A strong Spurs side, captained by want-away midfielder Luka Modric, were held by the Pirates in Nelspruit, South Africa. The Premier League side took the lead in the 16th minute when Rafael van der Vaart scored a fantastic free-kick which he powered past Senzo Meyiwa in the Pirates' goal. Wales international Gareth Bale almost replicated Van der Vaart's effort later into the half but Meyiwa managed to tip his set-piece over the bar. Defender Happy Jele then equalised for the Pirates when his shot from a narrow angle was too strong for Brad Friedel who flapped at it with one hand. Daine Klate thought he had put the hosts ahead on half-time but his effort was ruled out for offside. The second half was a much more disjointed affair with both sides making several substitutions and the game eventually petered out into a draw. Wolves picked up a hard-fought win away at League One side Walsall. Michael Kightly opened the scoring for Wolves before Jon Macken equalised and Leigh Griffiths' 40th minute strike was soon cancelled out by Walsall's Will Grigg before Christophe Berra scored the decider for Mick McCarthy's side. Steven Davis underlined his value to Rangers with both goals as the Scottish champions concluded their pre-season preparations with a comfortable victory at Blackpool. Fresh from signing a new five-year contract earlier in the day, the Northern Ireland midfielder struck twice late in the first half of a tame friendly at Bloomfield Road. Elsewhere, Aberdeen suffered a 1-0 defeat against a strong Villarreal team in Darren Mackie's testimonial game for the Dons. The visitors named an impressive team including Spain internationals Santi Cazorla, Bruno and Borja Valero and experienced midfielder Marcos Senna. In an even first half at Pittodrie, both sides drew good saves from Aberdeen's on-loan goalkeeper David Gonzalez and Diego Lopez in the Villarreal goal. The deadlock was broken in the 53rd minute through half-time substitute Giuseppe Rossi, with the Italy international coolly slotting home from 12 yards. A crowd of 10,000 showed up for Mackie's big night and he nearly capped it in style but his 73rd minute effort sneaked inches wide. Newly promoted Dunfermline lost 2-1 at home to League One outfit Huddersfield, despite taking the lead in the 20th minute through Steven McDougall. Striker Jordan Rhodes scored twice in three minutes at East End Park before half-time to secure a comeback from the visitors. Hibernian travelled to Scottish First Division side Falkirk and were held to a 1-1 draw. Rhys Bennett opened the scoring for Falkirk in the third minute but Paul Hanlon equalised for Hibs with 10 minutes remaining. St Mirren lost to lower league opposition, going down 3-1 at Cowdenbeath. Jon Robertson gave the hosts the lead before Paul McGowan levelled for St Mirren. Colin Cameron then put Cowdenbeath back in front before Greig Stewart rounded off the win by adding a third. A young West Brom XI won 3-2 at Kidderminster with Kemar Roofe scoring a hat-trick for the Baggies. Jamille Matt had put the hosts ahead and veteran Steve Guinan pulled one back late on. Max Gradel scored the only goal of the game as Leeds edged past Rochdale 1-0 at Spotland. Former Bolton and Aston Villa defender Jlloyd Samuel featured for Leeds as a trialist. Macclesfield twice took the lead before eventually having to settle for a 2-2 friendly draw at home to Derby. Bristol Rovers secured a deserved 2-0 victory over Burnley at the Memorial Stadium to end the Championship side's unbeaten pre-season record. Matt Harrold and Elliot Richard scored the Pirates' goals. Michael Chopra bagged another pre-season brace to ensure Ipswich came from two goals down to draw 2-2 at non-league Cambridge. Bristol City edged past Cheltenham 2-1 to secure a pre-season victory at Whaddon Road. Nicky Maynard and Marvin Elliott were on target for the Championship club. And Sheffield Wednesday maintained their unbeaten pre-season run by beating Rotherham 2-1 at Don Valley Stadium. Lewis Buxton and Gary Madine were on target for the Owls before Adam Le Fondre responded for the Millers.
