Portsmouth grab points

Saturday, 22, Apr 2006 08:20

Portsmouth took a step closer to Premiership survival with a late goal to beat Sunderland 2-1 at Fratton Park.

Matthew Taylor slotted a penalty in the dying minutes of the game to ensure that the home side took all three points.

Portsmouth dominated the game throughout but always looked vulnerable on the counter attack.

Pompey missed several chances notably through Benjani Mwaruwari who has still not scored since his arrival in England.

Despite the domination of Harry Redknapp's team Dean Kiely was forced into some great saves to keep out Tommy Miller and Dean Whitehead in the first half.

Pedro Mendes and Lomano Lua Lua were clearly missed but after the break Pompey turned possession into chances.

Kelvin Davies was on top form to keep out Svetoslav Todorov and Sean Davis as the Portsmouth fans grew increasingly frustrated.

To make matters worse Miller rolled the ball into the net after Julio Arca's neat work to give Sunderland an unlikely and undeserved 1-0 lead.

The crowd fell silent but the players responded more positively and within three minutes Todorov had curled a delightful equaliser into the top corner.

Sunderland striker Kevin Kyle then came to the rescue for Pompey, the tall striker unfathomably stuck out a hand to give away a late penalty and Taylor did the rest.