Son Heung-min's second-half show sparks Spurs past Preston and into FA Cup fifth round
Record-chasing Harry Kane was limited to a watching brief as Son Heung-min fired Tottenham into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 3-0 victory at Preston in a battle of the lilywhites.
Kane recovered from a midweek illness to take his place on the bench and was hoping for an opportunity to move clear of Jimmy Greaves' all-time scoring record for the club, having matched his tally of 266 with the winner at Fulham on Monday.
But, although this was not always an easy night for Spurs against a side 26 places below them in the pyramid, the England captain was not needed as Son's second-half double proved the difference at Deepdale before substitute Arnaut Danjuma marked his debut with a late third.
Son's goals may not come with the weight of history attached but these were important strikes for the Korean, who had only one since October coming into the match. A push for the top four would be a much more realistic prospect if he is back firing again.
FULL MATCH DETAILS
Kane had dropped to the bench as one of seven changes made by Antonio Conte - including a start for Republic of Ireland wing-back Matt Doherty - but even so Spurs' Premier League pedigree was clear as they dominated the ball, were faster in their movement, stronger and quicker in battling for the ball.
But, as Preston, who have made it beyond the fourth round only once in the last 14 years, defended in numbers, the visitors struggled to carve out clear opportunities in the first half.
Dejan Kulusevski saw a shot deflected wide after Ivan Perisic sent a free-kick straight into the wall, while Son twice tested Freddie Woodman from range but earned nothing more than a corner.
Preston, who had Ireland internationals Alan Browne and Robbie Brady as well as newly arrived