Portsmouth

STEFANOVIC KEEN TO KEEP PLACE
Portsmouth centre-back Dejan Stefanovic wants to extend his run in the first team by keeping his place for the clash against Arsenal. The 31-year-old suffered an ankle injury in February and completed 90 minutes against Blackburn at the weekend after making a comeback as a substitute against Fulham seven days earlier. Pompey earned a point against Rovers and they could climb out of the relegation zone with a win at Fratton Park against Arsenal. Stefanovic, who only played against Blackburn because Andy O'Brien was injured, said: "I'm confident for the game against Arsenal. "Everybody is disappointed we only drew with Blackburn because we dominated the game, but it is another incentive now to win as many points as possible in the next few games. "And although I said I was back as an emergency player, if the manager wants me I am ready. "I missed a chance to score with a header against Blackburn and would like the chance to make up for it." Pompey striker Svetoslav Todorov is also desperate to feature against the Gunners, after coming off the bench to rescue a point against Rovers. The Bulgarian, who has only started one match this season, said: "There's nothing more I want than to come back and score goals for the club and help keep us up. The manager knows I am ready to start." Pompey boss Harry Redknapp could turn to Todorov as £4.1million signing Benjani Mwaruwari has yet to open his account for the club after 10 appearances. Redknapp said: "Benjani works hard and is playing despite a knee injury, but he badly needs a goal because that was what he was brought here for. "Toddy can nick a goal off the bench. The goal against Blackburn was his second in three games and he scored the winner against West Brom in December. "But he has been recovering from a serious knee injury for two and a half years and he is one who couldn't do four matches in 10 days."

TODOROV HOPES FOR STARTING ROLE
Portsmouth striker Svetoslav Todorov has pleaded with Harry Redknapp to start him on Wednesday against Arsenal at Fratton Park. Todorov, 27, came off the bench to rescue a point for relegation-threatened Pompey against Blackburn on Saturday, but the Bulgarian has only started one game this season. "There's nothing more I want than to come back and score goals for the club and help keep us up," Todorov said. "The manager knows I am ready to start." Pompey boss Redknapp could turn to Todorov as £4.1million signing Benjani Mwaruwari has yet to open his account for the club after 10 appearances. Redknapp said: "Benjani works hard and is playing despite a knee injury but he badly needs a goal because that was what he was brought here for. "'Toddy' can nick a goal off the bench. The goal against Blackburn was his second in three games and he scored the winner against West Brom in December. "But he has been recovering from a serious knee injury for two-and-a-half years and he is one who couldn't do four matches in 10 days." Redknapp is set to make changes for the clash against the Gunners, with Andy O'Brien possibly returning after missing out against Rovers with a tight hamstring. "I was lucky. I had Dejan Stefanovic, our skipper, to put back in," said Redknapp. "If Andy had played he could easily have done more damage and been out for weeks but now, hopefully, he will be okay for Wednesday night. "But I think I will have to make a few changes because this will be our second of four games in 10 days and there are players in the side who just can't handle that sort of programme. "It is bad planning but what can we do? The congestion is made worse because the Arsenal game was called off here a couple of weeks ago because of a wet pitch. "Noe Pamarot and Salif Diao are out with injuries but at least we've now got a proper squad of about 17 to 18 players since our signings in January." Veteran defender Linvoy Primus may be rested on Wednesday but Stefanovic - who has recovered from an ankle injury in February - has declared himself fit after completing 90 minutes on Saturday. The 31-year-old said: "I'm confident for the game against Arsenal. Everybody is disappointed we only drew with Blackburn because we dominated the game. "But it is another incentive now to win as many points as possible in the next few games. And although I said I was back as an emergency player, if the manager wants me I am ready. "I missed a chance to score with a header against Blackburn and would like the chance to make up for it."

