Holders Pompey see off Bristol City
Peter Crouch opened the scoring at Ashton Gate
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Tuesday, 13, Jan 2009 10:54
Goals from Peter Crouch and Niko Kranjcar ensured that FA Cup holders Portsmouth made it through to the fourth round with a 2-0 win over Bristol City at Ashton Gate.
Tony Adams' side went into the game with just one win in eight games, while Bristol City would have fancied an upset after good recent form which included a goalless draw at Fratton Park 10 days ago.
The game started in a subdued manner but came to life in the 7th minute when the lively Armand Traore forced City goalkeeper Adriano Basso into a good save.
David James was then forced into a smart save from Marvin Elliott halfway through the first-half.
The holders looked dangerous on the counter attack with Traore, Nadir Belhadj and Glen Johnson getting forward with great pace on both flanks.
David Nugent hit the post for Portsmouth before Traore's deflected effort again hit the woodwork barely a minute later.
Nicky Maynard went close for the hosts with a long-range effort ten minutes before half-time, but three minutes later Portsmouth took the lead in controversial circumstances.
Crouch started the move on the edge of his own area but appeared to handle the ball as he attempted to control the ball.
The play progressed and when Traore got to the by-line and cut the ball back the England international was on-hand to slot the ball past Basso in the Bristol goal.
The second-half was a cagier affair with Crouch missing Portsmouth's best chance, while Johnson produced two fine last-ditch tackles to deny the Championship side.
The holders finally made the game safe with two minutes remaining when Kranjcar rolled the ball into an empty net after good work from Belhadj.
The home side were awarded a penalty almost immediately when Sol Campbell brought down Maynard in the area, but the striker saw his spot-kick well saved by James which confirmed that it was Portsmouth's night.