Last Post!

What a season that bloody was 8th in the league the Asia Cup and THE F.A. Cup!!!!!!!! Well done Pompey.
Now for the best of the season

Best Game Pompey 7-4 Reading we wont see a game like that in a while

Best Goal Mantari against Manchester United in the F.A Cup this put our name on the cup for sure. I also like to see outfield players in goal very funny.

Worst moment the four game we lost at the end of the season to miss out on fifth.

Best moment winning the F.A. Cup what else!!!!!!!

Best pub bar 38 I quite liked it good food and beer, but not my nomal boozer.

So thats it for this season roll on Erope next year even less 3pm kick offs then.

Next seasons blog click on this BRAND NEW BLOG

Pompeygary 08

Cardiff 0-1 Pompey

WE WON THE FA CUP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh well yes, we arrived at London nice and early. A bit too early, if truth be known. My wife was in the recording studio in SE1 so she drove us up and we made our own way around. First we tubed over to Leicester Square where there were quite a few Pompey fans already…. And a few Cardiff scattered for good measure. We had a coffee at a café and sat and watched the world go by.

We then took a trip up to Oxford Street which was surprisingly quiet, almost reminiscent of a scene from 28 Days Later! After visiting some shops we popped back to Leicester Square where we ate, Mum had Chicken Noodles and I had Vegetable Noodles. Then we set sail for Wembley on the tube.

With a mix of Cardiff and Pompey fans the 30 minute tube ride was quite entertaining with Pompey fans giving the Cardiff fans friendly abuse, mainly about sheep! But all good natured – and few Zulu’s thrown in for good measure.

We arrived at Wembley at about 12.30 and sat and did a little more people watching, which was fun. I notice that there were a darn sight more tv cameras and press than there were for the semi-finals. Once the turnstiles opened we queued up and entered the stadium. We then travelled up three escalators to get to our level, the first time I have ever done that. Then it was time for the important thing – BEER!

After what seemed like a lifetime, we got our beer – the guy pouring was getting abuse from the queue because of the time it took him to serve us. Once the beer was drunk we got to our seats. Wembley had supplied us with flags to wave, not usually my sort of thing but on this day it had to be done.

The ceremony started with the band marching up and down the pitch, which for me is a tradition which has to be done at the start of an FA Cup Final. Then the podiums were bought out for the singers to sing the respective national anthems. The stunning Katherine Jenkins for Wales and the annoying and slightly withered Lesley Garrett for us. First they sang the great hymn Abide with Me, which always manages to bring a tear to my eye, then once they had sorted out Katherine’s microphone, they started on the National Anthems.

Now to the match…

The game started off quite frantically, I was always worried that Cardiff would score and win the game, but thankfully we were always too classy for them and although they put up a good fight, it just wasn’t enough to beat us. The referee was bloody annoying and giving most the decisions to Cardiff for free kicks and when he did give us a decision, a cheer came up from the Pompey faithful. Most of the game was a blur and when Kanu missed an open goal I thought “Oh No!” I hope we don’t regret that. But a few minutes later Kanu scored an easy goal which at the time nobody knew if it was offside or not, it took a few seconds for the crowd to realise that we had actually scored.

Cardiff did put the ball in the net but as I saw from my vantage point their player hand-balled before skilfully chipping the ball into the net. But the referee made a right decision, for a change, and deemed it disallowed.

At the end of the first half we watched the highlights on the big screens and awaited the second half to begin. The second half wasn’t as frantic as the first but Cardiff pushed us all the way to the end with corners and free-kicks. Somehow four minutes of extra time came from somewhere (who knows where?) and it was time to bite your fingernails. As with all extra time there is no run down on the scoreboard clock. But after the final attack from Cardiff the ball ended the centre circle and the referee raised his arms and blew up for full-time. And Pompey had won the FA Cup for the first time in nearly 70 years. The Cardiff fans stayed behind to cheer their team for the effort and graciously most of them stayed behind to watch our boys lift the FA Cup. In return we clapped the Cardiff fans and everyone had a really good day.

The ceremony went on for around an hour where Pompey posed on the podiums before parading around and the pitch. Everyone on the squad got hold of the cup even the Chairman and Kev “the kit man” at one point! And one final frantic waving of the Pompey flag it was time to go home happy and elated. Come on Europe!

Pompeygary’s MOTM Kanu Pure Skill

Pompeygary’s Worst No one both teams played well.

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Utaka (Nugent 69), Pedro Mendes (Diop 78), Diarra, Muntari, Kranjcar, Kanu (Baros 87).
Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Pamarot.

Booked: Hreidarsson, Kranjcar, Diarra.

Goals: Kanu 37.

Cardiff: Enckelman, McNaughton, Johnson, Loovens, Capaldi, Ledley, Rae (Sinclair 86), McPhail, Whittingham (Ramsey 61), Parry, Hasselbaink (Thompson 70).
Subs Not Used: Oakes, Purse.

Att: 89,874

Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).

Thats it almost for this blog a review of the year will be put up soon to close this blog and give you the link to the new one for next season Play Up Pompey!

In London

Made it to London at 8.45 time to in to Oxford Street.

Up and ready

So today is the day up for some coffee then of to London.

Sleep

Well I am up early the day before the cup final, this is like
Christmas eve. I will be blogging on the phone for the final so Play
Up Pompey!

Portsmouth 0-1 Fulham

The great escape happened at Fratton Park, but it was not Pompey this time. Fulham made there first win against Pompey at Fratton Park to stay up!

Gunwarf was a bit quiet but it was Sunday, we went into Bar 38 again, this is a nice bar this time we had chips with cheese and a couple of pints. It was lovley and sunny hot in fact. After that we took the long walk to Fratton.

The game was very enjoyable even if we lost again! Fulham were heading for relegation, with rivals Reading and Birmingham winning, until Murphy's strike.

Fulham had never before won three Premier League away matches in a row.

And for long spells it had seemed to be an impossible mission.