Pompey still in chase for Hartson
Portsmouth will vie with a number of English clubs to sign John Hartson should the striker make his expected summer exit from Celtic. Pompey chairman Milan Mandaric, whose club failed with a bid in January, said: "We love players with a big heart and enthusiasm. "He is definitely on Harry Redknapp's list. Whether we can sign him or not will be a different thing. "But, if it was my choice, I would like to bring him to Fratton Park." Hartson still has two years of his contract to run but has publicly admitted that he might want a move to be closer to his children, who are now in Wales following the break-up of his marriage. Celtic manager Gordon Strachan says the 31-year-old will be allowed to leave if he so desires. But Celtic are likely to demand a transfer fee and Hartson and his agent are due to hold talks in the coming weeks to settle his future. Reports suggested at the weekend that Crystal Palace had joined Aston Villa, Everton and Swansea in expressing an interest in the Welshman, who this season retired from international football. However, Hartson's agent, Jonathan Barnett, insists that the player is ready to see out his contract at Celtic Park. "He has got two years remaining on his Celtic contract, so why wouldn't he see that through?" said Barnett. "He is enjoying his time up there. "I have been reading and listening to speculation for the last 10 years or more. "But, if I believed everything that I read, heard and saw then I would be mad. "I have not heard about Swansea, but it would be totally stupid to think he could go there."

Portsmouth 1-0 Middlesbrough
Gary O'Neil's second-half strike proved enough for Portsmouth as Harry Redknapp's side lifted themselves out of the drop zone with a narrow victory. O'Neil stroked home his seventh of the season from 12 yards to extend the hosts' run to four wins in six games. It was no more than Pompey deserved, after earlier going close through Svetoslav Todorov and Sean Davis. Yakubu had missed Boro's best chances, before substitute David Wheater poked agonisingly wide in the dying seconds. Portsmouth received a blow before kick off with the news that in-form striker Lomana LuaLua had not recovered from the ankle injury he sustained celebrating his goal against Arsenal in midweek, meaning a rare start for Todorov. Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren, clearly with one eye on Boro's upcoming Uefa Cup and FA Cup semi-finals, rested Chris Riggott, Mark Viduka and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, playing former Pompey striker Yakubu in a lone attacking role. And the Nigerian immediately made his presence felt when he chested down for Fabio Rochemback to fire over from distance in the game's first chance. However, the game failed to take off from there, with both sides struggling to work the ball into space. Portsmouth created the better chances in a dominant half-hour spell, O'Neil and Davis both having decent efforts blocked, before Todorov manoeuvred the ball well on the edge of the box only for his shot to deflect agonisingly wide off Matthew Bates. Stewart Downing had also had a low shot deflected into the side-netting as Boro upped the tempo late in the half, but each side created their best chance on the half on the stroke of half-time. Andres D'Alessandro, on his 25th birthday, was Pompey's creator, his 20-yard drive rebounding to Todorov, whose goal-bound effort from an angle was well saved by a scrambling Bradley Jones in the Boro goal. Yakubu then marched up the other end of the pitch to create Boro's best opportunity, strolling around Brian Priske and crashing a shot towards the corner which Dean Kiely did well to palm away to safety. Redknapp shuffled his pack at half-time, replacing Davis with the more attacking Wayne Routledge, but it was Middlesbrough that created the first chance of the half when Yakubu muscled his way into the box, only to be denied as he was about to pull the trigger by a last-ditch tackle by Linvoy Primus. However, the goal the game so badly needed arrived on 54 minutes, as Pompey took the lead. Benjani Mwaruwari was the creator, holding the ball up well from Matthew Taylor's throw down the line before turning inside to lay it off to O'Neil, who made no mistake with a fine side-footed finish from 12 yards. That fired the home side and they almost doubled their lead two minutes later when Routledge's header across goal was well saved by Jones with Todorov looming. McClaren responded by bringing Malcolm Christie on for a rare outing, and he almost rewarded his manager's faith after the hour mark when his low cross-shot was well saved by Kiely. O'Neil was later denied a second by Jones' smart save from his long-range drive, while Routledge also went close with a low drive, as Pompey's nerves just about held to keep their first clean sheet in 14 games and put themselves in pole position to avoid the drop. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp "It's a fantastic run that we've been on but it's still all to play for, it's still tight. "But we've given ourselves a great chance and when you look at our run it's incredible. Fourteen points from 18, unbelievable. "All we can do is keep going as we are and then we'll see at the end of the season." Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren "It was always going to be a scrap coming here and, once they got the goal, nothing we did seemed to be able to break them down. "We want to win every game and we are disappointed we didn't. We had the chances to do it but every now and then, games like today happen when it just doesn't happen for you. "But now we turn our attention to Monday's game and then a few massive cup fixtures for us next week." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Portsmouth: Kiely, Priske, Primus, Stefanovic, Taylor, O'Neil, Pedro Mendes, Davis (Routledge 45), D'Alessandro, Mwaruwari (Karadas 67), Todorov (Hughes 78). Subs Not Used: Ashdown, O'Brien. Goals: O'Neil 54. Middlesbrough: Jones, Parnaby, Ehiogu, Bates (Wheater 85), Taylor, Morrison (Johnson 77), Rochemback, Doriva (Christie 59), Boateng, Downing, Yakubu. Subs Not Used: Knight, Kennedy. Att: 20,204 Ref: A Marriner (W Midlands).

