SPURS enjoyed much of the possession in the first half of their FA Cup clash with Charlton Athletic but are yet to turn their dominance into a lead.

Jermain Defoe had the chance to break the deadlock on his return from suspension in the 21st minute when he latched onto a Roman Pavlyuchenko flick, only to see his shot blocked.

Five minutes from the interval the Russian could have bagged himself a goal but headed wide from the edge of the six yard box.

Debutant Andros Townsend was the home side's liveliest player, with some incisive runs in from the right hand side, and looked confident on his first appearance for the club.

Right-back Vedran Corluka also came close on one occasion from a free-kick just outside the penalty area, but the Croatian put his effort inches wide of the goal.

Tottenham's League One opponents nearly scored themselves against the run of play, but Simon Wagstaff side-footed his shot wide of the post.

The south London side spent much of the half penned into their own penalty box but broke with pace on several occasions, and were perhaps disappointed not to test Spurs goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini.

Harry Redknapp will be urging his side to maintain their pressure in the second half to settle the tie.