They were faced by Pompey players who had two incentives - to arrest a run of three consecutive defeats and to stake their claim for a starting place in the FA Cup final line-up.

And then it came. A free-kick from the right was superbly delivered by Bullard and an unmarked Murphy nodded the ball into the corner.

It sparked scenes of jubilation in the stands, although Hodgson looked unmoved.

Four in a row for Pompey now time for a win on Saturday then!

So Pompey end 8th in the league this year and an F.A. Cup Final well done Pompey.

Pompeygary's MOTM Bullard Nuff said

Pompeygary's WORST. Utaka come on play man

Portsmouth: Ashdown, Johnson, Distin, Pamarot, Hreidarsson, Utaka, Diarra (Muntari 83), Pedro Mendes (Davis 73), Kranjcar, Defoe, Kanu (Baros 73).
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Wilson.

Fulham: Keller, Stalteri, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Davies, Murphy, Bullard, Dempsey (Nevland 72), Kamara (Andreasen 85), McBride.
Subs Not Used: Warner, Bocanegra, Healy.

Goals: Murphy 76.

Att: 20,532

Ref: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear).

Pub for last home game is

At Gunwaharf Quays in Pompey as the weather will be nice and should be a good place for a drink and a bite to eat.

New away kit

Pompey revealed there new away kit today. A large ( big enough to fit me!) kit was flown around Pompey and surrounding area today from a helicopter. I saw it at break time this morning.

New crest

I like this, not at first but it's good Play Up Pompey!

Boro 2-0 Pompey

Another loss away from home looks like the players are saving themselves for the Cup!

Chris Riggott and Tuncay headed home corners to preserve Middlesbrough's top-flight status for another season.

Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Young, Wheater, Riggott, Pogatetz, Boateng (Cattermole 88), Rochemback, Arca, Downing, Sanli, Alves (Aliadiere 61).
Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Johnson, Taylor.

Booked: Arca.

Goals: Riggott 40, Sanli 53.

Portsmouth: Ashdown, Johnson, Distin, Campbell, Hreidarsson, Mvuemba, Diop (Davis 67), Diarra, Kranjcar, Baros (Nugent 67), Defoe.
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Lauren, Hughes.

Booked: Diarra.

Att: 24,828

Ref: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).

Pompey 0-1 Blackburn

What! we lost to this bunch of Northern Ba&*%ds. Fare play we did not deserve to win we were not good enough but good enough not to loose.

The pub is the pub John Westwood has a swift half before the game. He was there but I did not get to talk to him I was enjoying my drink for the penultimate match of the season. This is a real Pompey pub with real Pompey people blue and white all the way.

Portsmouth's hopes of claiming a Uefa Cup place by finishing fifth suffered a setback as they lost to Blackburn. Roque Santa Cruz grabbed the winner with a low shot after a neat one-two with strike partner Jason Roberts.
I can say that the ref assistant got it wrong with the offside rule a few times for both sides a very poor show, almost as bad as Pompey!

No James for this game ( Hope he is back for the F.A CUP!) so it was Jamie Ashdown in goal But the Fratton Park side did not clear their lines and David Bentley crossed for Nelsen, whose stooping header forced an excellent save from Ashdown. And Blackburn compounded their misery by taking the lead when Santa Cruz grabbed his 21st goal of the campaign.

Pompeygary's MOTM Defoe BUT NO GOAL
Pompeygary's Worst Diop STOP GIVING THE BALL AWAY MAN!

Portsmouth: Ashdown, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Lauren, Utaka (Kranjcar 46), Diop, Diarra, Muntari (Baros 78), Defoe, Kanu.
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Aubey, Davis.

Booked: Defoe, Campbell.

Blackburn: Friedel, Reid, Nelsen, Samba (Ooijer 87), Warnock, Bentley, Emerton, Vogel, Pedersen, Santa Cruz, Roberts (Dunn 90).
Subs Not Used: Brown, Kerimoglu, Derbyshire.

Booked: Reid, Warnock.

Goals: Santa Cruz 74.

Att: 18,722

Ref: Mike Riley (Yorkshire).

Pub for Blackburn

The Newcome Arms,Newcome Road, Fratton

This Victorian corner pub is very much a traditional local. Always having retained the same name, the house was originally owned by the Pike Brewery and by the 1990s was part of the vast Whitbread pub estate. The Newcome is known for being home to some of the most fervent Portsmouth FC fans, and the former chairman could sometimes be found here enjoying a pre-match drink with the fans.

Man City 3-1 Pompey

Whoops!

Man City: Hart, Elano (Caicedo 90), Corluka, Dunne (Williamson 54), Ball, Vassell, Ireland (Geovanni 75), Gelson, Johnson, Petrov, Mwaruwari.
Subs Not Used: Isaksson, Castillo. Booked: Williamson

Portsmouth: James, Lauren, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Utaka (Baros 75), Muntari, Diarra, Diop (Aubey 75), Kranjcar (Davis 83), Defoe.
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Nugent.

Sent Off: Hreidarsson (41)

Booked: Lauren.

Att: 40,205

Ref: Andre Marriner (W Midlands).

Romour Time Part 2

FA look to World Cup at Fratton Park

The Football Association are considering offering Portsmouth financial incentives to redevelop Fratton Park as a potential 2018 World Cup venue. The FA, who are keen to have a geographical spread of stadiums, want to include plans for a minimum 40,000-seat South Coast base in the technical section of their bid document to Fifa.

There is a desire to redevelop Fratton Park," FA chairman Lord Triesman said of Portsmouth's resolve to rebuild their ancient home or relocate nearby. Asked whether the FA would help Portsmouth financially, he replied: "Whatever we do has to be in line with whatever Fifa say are the bedrock conditions for making the bid.

"We have stadia right round the country, but we have to look to see whether other stadia further south in England can be developed."

A new super-stadium in Bristol has been discussed but the FA are now focusing on the Portsmouth option, offering "the peak of the criterion we have seen Fifa use in the past"

We will see!