Charlton v Portsmouth
Charlton boss Alan Curbishley has no fresh injury worries but he may make changes after the 2-1 defeat by Fulham. Marcus and Darren Bent are set to keep their places up front but Jerome Thomas and Chris Powell could get recalls. Portsmouth are hopeful Lomana LuaLua (ankle) will pass a late test, but Svetoslav Todorov (thigh) and Sean Davis (hamstring) are doubtful. Andy O'Brien stands by for a recall at the back as Harry Redknapp could rest Dejan Stefanovic or Linvoy Primus. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charlton (from): Myhre, Andersen, Hreidarsson, Sorondo, Perry, Kishishev, Holland, Euell, Darren Bent, Marcus Bent, Ambrose, Spector, Powell, Thomas, Sankofa, Bothroyd, Rommedahl, Fortune. Portsmouth (from): Kiely, Priske, O'Brien, Stefanovic, Primus, Taylor, Routledge, O'Neil, Pedro Mendes, Hughes, LuaLua, Benjani, Todorov, D'Alessandro, Koroman, Karadas, Vignal, Ashdown.

Charlton 2-1 Portsmouth
Second-half goals from Bryan Hughes and Darren Bent saw injury-stricken Charlton come from behind to end Portsmouth's amazing revival run. Portsmouth's Andres D'Alessandro opened the scoring, unleashing a curler from outside the box just before the break. Despite losing three players through injury, Charlton battled back with Hughes drilling home the equaliser 76 minutes in. Bent then blasted in the winner as the home side held on for a gritty victory. Portsmouth oozed confidence as they arrived at The Valley fresh from escaping the relegation zone for the first time since November with Saturday's win over Middlesbrough. And Harry Redknapp's men wasted no time stamping their authority in a scrappy encounter with a weary-looking Charlton. Gary O'Neil came close with a long-range effort and Benjani Mwaruwari failed to connect with D'Alessandro's teasing pass across the face of the Charlton goal. At the other end, Charlton struggled to keep their players on the pitch, let alone get a decent chance on goal. Already missing their first-choice right-back Luke Young, Charlton lost Jonathan Spector 37 minutes in with a shoulder injury after a nasty clash with Benjani, while striker Marcus Bent had limped off more than 10 minutes earlier. After Richard Hughes' shot was cleared off the line by Addicks defender Hermann Hreidarsson, Pompey finally got the deserved lead through D'Alessandro's wonder goal. The Argentine toyed with the Charlton defence down the right side before cutting inside Chris Powell and curling his left-footed shot from outside the box into the top left-hand corner. Booed as they left the pitch at half-time, Alan Curbishley's men returned after the break with more bad news as Jerome Thomas was ruled out through a knee injury and Spector's replacement, Osei Sankofa, sported a gash on his leg. Benjani failed to break his duck six minutes after the break after good work down the right by Svetoslav Todorov and D'Alessandro came close to doubling his tally as he shot over the bar. But, against the run of play, the home side levelled with 14 minutes to go as Darren Ambrose slid a pass through to Bent in the box and the England striker crossed for Hughes to apply the simple finish. Bent then piled on the misery and uncertainty for Portsmouth by latching on to Hreidarsson's flick-on and driving his shot past Kiely to give Charlton the lead. Both sides turned up the tempo with Benjani unlucky not to snatch a point, but Charlton clung on to claim their first win in five games, while Portsmouth remain haunted by the threat of relegation. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Portmouth boss Harry Redknapp: "We deserved to win. There was no doubt about that, we were by far the better team but it didn't happen so we've got to go again. "We're playing great at the moment and we're right in there to pick ourselves up and be ready for next Saturday. "It's still with us and we're playing well. I can't fault the effort." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charlton: Myhre, Spector (Sankofa 38), Sorondo, Hreidarsson, Powell, Kishishev, Holland, Hughes, Thomas (Ambrose 45), Marcus Bent (Bothroyd 25), Darren Bent. Subs Not Used: Andersen, Euell. Booked: Darren Bent. Goals: Hughes 76, Darren Bent 83. Portsmouth: Kiely, Priske, Primus, Pamarot, Taylor, O'Neil, Davis, Hughes (Routledge 84), D'Alessandro, Todorov (Karadas 78), Mwaruwari. Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Koroman. Booked: Karadas. Goals: D'Alessandro 40. Att: 25,419. Ref: H Webb (S Yorkshire).

