game against Middlesbrough, we played well in the first half and came out fighting in the second, but quickly dropped off. But never mind, we are through to face Southampton at St Mary’s stadium.

If you were one of the travellers (by car that is) to the game on Tuesday afternoon, you would have encountered the winds, storms and rain, all making a fascinating and terrifying journey. My car was buffeted all over the place. But at least I got there in one piece.

After an hour of wandering around, I made my way to the Spurs entrance (you were allowed to enter into the enchanted palace at 5.05). As it was only 4.55 we had to wait until the exact time to get in; it was raining, why be so pedantic? Actually, the doors were open; but to cross the thresh hold, the time must be precise. Between the thresh hold and turnstiles there is a no-mans land-area. Now, one would have thought, being kind hosts, as one should be, they would let you stand in the no-mans-land and away from the elements. But no, this was forbidden, rules were rules and sod the well being of the customer. What is wrong letting us wait in the no-mans-land? some asked. “It is our job,” the lady security said, “you must wait outside…” or you will be tortured and shot for crossing Gods divide (ok, the last bit was a little exaggeration… but just a little!). The trouble is we are just cattle to the Gods who overlook the stadium. Finally, we got through (even though wet) and then up the escalators to the food troughs.

The others joined us, including Rick (pleasant surprise) and we did what we always do, discuss the outcome and other extraordinary life-changing things (like Spurs leapfrogging the Arsewips as the richest club). I predicted 3-0 result, at least I got the right amount of goals, but not necessarily in the correct order! I’ll give you that!

To get into the mood – for the match – we all had a tickle with a feather duster and a rub down with sandpaper and we were raring to go. Just simple things like that can make all the difference! How many people are reading this and thinking… well, I never! Is that what you get with Premium? Or… are you bloody mad? To take such comments seriously could get us certified (as if we aren’t already J)

Anyway, enough of the jibberish and to the meat of it all; we gained a hard-fought victory over Championship side Middlesbrough in our FA Cup third-round replay. We were gifted a second-minute lead when Boro goalkeeper Tomas Mejias passed the ball to Giovani lo Celso, who cut inside a challenge and scored. Erik Lamela doubled the hosts' lead after 15 minutes when he flicked the ball past Mejias after an excellent run. George Saville pulled one back late on for Boro with a low strike from 20 yards out, but it was not enough.

Middlesbrough substitute Rudy Gestede had a chance to force extra-time, but he could only head over the bar from eight yards as Spurs held on for the win.

We have a proud history in the FA Cup, sadly, the last time we won it was in 1991 (yes, I was there). We have won the FA Cup eight time in the past, and will play at Southampton in the fourth round on 25 January. Let us hope this year will be the 9^th time.

So, there you have it. We won and are through. Is our name on the cup this season? And what about the Champions League and a fourth-placed spot? So many probabilities, but I do think Mourinho is gradually stamping his authority on to the team.

After the game we reassembled to the talking area, drinks flowed (at least for a some), legends joined us and we chatted. One interesting discussion was on the new and old ground; the differences (and I am not just talking about the construction, but the feel of it). There was a personal feel to our old ground, this new adventure is more commercial, more directed at hospitality. We are not valued customers (like how a supermarket would value us) but a captured market that must be drained of all monies for the good of the glorious empire. As I previously said, we are just cattle. Nevertheless, the Old White Hart Lane wasn’t fit for purpose in the 21^st century… Thinks to come? Or, we are just old fuddyduddies with our heads stuck in the soup of nostalgia? Every new generation that comes along will bemoan change and reflect on what was and how the change is killing football/ society. No doubt, even us humans will eventually evolve into cyborgs. Now, that is a thing! Sadly, I won’t be around to enjoy the pleasures of cyborgness. However, I have been evolving in my own lifetime; from young to a decrepit and crumbling ruin. Such as life!

Finally got home at 1 am. Got up at 9 am. I was totally knackered. Four hours travelling, that is on the day of the match; gym that morning, it all takes its toll, especially for those that reach that certain age; if we were horses, we would have been put down by now. Then there is arthritis… but as my daughter says, it is my choice (not arthritis, the Spurs support/ travel paraphernalia). Oh, we laugh! Then back to doing what we love…

Until next time…

All the best, Glenn Renshaw