Midweek Pink 78/79: Everton close on top spot; Birmingham finally win again; Manchester City draw in Milan

BY STEVE MITCHELL

LIVERPOOL HELD BY SPURS AFTER WHITE HART LANE STALEMATE

First Division leaders Liverpool were in the capital last night as they travelled to White Hart Lane to face a Tottenham Hotspur side they had already thrashed 7-0 at Anfield earlier in the season. This time, however, Bob Paisleyâ€™s men were left frustrated after a goalless draw that saw very few goalmouth opportunities.

Young Scotland defender Alan Hansen took the plaudits putting in a Man-of-the-Match display for the visitors. What a pity national team boss Jock Stein wasnâ€™t at the game to witness an impressive 90 minutes by the player.

A cagey encounter produced only two shots on target all evening with Spurs custodian Mark Kendall and his opposite number Ray Clemence virtually having front row seats as the action was mainly confined to the midfield areas.

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Spurs boss Keith Burkinshaw had obviously done his homework after their Anfield mauling with Spurs closing down any space granted to Kenny Dalglish and Graeme Souness. The game was such that referee Mr. Read only had to write one name down in his notebook; that of Spurs defender Don McAllister as the majority of the 50,000 crowd went home disappointed at the entertainment on offer, but satisfied their side had not shipped another hatful of goal at the hands of the Merseysiders.

Liverpool pretty much bossed the first-half but after David Johnson failed to reappear for the second 45 having suffered a groin strain, Paisleyâ€™s men ran out of ideas of how to break down a dogged home rear-guard.

Peter Taylor carried the home sideâ€™s biggest threat but both Hansen and Phil Thompson mopped up any attacks Spurs could muster. In the lead up to the game, midfielder Glenn Hoddle had stated that the 7-0 drubbing inflicted on Tottenham was the best thing that could have happened and the North London side have certainly tightened up all over the pitch.

Despite being expertly marshalled all night, Dalglish had the best chance of the second-half but chose to pass to Ray Kennedy when he may have been better going for goal himself. When Taylor hit the side netting not long after, both teams resigned themselves to a point apiece and no-one could argue with the final outcome.

Tottenham Hotspur: Kendall, McAllister, Lacy, Holmes, Gorman, Perryman, Ardiles, Pratt, Taylor, Lee, Hoddle (Villa 83 mins)

Liverpool: Clemence, Neal, Thompson, Hansen, Kennedy (A), Case, Souness, Kennedy (R), Dalglish, Johnson (McDermott 45 mins), Heighway

LEEDS SEE OFF CHELSEA AT ELLAND ROAD:

Elsewhere in Division 1 last night, Leeds United beat Chelsea 2-1 at Elland Road with all the goals coming in the first-half. Arthur Graham and Ray Hankin scored for the home side with Tommy Langley grabbing Chelseaâ€™s consolation.

WEEK 16 ROUND-UP:

Everton are now just two points behind their city rivals after a comprehensive 3-0 home win over Manchester United at Goodison Park on Tuesday. Trevor Ross, Andy King and Bob Latchford scored the goals as Gordon Leeâ€™s men continue their title push.

Coventry City took advantage of Arsenal and West Bromâ€™s European outings to move up to sixth with a 4-2 home win over Derby County. Scotland striker Ian Wallace grabbed a brace with Bobby McDonald and Barry Powell getting the others. Gerry Daly scored for the third consecutive game for Derby but his penalty and Billy Caskeyâ€™s strike were mere consolations.

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Basement club Birmingham City picked up only their second win of the season with a 3-0 win over Bolton at St. Andrews. Kevin Dillon, Alan Buckley and an own-goal from Paul Jones bringing joy to the Blues faithful. City rivals Aston Villa were surprisingly beaten 2-0 at Southampton thanks to goals from Graham Baker and Nick Holmes.

Ipswich Town picked up a much needed win at Portman Road beating Middlesbrough 2-1. George Burley and Clive Woods scoring for the home side, David Armstrong halving the deficit for Boro. There was also good news for Wolves as they grabbed both points against Bristol City at Ashton Gate; Steve Daley grabbing the gameâ€™s only goal.

FIRST DIVISION RESULTS â€“ TUESDAY NOVEMBER 21

Birmingham City 3-0 Bolton Wanderers (Dillon, Buckley, Jones P o.g.)

Bristol City 0-1 Wolves (Daley)

Coventry City 4-2 Derby County (Wallace 2, McDonald, Powell; Daly pen, Caskey)

Everton 3-0 Manchester United (Ross, King, Latchford)(FULL MATCH PROGRAMME BELOW)