Angell parts company with Pompey
Brett Angell has lost his job as Portsmouth youth and reserve team coach after less than six months. The 37-year-old former Everton and Sunderland striker joined the coaching staff at his boyhood club in October. But a Portsmouth statement said: "We wish Brett all the best but we are now looking to build a coaching staff with a track record in youth football." Angell was brought in to fill the role vacated by former Pompey players Andy Awford and Mark O'Connor.

Portsmouth v Sunderland
Striker Lomana LuaLua (foot) faces a late fitness test before Portsmouth's must-win clash against Sunderland. Dejan Stefanovic (thigh) and Andy O'Brien (hamstring) are worries but midfielders Gary O'Neil (ankle) and Pedro Mendes (thigh) should be fit. Midfielders Julio Arca and Grant Leadbitter are expected to return to the Sunderland line-up. Striker Kevin Kyle is in contention after a midweek brace for the reserves but Rory Delap (broken nose) is out. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp: "It would be an insult to Sunderland to say we have the chance to rack up our goal-difference against them. So long as we get three points I will be delighted. "But if anybody thinks this is going to be easy they should think again. Okay, Sunderland crumbled in the second-half against Newcastle on Monday but not against Everton a couple of weeks earlier when they got a 2-2 draw. "And people have only to look at then getting a point at Old Trafford last Friday to see what a resolute side they are away from home." Sunderland boss Kevin Ball: "I don't want the players to lose the faith and the progress they made in 90 minutes at Old Trafford and for 60 minutes against Newcastle. "We have a lot of pride to play for between now and the end of the season. It doesn't matter who we are playing after Monday, all I want is some pride back. "I'm delighted to be going back to my old club that I have a great affinity with their supporters. They are very passionate, just like our own."

