Rubin Kazan 1 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur: Spurs fringe men fail to fire in Russia

TOTTENHAM’S second string failed to deliver the performance ailing manager Harry Redknapp would have wanted as they were easily beaten by Rubin Kazan in last night’s Europa League Group A game in Russia.

Sebastien Bassong needlessly gave away a free-kick on the edge of the box ten minutes after half-time and Bebras Natcho took full advantage by clipping the set-piece over the wall and past Carlo Cudicini.

Had it not been for a number of excellent saves from Cudicini, the scoreline could have been much worse and Spurs did not register a shot on target throughout the match.

With a home game against PAOK Salonika and trip to Dublin to face Shamrock Rovers coming up, Redknapp should still be confident of leading his team through to the last 32 when he returns to action following his lay-off. He was forced to miss the game after having a heart procedure, but was believed to be watching at home.