Romour Time Part 1

It would appear that the new training ground will be in Gosport in the Rowner area..............

Pompey 0-0 Toon

Well it seems Pompey draw to this lot every season at home!

The pub was small but ok it was one of those pubs that is not much bigger than the average living room, the last time I was in it I think I was very ill outside oh my wasted days of my youth!

For a draw the game was very enjoyable but neither side could penetrate to score.
David James' point-blank save denied Michael Owen to salvage a point for Portsmouth after Popmpey failed to close in on fifth position. Newcastle had threatened when Geremi's long-range shot and Mark Viduka's volley forced good saves from James.

Harry Redknapp's side also came close to a goal with second-half chances from both Glen Johnson and Jermain Defoe.

But it was a great save off the face of James that denied Owen from scoring the best of the game's few chances.With both sides now settled, the midfields began to cancel each other out, with only half chances falling to Viduka and Nwankwo Kanu.
It was a game we should of won, but with the Wembley win and turning over West Ham in the last 7 days I think it was a fare result. But can we still make 5th?

Pompeygary's MOTM James Great hair!
Pompeygary's Worst Owen Did not look happy.

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Diop, Davis, Muntari, Kranjcar, Defoe, Kanu (Nugent 75). Subs Not Used: Begovic, Lauren, Hughes, Pedro Mendes.

Booked: Johnson.

Newcastle: Harper, Beye, Faye, Taylor, Jose Enrique, Geremi, Butt, Barton, Owen, Viduka (Smith 82), Martins. Subs Not Used: Forster, Duff, Edgar, Carroll.

Booked: Barton.

Att: 20,507

Ref: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).

Toon Pub

The Red White & Blue, Fawcett Road, Southsea cheaper than Wembley.

West Ham 0-1 Pompey

I had this one down as a loss after the Cup game, but we won Play Up Pompey.
Niko Kranjcar's goal on the hour proved to be enough to secure the points for FA Cup finalists Portsmouth in a low-key game at West Ham

West Ham: Green, Neill, Spector, Ferdinand, McCartney, Solano (Pantsil 82), Mullins (Cole 73), Parker, Boa Morte, Ashton, Zamora (Sears 58). Subs Not Used: Walker, Tomkins.

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Distin, Campbell, Hreidarsson, Diop, Pedro Mendes (Hughes 82), Muntari, Mvuemba, Nugent (Kanu 73), Kranjcar. Subs Not Used: Begovic, Lauren, Davis.

Goals: Kranjcar 61.

Att: 33,629

Ref: Lee Probert (Wiltshire).

W.B.A 0-1 Pompey

This was our transport to the match and what a match not! The whole experience was something tho I will never forget. That stadium at Wembley is not just big it seems to totally engulf the area and inside it is just bigger than big. We got a good view in the second row.
We all got on the mini bus and set off, picking up people at Cosham on the way and we went up the M3 GIVING SCUM SOME STICK AS WE WENT PASSED! We met up with some other Pompey fans at Fleet when we stopped for a break and one or two West Brom fans too.The roads got busy as we got to Wembley and it took us a while to get in. We had a parking space booked, but when we got there we were told the parking space did not exist. This bloke told us that a few people had booked online had been coned and he had a place we could park for 20 quid. We did not believe him so as we went a bit farther we found our spot, and he told us that this other bloke had been telling people all day that his place did not exist but it did what a con artist, if we had believed him it would of cost us an extra 20 quid! We all said we should go and sort him out but we did not want to get arrested before the match so we left it what a "&%$ he was for trying it on.Outside Wembley Mum and me people watched for a while and had a packed lunch. This was to save money at buying stuff at the stadium.

This was our way to get in to the stadium and we headed strait for the bar.

£3.50 for a pint not to bad about the same as at home, had my first and only pint of the day at Wembley.

The view from our seat was good!
We had to dodge the inflatable banana and beach balls and balloons (pop!!!).

So all the noise started as the stadium filled up. To hear the chimes from 33 thousand was wonderful! The balloons were popping even more now my mum liked that not! As the teams come out to a big roar and ticker tape I knew it was not a dream we were one win away from the final.

A second-half goal from Kanu was enough to send Portsmouth through to their first FA Cup final in 69 years.

Ex-West Brom striker Kanu side-footed an easy chance to see off the Baggies after Dean Kiely had denied Milan Baros and Zoltan Gera had failed to clear.

Baros, who looked to have handled in the build-up to the goal, missed a simple chance to seal the win.

They were almost made to pay but Robert Koren's shot hit the bar and Ishmael Miller fired wide late on.

Portsmouth will face the winners of the all-Championship tie between Barnsley and Cardiff on Sunday in the final.

Their win carries on the top flight's run of having a team in every FA Cup final.

Pompey were already odds-on favourites to lift the trophy before the game, but for long periods it was West Brom who looked the better bet for a return to Wembley on 17 May.

Harry Redknapp's south coast side were not at the races during a lacklustre first-half display and it Albion who looked like the Premier League thoroughbreds.


Portsmouth's defensive pair of Sol Campbell and Sylvain Distin struggled throughout to deal with veteran forward Kevin Phillips dropping deep.

The former Southampton striker found plenty of space and tested Pompey early on with a long-range shot just over the bar before a neat lay-off that ended with Zoltan Gera causing problems for a fumbling David James with a low shot.

Portsmouth were all at sea going forward, with Baros wasteful and Kanu barely contributing as Redknapp looking increasingly agitated on the sidelines.

They enjoyed their best spell of the first half shortly before the break but Redknapp, on his first appearance in the FA Cup semi-finals and at Wembley as player or manager, would have had strong words at the interval.

There appeared to be little immediate change in Pompey's play, but less than 10 minutes after the break they broke the deadlock.

Glen Johnson played a ball into Baros, who may have controlled the ball with his arm before getting off a shot which Kiely did well to keep out.