Portsmouth 2-1 Sunderland
A late penalty winner from Portsmouth's Matthew Taylor moved his side out of the Premiership's bottom three after they narrowly beat Sunderland. Pompey had been punished for not taking their chances when Tommy Miller tapped in for the Black Cats after 70 minutes. But Svetoslav Todorov quickly equalised with a rising shot and Pompey desperately pressed for a winner. Their efforts were rewarded when Kevin Kyle hand-balled and Taylor kept his cool to slot home the spot-kick. Sunderland were playing for pride with their relegation already confirmed but they quickly had the home side on the back foot early on. A Danny Collins header from a Black Cats corner caused panic in the Pompey box before the ball was scrambled clear. George McCartney seemed to escape giving away a penalty for handball at the other end as a deflected Andres D'Alessandro cross dropped into the visitors' box. But Pompey were struggling to overpower their stubborn opponents who looked in the mood to deal a damaging blow to the south-coast side's survival fight. Keeper Dean Kiely was twice forced to save well-struck shots from Sunderland duo Dean Whitehead and Tommy Miller. Portsmouth did carry a threat on goal but their main chance fell to struggling striker Benjani Mwaruwari who has not scored since his arrival at the club in January. He did not lack a work ethic but a clinical edge in front of goal was missing - he headed tamely at the far post before cutting inside and shot straight at a defender when a first-time shot may have been more appropriate. The Zimbabwe international's poor finishing seemed to transmit itself to fellow striker Todorov, who twice missed good chances after the break. He sidefooted over at the far post before scuffing a shot too close to keeper Kelvin Davis after being put through on goal. Pompey's desperation for a win made for an entertaining game as they increased the pressure on their rivals in search of a breakthrough. And, after Davis saved an angled Mwaruwari shot, the Sunderland keeper pulled off a double save to further frustrate the home side. Firstly, he kept out a Davis low shot before quickly regrouping to block at the feet of Todorov as he tried to convert the loose ball. But Pompey's effort left them exposed at the back and they duly fell behind when a Sunderland counter-attack resulted in Miller tapping in after an Arca cross. The visitors' lead was shortlived as Todorov found the top right corner with a 15-yard shot and Kyle's silly handball allowed Taylor the chance to score and earn a win for Pompey. Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp: "When we went 1-0 down when they hit us on the break I could see all our hard work over the last few weeks slipping away. "We have 17 points out of a possible 24 and that is almost championship form. "We're relieved with the win and it is a great result for us. Matters are now in our own hands and if we win our last two games we will stay up." Sunderland boss Kevin Ball: "This was a game which we should have won because Portsmouth were there for the taking. "I cannot put into words how angry I am. We have capitulated and conceded two goals after taking the lead. "Some of the players are just doing enough but they should be doing more for the red and white shirt." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Portsmouth: Kiely, Priske, Primus, Stefanovic, Taylor, O'Neil, Davis, Hughes (Routledge 76), D'Alessandro (Diao 88), Todorov (Pamarot 90), Mwaruwari. Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Karadas. Booked: Stefanovic, Hughes. Goals: Todorov 73, Taylor 88 pen. Sunderland: Davis, Hoyte, Breen, Danny Collins, McCartney, Miller, Whitehead, Arca, Stead (Nosworthy 45), Kyle, Brown. Subs Not Used: Joe Murphy, Caldwell, Woods, Leadbitter. Booked: Brown, Breen, Kyle. Goals: Miller 70. Att: 20,078. Ref: M Dean (Wirral).

LuaLua faces scan on foot injury
Lomana LuaLua will have a scan on the foot injury that has kept him out of Portsmouth's last three matches. The DR Congo striker damaged the joint of his left foot after celebrating an equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal on April 12 with a somersault. LuaLua, 25, had promised to refrain from backflips until Pompey were safe from relegation in the Premiership but paid the price for a change of mind. Monday's scan will determine whether he can play again this season. LuaLua's four goals in his last four games helped spark Pompey's late battle against the drop but Harry Redknapp's men have since won two of the three games he has missed. Portsmouth are currently two points clear of third-from-bottom Birmingham, thanks to Saturday's 2-1 win over Sunderland. Redknapp confirmed: "LuaLua is going to have a scan on Monday but he had an injection last week before the game against Middlesbrough and was still in a lot of pain. "Then he tried again before the game against Charlton. It has only been a problem since he celebrated with that silly somersault. "But whatever happens the lads are showing a lot of character and spirit. We are two points ahead of Birmingham but who knows how it will turn out."

Redknapp not ready to talk terms
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is not ready to discuss the offer of a new contract at Fratton Park. Chairman Milan Mandaric has stated Redknapp, 59, will be offered a new deal, regardless of whether Pompey survive their relegation battle. Redknapp said: "I've never discussed my future with anyone and I'm not interested at this stage. "I just want to get this season over and see what happens from there. What will be, will be." Redknapp was initially given a contract until the end of the season when he returned to Pompey from Southampton in December. He won just two of his first 15 games on his return to Fratton Park and his stuttering start forced Mandaric to deny that joint owner Alexandre Gaydamak was keen to replace him. Since then, Redknapp has turned Pompey's fortunes around, and with two games to play, they are favourites to avoid the drop. But many feel that even if he completes his task of keeping Pompey up, Redknapp may decide to walk away. Mandaric also refused to rule out that he may sell his remaining 50% share to Gaydamak during the summer. Both Mandaric and Redknapp insist the only thing that occupies their minds are Pompey's last two games of the season, away to Wigan and at home to FA Cup finalists Liverpool. But after Saturday's 2-1 win over relegated Sunderland, Mandaric said: "It gets more exhausting with every game - too much for an old man. "I'm not even thinking about the future, only the next two games, we will see where we are at the end of the season and what we need to do."

