Dawson shines but once again, Spurs fail to keep a lead

SPURS failed yet again to hold on to a lead and were forced to settle for a point against Middlesbrough at the Lane on Saturday. Tottenham dominated the first half and should have had more than Jonathan Ground s own goal to show for it at the break. Inevi

SPURS failed yet again to hold on to a lead and were forced to settle for a point against Middlesbrough at the Lane on Saturday.

Tottenham dominated the first half and should have had more than Jonathan Ground's own goal to show for it at the break. Inevitably, the Lilywhites were left to rue their profligacy when Stewart Downing levelled in the second half.

The first half was an open affair with both teams driving forward. Radek Cerny spilled an early shot from Jeremie Aliadiere but Alfonso Alves rebound tap-in was correctly ruled offside.

Spurs soon controlled possession and Dimitar Berbatov headed straight at Boro keeper Mark Schwarzer before Jenas was denied by the keeper after a sparkling run from the midfielder.

The deadlock was finally broken when Berbatov lofted the ball into the area and Aaron Lennon's shot was deflected past Schwarzer by the hapless Ground.

After the break Spurs were not as fluid and Lennon cleared a David Wheater goal-bound header off the line. However, at the other end Berbatov hit a post before Downing levelled with a deflected shot off the head of Jenas, which left Radek Cerny flat-footed. Boro almost snatched all three points when Alves rolled the ball inches wide with only Cerny to beat.

SPURS PLAYER OF THE GAME: Michael Dawson. Made important blocks.

Team: Cerny 6, Hutton 7, Dawson 7, Woodgate 6, Chimbonda 5 (Gilberto 6, 70), Jenas 6, Lennon 6 (Bent 6, 75), Malbranque 6 (Huddlestone 6, 60), Zokora 8, Berbatov 7, Keane 6. Not used: Forecast, Tainio.