However, as Kiely looked to pounce on the loose ball Gera tried to clear and could only steer the ball into the direction of Kanu to slot into the empty net from only a couple of yards out.

It should have been game over as Baros was played in by a slide rule pass from Niko Kranjcar and seemed certain to score, but he made an awful hash of the finish and Kiely produced a desperate save.

The Baggies almost made them pay as the game burst into life in the latter stages.

Carl Hoefkens set up Koren and his shot beat James but smacked the top of the bar.

Moments later substitute Miller got clear on the left and tried to pick out Phillips at the back post, but James anticipated well and plucked his cross out of the air.

There were further worries as Hoefkens set up an onrushing Miller but he side-footed wide and Pompey survived to book their place in the final.

So it's another trip to the Capital at least two trips to Wembley in one season! So thats it we got home tired but happy it was not a pretty game but we won it Play Up Pompey!!!!

Pompey 2-0 Wigan

This was the first time I had been in this pub for a few years. In the centre of Pompey next to the Guildhall. It's the old British Gas offices now a Weather spoons like most of theses pubs they have at last put a TV or two in them, I did not like the idea of no Juke Boxes or pool tables in pubs to me a pool table and the like are part of the culture. One good thing about these pubs is the drink is cheap so swings and roundabouts.We had a good chat to an oldish Shefield man about the Wembley semi and other football things.

The game was OK first half was a bit dull until Glen Johnson cleared Antonio Valencia's goal-bound shot off the line before Defoe struck from an acute angle after good work by John Utaka on the flank. He scored again this is what Pompey have needed for years a real goal scorer!
Wigan played well without much of a threat.
Pompey need only two more points from their remaining games for their best total in the Premier League in what has been a magnificent season for the FA Cup semi-finalists.Wigan were not without their chances, however. Indeed, the visitors would certainly have taken a 15th-minute lead had Johnson not saved the day for Portsmouth.Once Portsmouth went ahead - they are the only club in the top flight holding a 100% record when scoring first - Wigan could have been forgiven for conceding defeat.
But Wigan got a pen a soft one to for Distin's nudge on Valencia.Taylor stepped up to the spot but his effort was too close to James. The England goalkeeper parried the ball back to Taylor but the former Tranmere defender blasted the rebound into the stands.
Portsmouth were largely anonymous in the closing stages, but moments before the end Kranjcar's defence-splitting pass allowed Defoe to beat the hapless Kirkland from 18 yards. I still think it was offside but who cares we won Play Up Pompey!!!!

Pompeygary's MOTM Defoe Nuff Said
Pompeygary's Worst Heskey Can't stop falling over!

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson (Lauren 63), Utaka (Hughes 71), Davis, Pedro Mendes, Kranjcar, Baros (Nugent 67), Defoe.
Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Mvuemba.

Booked: Defoe.

Goals: Defoe 32, 90.

Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot (Aghahowa 87), Boyce, Hagen (King 73), Kilbane, Valencia, Skoko, Scharner, Taylor (Sibierski 67), Heskey, Bent.
Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Figueroa.

Booked: Scharner, Skoko.

Att: 18,623

Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).

PUB

The Isambard Kingdom Brunel next to the Guild Hall see you there!

Ticket Conformation

I got an email from Ticketmaster confirming the tickets for the F.A.Cup semi-final so all I have to do is wait for the tickets to arrive!!!!! The tickets are near the front row 2, with all the people trying to get tickets I'm glad we have ours on the way can't wait Play Up Pompey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spurs 2-0 Pompey

Watched this one on telly, we played ok but two goals in two minutes sunk us. Well we were a bit thread bare but I did hope for a draw oh well roll on Wigan Play Up Pompey!!!!!!

Tottenham: Robinson, Hutton, Dawson (Bent 70), Woodgate, Chimbonda, Lennon (O'Hara 70), Zokora, Huddlestone, Malbranque, Berbatov, Keane (Tainio 83).
Subs Not Used: Cerny, Kaboul.

Goals: Bent 80, O'Hara 82.

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Distin, Hreidarsson, Aubey, Utaka, Pedro Mendes, Davis, Hughes (Mvuemba 90), Kranjcar, Kanu (Baros 83).
Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Nugent, Wilson.

Booked: Utaka.

Att: 35,998

Ref: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).

Pompey 2-0 Villa

Well of to Gunwarf I went, not to busy so when I met Mum under the Tower we went for a drink. Bar 38 was the drinking establishment we went to. It was fine but you can't beat a good old fashioned pub. We sat in the oddest chair no back on it as such, but very high sides and it was red and looked almost out of place with the rest of the bar.
The game was as tough as I expected. Villa were I think much better that Brum but seemed not to try as hard.
Defoe neatly controlled Glen Johnson's long ball to beat the culpable Scott Carson from the edge of the box a delightful Jermain Defoe lob it was to it was one of those that he even didn't look up he knew were the goal was.
Carson was at fault for the second when the goalkeeper's clearance ended in the back of the net via Reo-Coker. This has to be the best own goal I have ever seen and it looks better every time I watch it on TV.Carson came rushing out of his area to clear the danger posed by Muntari's through ball. The keeper kicked the ball straight at Reo-Coker and, to everyone's surprise, the ball bounced off the midfielder's toes into the back of the net.
Well another 3 points that makes it 50 now with no Sol Campbell we still looked good in defence, we will need him for the cup match. So Spurs next Play Up Pompey!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pompeygary's MOTM James England's Number One
Pompeygary's Worst Carson Not

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Hreidarsson, Distin, Lauren, Diop, Diarra, Muntari, Kranjcar, Baros (Kanu 83), Defoe (Utaka 81).
Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Aubey, Pedro Mendes.

Sent Off: Muntari (81).

Booked: Muntari, Lauren, Diop.

Goals: Defoe 11, Reo-Coker 38 og.

Aston Villa: Carson, Mellberg, Laursen, Knight, Bouma (Salifou 79), Maloney (Harewood 57), Reo-Coker, Barry, Young, Carew, Agbonlahor.
Subs Not Used: Taylor, Petrov, Osbourne.

