Bentley did at least sting James's palms with a long-ranger, while Sebastien Bassong should have done better with an unmarked header from a corner that he directed straight at keeper James and Crouch slid a golden chance wide in stoppage time.

BBC: Tottenham 2-0 Portsmouth

Crouch should have taken advantage of a moment of uncertainty from James after 68 minutes, but he headed off target after the keeper failed to deal with David Bentley's corner.

BBC: Tottenham 0-2 Portsmouth (aet)