Former defender Bowler is mourned
Former Northern Ireland, Millwall, Hull and Portsmouth defender Gerrard Bowler has died at the age of 82. Born in Derry, Bowler - known as Gerry - joined Pompey just after the Second World War, but made just eight appearances for the south coast side. Bowler joined Hull in 1949, made 38 appearances, and became their first post-war international when he won three caps for Northern Ireland. He then joined Millwall for £11,000 in 1950 and made 165 league appearances. Hull's official website reports that he passed away in March.

Portsmouth owner has Bahamas cash
The Russian millionaire who owns a 50% stake in Portsmouth Football Club is seeking to overturn a decision to freeze $9m (£5m) in a bank account he holds jointly with his fugitive father. The top Bahamian court will decide whether to back requests to continue to freeze an account belonging to Alexandre and Arcadi Gaydamak. The French government is currently investigating the affairs of Arcadi Gaydamak on charges of embezzlement, money laundering, and arms trading. Alexandre Gaydamak has always denied business connections with his father, who lives in high security in Israel and is the subject of an international arrest warrant. Gaydamak's money could transform Portsmouth's prospects The revelation that Alexandre holds a joint bank account, held with UBS Bahamas Ltd, casts fresh doubt on that claim. Court hearing in the Bahamas The decision to freeze the assets held in that account is being contested by the Gaydamak's lawyers and has already gone to the Privy Council, the ultimate appellate body for the Bahamas. But the Gaydamaks' lawyers argued they had not been given a proper chance to challenge it and the case has returned to the appeal court in the Bahamas. The French authorities allege Arcadi Gaydamak took part in an illegal oil-for-arms deal with Angola in 1994, when a long and brutal civil war was being fought. Garvin Gaskin, chief counsel to the Attorney General of the Bahamas, confirmed the Bahamian government was acting at the request of the French government in connection with its investigation into illegal activities. Mr Gaskin told Wake Up to Money: "The French authorities made a request to the Bahamian government to restrain the funds being held by both father and son. The amount should be about $9m." Alexandre Gaydamak 29 years old French citizen Reportedly paid £15m for 50% stake in Portsmouth in Jan 2006 other 50% owned by Croatian businessman Milan Mandaric Says the money used to buy into the club was his own Portsmouth has spent an estimated £12m on new players since January He said the charges against Arcadi Gaydamak included misappropriation of funds, breach of trust as well as money laundering and embezzlement. Three judges at the Bahamian appeal court will decide whether to continue to freeze the assets following a hearing last week. Asked if it may be the proceeds of illegal activities by Arcadi Gaydamak, Mr Gaskin said: "The law allows for the funds to be frozen whether it is proceeds or if it's deemed the property of the defendants. "If it's proven they're proceeds it can be frozen or restrained for that reason. Or if it's deemed to be their property as a defendant it can also be frozen. The whole point is you're seeking to satisfy a confiscation order or some type of penalty at the end of the day so you want to be able to have funds in place."

Wigan v Portsmouth
Jimmy Bullard has been dropped from Wigan's squad after agreeing a £2.5m summer move to Fulham. Andreas Johansson or Damien Francis will take Bullard's place in the centre of midfield and is likely to be Wigan's only change. Portsmouth have Pedro Mendes, Lomana LuaLua and Andy O'Brien back in the Pompey squad. Gary O'Neil is set to play despite suffering with a foot injury that will need a pain-killing injection. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wigan manager Paul Jewell on Jimmy Bullard's likely move to Fulham: "It's come out of the blue and the timing is not the best. The fee has been agreed but the two chairmen are still at odds over the methods of payment. "Whatever happens he won't feature against Portsmouth. I'm hoping the deal will fall through and he'll be back in the squad for Arsenal. "I'm pleased we are playing a team that's fighting for their lives because that should be a lift enough for my players." Portsmouth defender Matthew Taylor: "These supporters are spending their time and hard-earned money on coming to watch us play and you have got to give them something back. "We would all be thrilled for them if we get a result and stay up tomorrow. "I've been relegated before in my time with Luton Town and it is not an experience I want to taste again."

