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Bale on song for Spurs as Cole nets for Hammers

Gareth Bale scored his first goal of the pre-season programme after finding the top corner of the net © PA Photos

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Gareth Bale netted his first goal of the pre-season programme as Tottenham Hotspur drew 1-1 at Swindon Town on Tuesday night.

Spurs needed just 15 minutes to open the scoring at the County Ground, Bale latching onto a through ball from Gylfi Sigurdsson to fire into the top corner of the net.

But the Robins earned a share of the spoils in the 76th minute when a deflected Andy Williams shot beat Brad Friedel.

West Ham continued their pre-season campaign with a 2-1 win over League One Colchester at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Joe Cole and defender James Collins were on target at the start of each half for the Premier League side before substitute Jabo Ibehre headed in a stoppage-time consolation with a powerful header.

Newcastle United gave a "top drawer" performance in their 4-2 victory at Motherwell, according to Magpies boss Alan Pardew. Haris Vuckic, Yoan Gouffran, Moussa Sissoko and Sylvain Marveaux all netted for the away side.

Elsewhere, Reading drew 1-1 against Portuguese side Belenenses. The Royals went a goal down after the home side scored a first-half penalty but Adam Le Fondre levelled the scores with his second goal in as many games in pre-season.

Blackburn beat Crewe in their match at Gresty Road thanks to Grant Hanley's early header. Hanley powerfully headed home Ruben Rochina's corner in the 11th minute to seal the win.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest played out a 1-1 draw with Chesterfield. Matt Derbyshire opened the scoring for Forest in the 17th minute when he raced on to a perfectly weighted through ball from Andy Reid, but his score was cancelled out by Gary Roberts'second-half strike for the Spireites.

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