Portsmouth produced a dedicated and battling display to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at Wembley and reach the club’s second FA Cup Final in just three years. Having been relegated yesterday despite not playing, and following a season of huge financial turmoil and continued uncertainty, in which the club has entered administration and had a nine-point deduction inflicted upon it by the Premier League, today’s victory is a remarkable achievement for a Avram Grant’s resilient side. In a feisty and well-fought encounter both sides had chances, with the impeccable David James saving well from Peter Crouch and Tom Huddlestone, and Spurs ‘keeper Gomes, who twice kept out Frederic Piquionne. As the game moved into extra time, it was clear that it would only take one slip to settle the result, and with twenty minutes to go, the Wembley pitch once again took centre stage. Having been criticised yesterday during Aston Villa’s 3-0 defeat against Chelsea, a number of players found it difficult to keep their balance, including Tottenham defender Michael Dawson, who fell at the most inopportune time, allowing Piquionne to slide the ball under Gomes. Spurs thought they had equalised just a couple of minutes later but Crouch’s goal was controversially ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper James, whose wry smile told the whole story. Tottenham pressed forward hoping to equalise, but in their haste to do so neglected their defensive duties, and after almost being caught on the break by Utaka, Dindane raced past Spurs midfielder Palacios, who hauled down the Pompey striker inside the box. Tattooed former Tottenham midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng netted the resulting penalty, sending the thousands of long-suffering Pompey fans into delirium, and the Spurs fans home in their droves. Although the final will likely be a formality, Pompey’s grit, determination and sheer effort in the face of relegation, and becoming the first ever Premier League club to enter administration, is deeply laudable. The result means Avram Grant will face his former employers at Wembley next month, but whatever happens this achievement will live long in the hearts and minds of Portsmouth fans everywhere. With many of those who played today unlikely to be featuring for Pompey next season, and concerns over whether or not some will be able to play again this season due to pre-agreed appearance bonuses, today’s victory is very much a fairytale ending to a season of struggle and adversity.
Sunday 11 April 2010
Pompey play up for the Cup to bring some justice to the footballing world
Portsmouth produced a dedicated and battling display to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at Wembley and reach the club’s second FA Cup Final in just three years. Having been relegated yesterday despite not playing, and following a season of huge financial turmoil and continued uncertainty, in which the club has entered administration and had a nine-point deduction inflicted upon it by the Premier League, today’s victory is a remarkable achievement for a Avram Grant’s resilient side. In a feisty and well-fought encounter both sides had chances, with the impeccable David James saving well from Peter Crouch and Tom Huddlestone, and Spurs ‘keeper Gomes, who twice kept out Frederic Piquionne. As the game moved into extra time, it was clear that it would only take one slip to settle the result, and with twenty minutes to go, the Wembley pitch once again took centre stage. Having been criticised yesterday during Aston Villa’s 3-0 defeat against Chelsea, a number of players found it difficult to keep their balance, including Tottenham defender Michael Dawson, who fell at the most inopportune time, allowing Piquionne to slide the ball under Gomes. Spurs thought they had equalised just a couple of minutes later but Crouch’s goal was controversially ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper James, whose wry smile told the whole story. Tottenham pressed forward hoping to equalise, but in their haste to do so neglected their defensive duties, and after almost being caught on the break by Utaka, Dindane raced past Spurs midfielder Palacios, who hauled down the Pompey striker inside the box. Tattooed former Tottenham midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng netted the resulting penalty, sending the thousands of long-suffering Pompey fans into delirium, and the Spurs fans home in their droves. Although the final will likely be a formality, Pompey’s grit, determination and sheer effort in the face of relegation, and becoming the first ever Premier League club to enter administration, is deeply laudable. The result means Avram Grant will face his former employers at Wembley next month, but whatever happens this achievement will live long in the hearts and minds of Portsmouth fans everywhere. With many of those who played today unlikely to be featuring for Pompey next season, and concerns over whether or not some will be able to play again this season due to pre-agreed appearance bonuses, today’s victory is very much a fairytale ending to a season of struggle and adversity.
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