Portsmouth win to ensure survival
Portsmouth completed their great escape with a 2-1 win at Wigan which sealed their Premiership safety and sent West Brom and Birmingham down. For the second successive week Matt Taylor kept a cool head to slot home a winning penalty, awarded for a handling offence which saw Gary Teale sent off. That came after Benjani Mwaruwari nodded home a close-range equaliser for his first goal in 15 appearances. Henri Camara put Wigan ahead after Dean Kiely parried Matt Jackson's header. Camara lit the touch-paper on a firework-filled start to the game when he tested Pompey keeper Dean Kiely in the opening seconds. Svetoslav Todorov beat the offside trap but in his haste to cut inside merely ran into a cul-de-sac and was crowded out. David Thompson then climbed high at the far post to Teale's cross but could not keep his header down, while at the other end Andres D'Alessandro picked out Todorov with his cross, only for the Bulgarian striker to head over from six yards. The catalogue of chances continued, with Benjani firing at Mike Pollitt and that set up a Wigan break which saw Graham Kavanagh send Camara clear but Kiely spread himself to save. Portsmouth were grateful for some Devine intervention when the linesman of that name wrongly ruled out a Camara strike when the Cameroon striker broke clear from an onside position. Still the chances continued with Pascal Chimbonda on the spot to clear off the line as Sean Davis bulleted a header in. Wigan opened the scoring through Camara, who Pompey boss Harry Redknapp took to Southampton last season in an attempt to keep them up. Thompson's corner was cleared back to him and his second cross found an unmarked Matt Jackson whose header was parried by Kiely into the path of Camara who stabbed home from three yards. Camara then glanced a free header wide from six yards before Gary O'Neill curled an exquisite shot on to the top of Pollitt's bar. Portsmouth had another let-off when Jackson again escaped shoddy marking only to head Thompson's corner wide from five yards out. Todorov missed a golden chance to level at the start of the second half when he met Benjani's near-post cross but from two yards out somehow contrived to scoop the ball over the bar. Pollitt preserved Wigan's lead with good reactions to block O'Neil's first-time shot from Brian Priske's cross but his luck deserted him when Benjani broke his duck to level. Taylor's shot rebounded off the inside of the post and the Zimbabwean nodded in from a yard out for his first goal since his £4.4m capture from Auxerre. Portsmouth could sniff a winner and Pollitt went full-length to claw away a Mendes piledriver and D'Alessandro curled a shot inches wide. Portsmouth were handed the lead by Gary Teale, who handled Benjani's goal-bound header to earn himself a red card and Pompey a penalty which Taylor tucked away. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wigan boss Paul Jewell: "That game summed up our season, in the first half we played really well but couldn't keep up the tempo in the second. "We've taken the lead in six of the last seven games but couldn't hold on. "We have to get that ruthless streak, we got away with it this year but next year we have to get better." Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp: "I knew when I came back from Southampton I would never win over everybody, but I took Pompey into the Premiership and kept them there twice. ""People talk about great escapes but this has got to be one of the all-time great ones. "i'm proud of what I've done here, I'm pleased for myself, as well as for the players and everyone at the club." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wigan: Pollitt, Chimbonda, Jackson, Henchoz, Baines, Teale, Thompson (Scharner 72), Kavanagh (Johansson 84), McCulloch, Roberts, Camara (Connolly 80). Subs Not Used: Wright, Francis. Sent Off: Teale (70). Booked: Baines, Henchoz, McCulloch. Goals: Camara 34. Portsmouth: Kiely, Priske, Primus, Stefanovic, Taylor, O'Neil, Davis (Pamarot 45), Pedro Mendes (Hughes 68), D'Alessandro, Mwaruwari, Todorov (Routledge 90). Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Karadas. Booked: Hughes. Goals: Mwaruwari 63, Taylor 71 pen. Att: 21,126 Referee: M Riley (W Yorkshire).

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