Sent Off: Mellberg (89).

Booked: Mellberg.

Att: 20,388

Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside)

Booze

We will drink at Gun wharf so lets drink somewhere nice and modern and maybe food?

Pompey 4-2 Birmingham

Well I tuned up late to the pub silly me! The pub is one of the pubs close to the ground that we have not been to for football. A good pub and atmosphere it had one of those big fireplaces but it was not lit!? Everyone were talking about the cup match and tickets Pompey could play at Wembley twice this season now that would be fantastic.
WHEN WE GOT TO THE GROUND IT WAS EMPTY first time I have seen it like that in years its good you can soak up the atmosphere as people come in lovely.
The game was a good one Defoe opened the scoring from the spot after David Murphy had handled, and soon after he made it 2-0 - tucking the ball home from close range. It looked like we were going to murder Brum but Fabrice Muamba replied by volleying in a corner from Sebastian Larsson, who curled in a superb free-kick to level and what a free kick! I was not worried I knew we would win so in the second half Hreidarsson bundled home for 3-2 before Kanu's late header secured victory. Kanu's goal was a good one as substitute Kanu nodded home Mendes' cross for 4-2.
Another 3 points so we are going for Europe on two fronts amazing!
Roll on Villa Play Up Pompey!!!!!!
Pompeygary's MOTM Mendes good to see him back
Pompeygary's Worst Diop Keeps giving the ball away silly boy.

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Diop (Diarra 62), Muntari, Pedro Mendes, Kranjcar, Baros (Kanu 72), Defoe (Lauren 85).
Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Utaka.

Goals: Defoe 6 pen, 9, Hreidarsson 49, Kanu 90.

Birmingham: Maik Taylor, Kelly, Jaidi, Ridgewell, Murphy, McSheffrey, Johnson, Muamba, Larsson, Forssell (Jerome 73), Zarate (McFadden 61).
Subs Not Used: Doyle, Nafti, Parnaby.

Booked: Zarate.

Goals: Muamba 10, Larsson 40.

Att: 20,138

Pub For Brum

The Brewers Arms beer!

Draw for The Cup....

Barnsley v Cardiff
West Brom v Pompey
Play Up Pompey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Manchester United 0-1 Pompey

How did I get this one wrong, I predicted a 2-2 draw. But we bloody won the game, lucky at times but now we are going to Wembley Play Up Pompey!!!!!!

From the BBC
arry Redknapp's FA Cup curse struck Manchester United again as Portsmouth won a dramatic quarter-final clash.

Sulley Muntari scored the winner from the spot with 12 minutes left after Milan Baros was upended by United's substitute keeper Tomasz Kuszczak.

Kuszczak, who replaced Edwin van der Sar at half-time, was sent off and Rio Ferdinand took over in goal.

United went close to scoring, Sylvain Distin denying Michael Carrick on the line and Patrice Evra hitting a post.

The surprise win took Portsmouth back to Wembley for the first time since 1939 for the semi-finals and ended United's hopes of repeating their 1999 treble triumph.

For Redknapp, who has previously knocked United out of the FA Cup with both Bournemouth and West Ham, it was another victory over Sir Alex Ferguson to savour.

Paul Scholes, Carlos Tevez and Owen Hargreaves all returned to United's starting line-up after the Champions League victory over Lyon - and they met with stubborn and well-organised Portsmouth resistance.

United were understandably furious after six minutes when Cristiano Ronaldo was clearly bundled over by Distin as he raced into the area, but referee Martin Atkinson ignored the appeals, to the clear disgust of Ferguson.

Pompey rarely threatened, but United keeper Van der Sar was in some discomfort as he scrambled to save a long-range shot from Niko Kranjcar.

United missed a glorious chance to break the deadlock after 18 minutes when Tevez and Wayne Rooney led a counter-attack, but the England striker was blocked by keeper David James.

The rebound fell for Tevez, but Glen Johnson made a superb recovery to block his goal-bound effort on the line.

James had been well-protected by his defence, but he needed to be sharp to drop to his right and save a low drive from Tevez.

It had been a very satisfactory first half for Portsmouth, but United had a problem in the interval when Van der Sar withdrew through injury and was replaced by Kuszczak.

Pompey almost came unstuck in a goalmouth scramble after 57 minutes, when Tevez was blocked by defenders on the line and Ronaldo's subsequent shot snaked just inches wide.

United were taking control, and Evra should have done better than cross behind Tevez after being sent clear into the area by Rooney.

Ferguson made a double change after 67 minutes, sending on Anderson and Carrick for Tevez and Hargreaves.

And Carrick was the central figure in a remarkable escape for Portsmouth three minutes later.

Ronaldo's brilliant back-heel played him into area and a goal looked certain as he rounded James, but Distin made a miraculous recovery to make the clearance.

United were turning up the heat, with James stretchingd to make a superb save from Evra, turning his shot on to the post.

After surviving a second-half siege, Portsmouth broke out to take the lead in remarkable circumstances.

Kranjcar broke down the right and played in substitute Baros, who was felled by Kuszczak.

The Pole was shown the red card by referee Atkinson despite the fact that Rooney and Anderson were patrolling the goal-line.

Ferdinand went in goal as replacement, but he stood no chance as Muntari drilled home home the penalty with the minimum of fuss.

Cup Facts

Manchester United
The 11 times winners and seven times runners-up, are chasing a record 26th appearance in the semi-finals. They have failed to reach the last four once in the last four years.
They have won the cup a record five times in the stewardship of the current manager, who has led out the side for the final on eight occasions.

Pompey

The 1939 winners and 1929 and 1934 losing-finalists, are hoping to add to their five semi-final appearances.

This is their best run since reaching the quarter-finals in 2004. They have not appeared in the last four since 1992, when, as a Second Division side, they went out on penalties to Liverpool.

