Martin Jol finally had a change of fortune as his side booked their place in the group stages of the UEFA cup, with a resounding 6-1 victory over their Cypriot opponents. At last the pressure which has been on his shoulders for several weeks now following disappointing results in their domestic lead were lifted and he was able to enjoying watching the game in the knowledge that the job was done before the end of the first half. Younes Kaboul it was who opened the scoring as he met a 5^th minute corner from Huddlestone to settle the players and the fans who came to watch live UEFA Cup football.

Dawson it was who added the second from another corner as he met Chimbonda’s corner to head the second on 40. Up until now Famagusta had matched the London team but after this goal offered little resistance as Robbie Keane was able to volley and score on 42 after reacting quickly. Bent was to add more agony on the Cypriot side who were trying to hold out for the half time whistle as Bent managed a shot from an acute angle which managed to find its way into the visitors net on 43. After the break Defoe came on for Keane and immediately made an impact as he chipped the Cypriot keeper Beqaj from the edge of the penalty area to make it 5-0.

The only thing to spoil the night for the Tottenham players and fans was that the Famagusta midfielder Zlogar was able to score against the run of play on 81 to take the shine off of a superb performance. As if to punish the visitors for the goal Defoe it was again who scored a sixth goal in injury time after being played in by Huddlestone. With part of the problem in many peoples eyes being the striking options in the Tottenham camp it will be interesting to see how Defoe features in the return leg as he showed that he is still one of the best finishers around. In the next live football match he will be desperate to take his place in the starting line up and may wonder if his future is at the club if he is not chosen after that performance.