A Town reserve side featuring a number of senior players failed to get the better of Spurs at Bent Lane this afternoon. Martijn Reuser, Alun Armstrong, Jermaine Wright, Richard Naylor and Chris Makin were all in the Town line-up which lost 2-1.

Spurs went ahead in the tenth minute when Chinese international striker Qu Bo hit a low shot from the right corner of the area into James Pullen's net.

The impressive Qu Bo, who joined Spurs on trial last week, had earlier had the ball in the net but the goal was disallowed for a handball in the move leading up to him slotting past Pullen.

Town had a number of chances to get back on terms, Alun Armstrong heading a golden opportunity over from a Westlake cross.

The Blues did get on terms six minutes before the break when a Spurs defender climbed all over Martijn Reuser as a cross came in from the right. The referee had little doubt that it was a penalty despite Spurs protests.

The Dutchman stepped up to take the kick himself and sent it to the keeper's right and into the net.

The visitors re-took the lead ten minutes into the second half when Australian trialist Franco Parisi tapped in a rebound after James Pullen had failed to hold a shot.

Town came closest to getting back on terms when Richard Naylor headed against the bar. The striker is apparently a loan target of Oldham who have regularly had scouts at Town's reserve games of late.

In the last few minutes Ian Westlake went through one-on-one with the keeper but scuffed his shot.

None of the senior men had outstanding games, although Makin was solid at right-back. Both Armstrong and Naylor were unlucky to miss out on goals while Reuser was frustrated by a lack of service.

At the back Justin Miller did an effective job while Ian Westlake was busy in the centre of midfield.

George Burley was in attendance along with Tony Mowbray and Steve McCall while Matt Holland, Jim Magilton, Wayne Brown and Finidi George also kept an eye on proceedings. Even Amir Karic, a target of Hibs, put in an appearance on the sidelines.

Town: Pullen, Makin (Artum 86), Richards, Wright (Abidallah 62), Miller, Beevers (Hogg 57), Bloomfield, Westlake, Naylor, Armstrong (Robinson 60), Reuser.

Photo: Action Images

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