Famously held the trophy for seven years after their 4-1 triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1939, in front of 99,370. The competition was put in abeyance in 1939 due to the Second World War, so Portsmouth are the longest holders of the cup in the history of the oldest knock out competition in the world. Derby were the next winners in 1946.

Time to stand up and be counted

Pompey have nothing to loose at Manchester so I am hoping for a good game against the favourites. The early kick off on T.V. means we can get the game out the way and I think and hope we get a replay 2-2 me thinks Play Up Pompey!!!!!

Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Brown, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Fletcher, Hargreaves, Nani, Rooney, Tevez, Scholes, Giggs, O'Shea, Saha, Kuszczak, Anderson, Park, Simpson, Pique.

Portsmouth (from): James, Ashdown, Johnson, Distin, Campbell, Hreidarsson, Lauren, Aubey, Diop, Diarra, Muntari, Utaka, Davis, Mendes, Hughes, Kanu, Baros

Everton 3-1 Pompey

What this was poor, I have to say I think we are out of Europe contention this season. Well we only have Manchester United in the cup next! Play Up Pompey!!!!!

Everton: Howard, Hibbert (Johnson 66), Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Osman, Neville, Carsley, Pienaar (Baines 90), Cahill, Yakubu (Anichebe 83).
Subs Not Used: Wessels, Vaughan.

Booked: Pienaar.

Goals: Yakubu 1, Cahill 73, Yakubu 81.

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Muntari, Diop (Utaka 78), Diarra, Kranjcar, Defoe, Kanu.
Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Lauren, Baros, Davis.

Booked: Distin.

Goals: Defoe 38.

Att: 33,938

Ref: Andre Marriner (W Midlands).

Pompey 1-0 Sunderland

Well this was a good day all round a good win and a good pub. The pub was lovely more T.V.’s than you could throw a stick at. Two big screens at each end of the pub and a T.V. on each corner, so it didn’t matter were you sat you could watch the football!. We turned up just after that tackle on Arsenal's Eduardo what timing. I hope he recovers fully a bad and pore tackle. So after a couple of drinks we headed of of to the game.

Last time we played Sunderland at home a few years ago they were a pore team this time they were much better. Sunderland were holding their own for most of the first half, but with little threat up front we diden’t need James in goal for this game. Grant Leadbitter had Sunderland's best chances but we comfortably held on. Portsmouth marked manager Harry Redknapp's 100th match in charge with a win that ensures their European push remains on track. For their part, Sunderland were happy to sit deep and play on the break and it made for a scrappy, scruffy first 45 minutes that was almost totally devoid of goalmouth action. referee Phil Dowd's decision not to award a spot-kick when Johnny Evans pulled Hreidarsson back in the box late in the half was bad I got a bit angry and I gave the ref’s assistant some stick. Pompey fired out of the blocks in the second half, Defoe volleying a Milan Baros cross straight at keeper Craig Gordon and then forcing the Scot into action again with a 20-yard drive. However, the match was decided by Bardsley's foul on Kranjcar, the Croatian bamboozling the Sunderland full-back before tumbling over his leg and Defoe dispatched the penalty with aplomb.

So another 1 nil win for Pompey and 3 points Play Up Pompey!!!!!!!

Pompeygary’s MOTM Hreidarsson he played with passion

Pompeygary’s Worst Reid how fat was he?

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Diop, Diarra, Muntari, Kranjcar, Baros (Kanu 64), Defoe.
Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Lauren, Utaka, Davis.

Booked: Johnson.

Goals: Defoe 69 pen.

Sunderland: Gordon, Bardsley, Nosworthy, Evans, Collins, Whitehead, Leadbitter (Yorke 79), Etuhu, Murphy (Prica 84), Reid (Chopra 70), Jones.
Subs Not Used: Ward, McShane.

Booked: Collins, Yorke.

Att: 20,139

Ref: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).

Pub For The Black Cats Game

The Festing in Festing Road, Southsea. I love the name of this pub mine is a Pint Mum!

Cup

So today it's F.A. Cup time. The last game of the round against Preston away we should be to strong for them' but this is the cup I can't wait for this one. I just hope Pompey's trip to Spain has done them some good!!!!!!!

Play Up Pompey!!!!!!

Bolton 0-1 Pompey

I know it's a bit late but I am still in shock about this win. No way in the world we should of won this, but it is good to get one back on this shower, and it was offside and stood good.
Play up Pompey

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Andrew O'Brien, Cahill, Gardner, Nolan, Campo, Guthrie (Cohen 87), Diouf (Rasiak 60), Davies, Taylor (Giannakopoulos 82).
Subs Not Used: Al Habsi, Samuel.

Booked: Guthrie.

Portsmouth: James, Lauren, Campbell, Hreidarsson, Pamarot (Aubey 27), Hughes, Diarra, Diop, Kranjcar (Utaka 74), Baros (Kanu 46), Defoe.
Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Davis.

Booked: Hughes.

Goal: Diarra 81.

Att: 18,544

Ref: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).

Pompey 1-1 Chelsea

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Pamarot, Hreidarsson, Davis (Mvuemba 68), Diarra, Hughes, Kranjcar, Baros, Defoe.
Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Aubey, Lauren, Pedro Mendes.

Booked: Davis, Pamarot.

Goals: Defoe 64.

Chelsea: Cech, Belletti, Ben-Haim, Alex, Ashley Cole, Makelele, Wright-Phillips, Ballack, Malouda (Pizarro 74), Joe Cole, Anelka.
Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Sidwell, Bridge, Ferreira.

Goals: Anelka 55.

Att: 20,488

Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)

Manchester United 2-0 Pompey

Well I knew this was a home banker and we were awful, hats why I forgot to post this result till now. I have to say what a free kick lovley one from Ronaldo top player.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Nani, Scholes (Anderson 62), Carrick, Park, Ronaldo (Hargreaves 73), Rooney (Tevez 73).
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, O'Shea.

Goals: Ronaldo 10, 13.

