SPURS have had better starts to the season, but after a diabolical 1997/1998 campaign, one could almost predict that they would travel to Wimbledon, the Premiership's perennial strugglers, and get drubbed 3-1.

What looked like an easy start to the season turned into a nightmare for boss Christian Gross and the same could happen for the Swiss supremo when they face Sheffield Wednesday, managed this season by Danny Wilson who moved from relegated Barnsley during the summer, in the first game at White Hart Lane this season on Saturday.

Gross will certainly not get an easy ride from the fans at the weekend if his players perform in the same sad and sorry way that led to the 3-1 defeat at Selhurst Park last week.

But Gross was at least man enough to admit his side's failings. "Our performance was poor and we can't keep making gifts to our opponents,'' he said.

"We showed some reaction in the second half but, overall, the performance was not good.''

Spurs played well in the first half and looked set to score first until a defensive error allowed Robbie Earle to blast the first goal just inside the second half.

Efan Ekoku got the Dons' second and third goals and only Ruel Fox was able to reply for Spurs as they awoke from their slumber.

But the team failed to produce a cohesive force against Wimbledon's strong attack and defence and a sparkling Efan Ekoku who scored their third and final goal.

However Gross can take heart in his new signing. Paolo Tramezzani looked full of potential in his left back role.

There are further rumours that more personnel could be on the way to Spurs, but sources at the club would neither confirm who they might be nor when they might arrive. As far as Spurs fans are concerned, the sooner the better.

p North London will get a brand new football facility in October with the opening of a Powerleague Soccer Centre in Pursley Road, Barnet Copthall.

The centre will be dedicated to 5-a-side football and an identical centre will be opening

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