Pressure off Martin Jol

The pressure on Martin Jol and Tottenham to start performing seems to be easing as Tottenham recorded a Carling Cup 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough thanks to late goals from youngsters Gareth Bale and Tom Huddlestone.

Both sides fielded strong looking line-ups, but it was Tottenham who came up trumps.

Bale rounded goalkeeper Brad Jones for the opener with 18 minutes remaining and Huddlestone headed in the second three minutes later.

It was a deserved win for the hosts, who should have been well ahead before the hour with Jermain Defoe forcing keeper Brad Jones to save three times.

Of note was the booing from the Spurs fans when Defoe was taking off, after an impressive game he is looking to get back to his best form.

Tottenham: Robinson, Chimbonda, Kaboul, Dawson, Bale, Lennon, Jenas (Zokora 69), Huddlestone, Tainio, Berbatov, Defoe (Keane 69).

Subs Not Used: Cerny, Bent, Rocha.

Goals: Bale 72, Huddlestone 75.

Middlesbrough: Jones, Young (Davies 80), Riggott, Wheater, Taylor, Cattermole, Boateng, Rochemback (Owens 76), Shawky (Craddock 46), Downing, Lee.

Subs Not Used: Schwarzer, Hutchinson.