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin (Hreidarsson 46), Pamarot, Lauren (Mvuemba 46), Davis, Diarra, Kranjcar, Baros (Hughes 78), Mwaruwari.
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Pedro Mendes.

Booked: Pamarot.

Att: 75,415

Ref: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire).

Defoe

Jermain Defoe signed for Pompey and immediately revealed that he wants to score the goals to fire Pompey into Europe. It's good to see him at Pompey at last. It is just a shame we my lose Benjani to Man City but thats Football.

Play Up Pompey!!!!!!!!!!

Pub

The Mary Rose, St George's Road, Old Portsmouth drink!!!!!!!

deadline day is over or is it?

Portsmouth have contacted the Premier League to see whether Benjani's move to Manchester City can still go ahead.

Pompey claim they went ahead with the purchase of Jermain Defoe from Spurs after City told them they had submitted the relevant forms for Benjani.

But City say the transfer collapsed because the Zimbabwean arrived too late in Manchester to complete the deal before the midnight deadline.

The Premier League is examining the timeline of the relevant paperwork.

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp revealed the club had received a call at 2355 GMT - five minutes before the transfer window closed - from Manchester City saying they had completed the relevant documents to sign Benjani.

"That's when Peter Storrie (Portsmouth chief executive) gave the go-ahead for our forms (to register Defoe) to go through," said Redknapp.

"Once their forms were sent, we had to get ours off very quickly. I thought we were struggling for time."

But after completing the Defoe deal for £9m, Portsmouth were then contacted by the Premier League at 0015 GMT saying they had not received all the documents to complete the Benjani deal.

However, Manchester City maintain the 29-year-old did not turn up in time to complete a medical.

"Their one had dragged on a bit because Benji had a bit of a delay getting there with one thing and another," said Redknapp.

"As far as we knew, they sent their forms so I don't see why there should be a problem."

"The grey area now is what paperwork was sent (to the Premier League) at what time between 2355 GMT and midnight," said BBC Sport's John Southall.

If the Benjani deal does fall through, it could leave Portsmouth financially short having banked on using the reported £7m transfer fee to fund Defoe's move from White Hart Lane.

"If 'Benj' is back then we'll have to see where we go with that one," said Redknapp.

"He's a good player and we didn't want to lose him. But we just needed to balance the books with him going and Defoe coming."

Well Done Havant Again!!!

That result against Liverpool was just what the F.A. Cup is all about. Pity the TV people never picked it up idiots.

Red Devil

Time for our second only midweek game this season so far against Manchester United and I think we will.......... ? I don't know with Baros on bord we may get something from this Play Up Pompey!!!!!!!!

Portsmouth 2-1 Plymouth

So Pompey win the Dock Yard derby just, so it's Preston NE in the next round away and it has been picked for TV Play Up Pompey!!!!!!!!!!!

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Pamarot, Distin, Hreidarsson, Lauren (Davis 67), Pedro Mendes (Hughes 90), Diarra, Kranjcar, Nugent (Mvuemba 46), Mwaruwari.
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Aubey

Booked: Pamarot.

Goals: Diarra 34, Kranjcar 45.

Plymouth: McCormick, Connolly, Timar, Doumbe, Sawyer, Clark (Folly 82), Nalis, Norris, Halmosi, Fallon, Easter (Jutkiewicz 75).
Subs Not Used: Larrieu, Hodges, Summerfield.

Booked: Halmosi, Doumbe.

Goals: Clark 5.

Att: 19,612

Pompey 3-1 Derby

Well it was so good to score at home! It would not have mattered if we had not won; it was just good to score.

The pub was nice in a messy kind of way, most of the people drinking were of the traveller type friendly but a bit smelly but I loved it, even the bloke who kept shouting “come on Derby!!!” I did not bite so he shut up. So we had our drinks and set off for the park.

The game started not good for Pompey we went one down in five when 19-year-old defender Lewin Nyatanga scored from close range, Mum missed it and said “ did they just score I don’t believe it and I had a bad feeling about this game, but no we scored when Sylvian Distin drifted an intelligent ball into the penalty area for Nugent and Pedro Mendes to work an opening for Benjani. And then seconds later, he rose unmarked to head past Derby keeper Lewis Price from Hermann Hreidarsson's cross and Pompey were walking down the tunnel with an unlikely lead.

We pretty much bossed the rest of the game, I know it was only Derby but no game is easy in The Prem League. So Pompey got a third and a hat-trick for Benjani who with Mendes played a one-two as they raced clear on the counter-attack and, with calculated precision, the African striker steered the ball past Price's dive into the far corner of the goal. So I was pleased we won at home and scored, but the real reason we won was because I wore my (lucky) baseball cap for the first time in ages and I will put it on again!!!!!!!!! Play Up Pompey!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pompeygary’s MOTM Benjani What a Hat-Trick

Pompeygary’s Worst Savage Nuff Said

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Pamarot, Distin, Hreidarsson, Lauren, Diarra (Hughes 81), Pedro Mendes, Kranjcar, Mwaruwari (Mvuemba 89), Nugent.
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Aubey, Songo'o.

Booked: Diarra.

Goals: Mwaruwari 38, 42, 55.

Derby: Price, Mills (Lewis 32), Todd, Moore, Nyatanga, Fagan (Teale 68), Savage, Ghaly, Robert (Barnes 56), Villa, Miller.
Subs Not Used: Hinchliffe, Earnshaw.

Booked: Fagan, Villa.

Goals: Nyatanga 4.

Att: 19,401

Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).

The Fawcett Inn

The pub for the game this weekend beer beer beer Play Up Pompey!!!!!

Sunderland 2-0 Pompey

Well after Redknapp decided to stay what else but a defeat at The Black Cats. This was a bad match and I watched it on telly I wish I had not.

Sunderland: Gordon, Whitehead, Nosworthy, Evans (McShane 77), Collins, Stokes (Leadbitter 73), Miller, Yorke, Richardson, Jones (O'Donovan 83), Murphy.
Subs Not Used: Fulop, Cole.

