Pompey still in European hunt
Benjani scored his fourth goal of the season for Redknapp's high-flyers
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Monday, 01, Jan 2007 05:27
Portsmouth have kept their hopes of European football alive after a 1-1 draw with Tottenham at Fratton Park.
Benjani Mwaruwari gave Pompey the lead in the first-half which was cancelled out by a well-worked goal by Steed Malbranque.
David James produced two sensational saves in the second-half to deny Martin Jol's side their second away win of the campaign.
The game got off to a lively start with former Spurs defender Noe Pamarot catching Hossam Ghaly in the mouth which led to the midfielder losing four teeth.
Jermain Defoe was denied on 12 minutes when an onrushing James blocked his low shot.
Ghaly, who returned to the field after having his wound patched up, fired his effort wide after a pinpoint cross from the recalled Dimitar Berbatov.
Pompey grabbed the lead on 30 minutes when Benjani's 20-yard shot took a massive deflection off Calum Davenport past the stranded Paul Robinson.
Manager Jol took off Ghaly at half-time and brought on Danny Murphy in search of an equaliser.
The substitution paid off ten minutes after the break when Murphy collected Berbatov's pass and crossed for Malbranque to head past James.
Spurs were earlier thwarted when James flung himself to his left to keep out Davenport's shot from six yards out.
On 70 minutes, Defoe was denied again when he cut inside Linvoy Primus, only to see his goal-bound shot brilliantly palmed away by James.
Pompey should have had a penalty with Pascal Chimbonda appearing to handle in the box.
Sol Campbell, who was booed throughout by the away fans, nearly scored against his former club in the closing stages with a towering header which went narrowly over the bar.
The result sees Harry Redknapp's side go level on points with Arsenal in fifth place while Spurs are four points behind Pompey in seventh.