Richard Kingson was given a chance in goal whilst both Daniel De Ridder and Olivier Kapo were given chances to impress outfield.
All three struggled in reality. Kingson looked calm and assured until he came flying out his goal to bring down Frazer Campbell to gift Tottenham the opening goal from the penalty spot.
He also made a hash of Roman Pavluychenko's late striker that added Tottenham's third.
Meanwhile olivier Kapo struggled to play out of position up front and Daniel De Ridder looked off the pace on the right flank.
Henri Camara was also recalled up front and scored his sixth goal of the season in only first team starts which must surely give Latics boss Steve Bruce more food for thought.
It was also fantastic to see Erik Edman make his return to first team action as a substitute for Olivier Kapo in the final five minutes. The Swedish international full back has been out of action for almost a year with a bad knee injury.
What really amazed both the Latics players and supporters though was the lack of sportsmanship shown by Spurs.
Tottenham's second goal was scored after a swift counter attack launched by goalkeeper Gomes. Despite Maynor Figueroa lying injured on the ground Gomes fired a throw out.
David Bentley also looked back three times at the injured full back before proceeding to cross the ball to O'Hara who's shot came back off the post to Mdric who headed in from close range.
The goal marred what was a well fought contest between the two sides and referee Alan Wiley was powerless to disallow the goal despite the protests from Latics' players.
However, it is testiment to the Latics recent progress that we currently sit seventh in the table and put out a second string eleven at Spurs. Not only giving the Londoners a good game, but pushing them all the way in the cup.
The lack of a fourth round tie could be a blessing in disguise as the small squad is given more time to rest. Spurs and Redknapp on the other hand have another game to look forward to.
With their side languising above the relegation zone on goal difference alone, that could be one game too many.
Here is the relative reaction from both camps.
Steve Bruce
We made a couple of mistakes so I'm hopeful that we can have a few back for our next league game (against Tottenham) in 10 days' time and have a go at them then.
Without Zaki and Heskey we just didn't have enough firepower. It would have been nice to have the full artillery tonight so I hope they are back and we have a full team next time.
The Christmas period has taken its toll and a club like ours can't afford to have four, five out.
Harry Redknapp
It was a good result in the end. It was great to get the win and get through to the next round. I thought we did well.
We were comfortable and at 2-0 it looked game over. When it gets to 2-1 in any game there is always a bit of pressure but I was hoping we'd be okay.
The FA Cup is not the main priority at the moment, the league and the Carling Cup are key for us, but we wanted to win.
No-one comes here in front of 30,000-plus supporters who love their team and thinks 'it doesn't matter if we win or lose'. We want to win every game.
Jonathan Woodgate
He's done really well [Pavluychenko]. It's been hard for him because the season has [followed] straight through from the Russian one.
He's playing well and scoring goals and I hope it continues. He has a smile on his face and he's starting to learn the language and it's important for him he does that. He's a happy-go-lucky lad.
Towards the end they piled the pressure on and we are not not happy at conceding a late goal, but we kept going and we are in the next round.
What do you think? Please let us know your opinion on the messageboard - click here.