Booked: Collins, Richardson, Yorke.

Goals: Richardson 33, 44.

Portsmouth: James, Pamarot, Distin (Traore 90), Campbell, Hreidarsson, Mwaruwari, Mvuemba (Songo'o 65), Pedro Mendes, Hughes, Kranjcar, Nugent.
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Lauren, Wilson.

Booked: Pedro Mendes.

Att: 37,369

Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside).

Harry Stays Put

Redknapp rejects Newcastle offer

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has turned down an offer to succeed Sam Allardyce as Newcastle manager.

Redknapp was Newcastle's number one choice but he has decided to stay at Fratton Park, the club have confirmed.

Portsmouth reportedly gave Redknapp until lunchtime on Saturday to make a decision, and he has opted to stay.

"He thought about it overnight and decided to stay, he wants to stay in the job that he's been doing so brilliantly," a club spokesman said.

Allardyce was sacked by the St James' Park club on Wednesday, and Redknapp soon became Newcastle's number one choice to take over the reins.

Speculation intensified on Friday after the former Bournemouth, West Ham and Southampton manager missed a planned press conference.

But Redknapp, 60, has now ruled himself out of the running and will continue at Portsmouth, who travel to Sunderland on Sunday.

Allardyce was dismissed after just eight months at St James' Park, sparking the rumour mill about his successor into overdrive.

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes was one of those linked with the job but he has distanced himself from the post, despite being installed as the new bookmakers favourite.

Other names linked with the job include former Toon striker Alan Shearer, Martin Jol, Jose Mourinho, Italy's World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi and former England boss Steve McClaren.

BBC sources close to the 37-year-old Shearer, though, say he is extremely unlikely to take the role as he is happy with his pundit work on Match of the Day.

Magpies assistant boss Nigel Pearson has been put in temporary charge for Saturday's match against defending champions Manchester United.

Harry

Well Harry has to make the choice between Pompey or the Toon and I can understand what he must be going through, if he leaves I wish him well but if he stays then good.

The one thing I am annoyed about is the Redknapp himself has not said a bloody word to the fans all I want is a yes I am going, or no I am staying. This is not good enough he owes us at least to tell us what he is thinking of doing. But maybe he is at a crossroads needs time to think about the situation, then he should bloody tell us then or release a statement, so come on Harry TALK TO US!!!!!

Play Up Pomey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well Done Havant

From The BBC

Havant & Waterlooville earned a home replay against Swansea in a fiery FA Cup third-round clash.

Jason Scotland, Leon Britton and Darren Pratley all saw shots hit the crossbar for the luckless hosts.

Swansea led on 74 minutes when Andy Robinson struck a 30-yard free-kick but Rocky Baptiste drilled in an equaliser.

In between, Havant's Brett Poate saw red for a lunge on Andrea Orlandi, with Swansea's Alan Tate also sent off for his part in the melee that followed.

Swansea started confidently against their opponents from the Blue Square South and Scotland saw his fourth-minute shot clip the top of the Hawks bar.

Britton also crashed a shot against the Havant bar soon afterwards, goalkeeper Kevin Scriven gratefully gathering as the ball rebounded into his midriff.

Havant were living on scraps but the willing Alfie Potter made it his mission to make life difficult for the Swansea defence.

Swansea continued to threaten after half-time, with Robinson forcing Scriven into a fine finger-tip save to turn a free-kick over the bar.

Robinson was again close with a curling shot as he turned inside off the left wing and caressed the ball just wide of the far post.

The Havant bar shivered again as Pratley smacked a shot off the underside of the woodwork.

Robinson at last broke Havant's resistence with a sublime free-kick, hit right-footed from 30 yards, that spun into the top left corner of the visitors' goal.

Both sides had tackled with conviction but Poate's two-footed lunge on Orlandi crossed the line and deservedly earned a straight red card in the 79th minute.

The incident sparked an angry clash between both sets of players.

Once the dust settled, Swansea defender Tate also got his marching orders, with Kevin Austin and Havant's Shaun Wilkinson seeing yellow for their part in the tussle.

The drama was not over as Baptiste drilled an 87th-minute equaliser into the far corner, seizing the ball as Austin and Orlandi got in a tangle from a lofted ball to the right.

The replay at Westleigh Park will be played on Wednesday, 16 January.

Ipswich 0-1 Portsmouth

Well we just made it into the next round of the F.A. Cup thanks to David Nugent's second-half strike. So when the draw for the next round came out ( not scum dam!!) we got Plymouth at home Play Up Pompey!!!!!

Ipswich: Alexander, Wright, Wilnis, Bruce, Sito (Naylor 89), Haynes, Williams (Lee 79), Garvan, Trotter, Counago, Clarke (Peters 59).
Subs Not Used: Supple, Miller.

Sent Off: Trotter (24).

Booked: Counago, Lee.

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Diop, Pedro Mendes (Nugent 46), Mvuemba, Utaka, Kranjcar, Kanu.
Subs Not Used: Lauren, Traore, Pamarot, Begovic.

Booked: Hreidarsson.

Goals: Nugent 51.

Att: 23,446

Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).

Reading 0-2 Pompey

Portsmouth earned a well-deserved three points with victory over Reading. And this was one win we needed well done lads thats more like it. I for one can't wait for the F.A Cup game against Ipswich tomorow Play Up Pompey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reading: Hahnemann, Murty, Sonko, Ingimarsson, Shorey (De la Cruz 71), Hunt, Harper, Cisse, Convey (Bikey 7), Doyle (Long 83), Kitson.
Subs Not Used: Federici, Lita.

Sent Off: Sonko (3).

Booked: Murty, Cisse, Bikey.

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Utaka, Diop, Hughes (Lauren 83), Muntari, Kranjcar (Taylor 89), Mwaruwari (Kanu 63).
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Nugent.

Booked: Hughes.

Goals: Campbell 9, Utaka 66.

Att: 24,084

Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).