Tottenham On This Day: Paul Gascoigne At His Best Against Oxford
By Logan Holmes
Tottenham on this Day
Tottenham inspired by Paul Gascoigne defeated 2nd Division Oxford United in an FA Cup 4th Round tie at White Hart Lane on this day, 26th January, 1991.
Paul Gascoigne [Photo: Logan Holmes]26th January, 1991
Tottenham Hotspur 4 Oxford United 2 FA Cup 4th Round
Scorers: Gascoigne (2), Lineker, Mabbutt
Team: Thorstvedt; Fenwick, van den Hauwe; Nayim, Howells (Sedgley), Mabbutt; Stewart, Gascoigne, Walsh, Lineker, Allen
Having defeated Blackpool in the 3rd Round, Tottenham’s progress in the FA Cup continued with this 4th Round victory over Oxford United at White Hart Lane. The win came thanks to an outstanding performance from Paul Gascoigne. The game marked a resurgence in Gascoigne’s form as he displayed his full range of skills being involved in the four Tottenham goals. Gazza scored two second half goals and created the other two which were scored by Gary Lineker and Gary Mabbutt.
After a bright opening from Oxford who were in the old Second Division, Mabbutt put Spurs ahead with a low drive from the edge of the penalty area after 8 minutes. Then with 20 minutes played Gascoigne’s header set Lineker free on the right of the box to fire past the goalkeeper. Oxford pulled a goal back before the interval but Gascoigne ensured Spurs continued interest in the Cup with two second half goals.
The first came with just under an hour gone when he played a one-two with Paul Walsh on the edge of the area and took the ball past defenders to score from a tight angle. Oxford again reduced the arrears but with a few minutes remaining Gascoigne received the ball from Paul Allen inside the area to fire powerfully into the roof of the net.
Gascoigne’s form continued throughout the Cup run in spite of injury problems as he played on while in need of a hernia operation.
The second step on the road to Wembley had been completed successfully.
Watch extended highlights of Spurs Cup tie against Oxford.