Jermain Defoe was caught up in a 'cheat' storm after earning Tottenham an FA Cup fourth-round replay against a vastly-improved West Brom.

Baggies fans were convinced Defoe had made a meal of the challenge on him by defender Darren Purse in winning the penalty which he converted himself for his 16th goal of the campaign.

Defoe's spot-kick cancelled out an earlier effort from Rob Earnshaw for the home side who also struck the woodwork twice.

The England striker was booed every time he touched the ball for the remainder of the game although he remained a constant threat and was Tottenham's best player.

Albion may be languishing at the foot of the Barclays Premiership but they fully deserved a second chance against their ex-player Martin Jol's side.

There is an assuredness and confidence about their passing game which was lacking when Bryan Robson first took over from Gary Megson in mid-November.

And most importantly the Albion players now appear to have the belief they can compete at the highest level.

Jonathan Greening provided a constant threat down the left flank while Neil Clement was again commanding at the heart of the Albion defence.

Albion began the game full of confidence after their recent revival and Earnshaw had a decent opportunity to break the deadlock after 11 minutes.

The Welsh international reacted first to meet a cross from Jonathan Greening but he failed to connect properly with his volley from near the penalty spot and Spurs keeper Paul Robinson saved with ease.

Earnshaw was not lacking in confidence despite a warning from manager Robson to improve his all-round game and a low first-time effort straight at Robinson from Zoltan Gera's headed cross.

But Robinson was relieved when a thunderous drive from 15 yards out by Earnshaw cannoned back off the crossbar after he had been put through by Zoltan Gera.

Earnshaw was not to be denied and after 17 minutes a cool piece of finishing gave Albion a deserved lead.

Back-in-favour Ronnie Wallwork supplied the cross from the left and Earnshaw got in between Anthony Gardner and Robinson to deflect home his eighth goal of the campaign.

Tottenham, showing six changes from the side beaten 3-0 by Crystal Palace, were clearly second best in the opening quarter but they slowly started to claw their way back into the game.

Defoe's back-heel set up a half chance for his strike partner but he was leaning back when he sliced his shot well wide of Russell Hoult's goal.

Baggies keeper Hoult got his body right behind a low drive from Simon Davies but after half an hour Defoe put the visitors back on terms from the penalty spot.

The England striker was adjudged to have been brought down by Purse after turning sharply and he then stepped forward to drill the spot-kick into the corner of the net.

Albion fans vented their anger and clearly felt that Defoe had made the most of the situation although it appeared that contact had been made by Purse.

Earnshaw appealed in vain for a penalty at the other end, claiming he was held back by Erik Edman as he went to meet a cross from Greening which he scooped over the bar at full stretch.

Defoe missed a golden opportunity to put Spurs in front after just four minutes of the second period.

Davies cut past Robinson before slipping the ball through to the unmarked Defoe who had a clear sight at goal but he made a complete hash of his shot which flew yards wide.

Defoe remained a constant threat and Purse would have been relieved when he deflected his powerful shot only just wide of Hoult's goal.

Albion hit the woodwork for the second time when Greening's low shot thudded against a post and back into play with Robinson well beaten.

Then the England number one did well to block a close range effort from Kanu after he has waltzed his way into a threatening position.

It was Albion's turn to have a let-off when Davies headed wide from six yards out from Defoe's cross.

Teams

West Brom Hoult, Albrechtsen, Purse, Clement, Robinson, Wallwork, Gera, Greening, Scimeca, Kanu (Horsfield 79), Earnshaw (Campbell 78).

Subs Not Used: Gaardsoe, O'Connor, Kuszczak.

Goals: Earnshaw 17.

Tottenham Robinson, Kelly, King, Gardner, Edman, Davies (Marney 75), Carrick, Brown, Atouba, Kanoute, Defoe (Keane 75).

Subs Not Used: Fulop, Bunjevcevic, Pamarot.

Booked: Atouba.

Goals: Defoe 31 pen.

Att: 22,441

Ref: M Halsey (Lancashire).