Monday 8 December 2008

Only a point managed at the Hawthorns - West Brom 1 Portsmouth 1


Pompey could only salvage a point against West Brom at the Hawthorns, following their UEFA Cup defeat only three days before.

Peter Crouch's second half goal levelled things up for Pompey as they took a disappointing point back to Fratton Park.

Adams' men showed early domination, and the expected long ball up to Peter Crouch wasn't troubling the Baggies defence, but West Brom fought back hard as David James was pulled into action.

It was West Brom who took the lead after referee Mike Dean awarded the Premiership strugglers a very soft penalty against Sol Campbell.

Chris Brunt's thundering free-kick hit the bar before Jonathan Greening buried the rebound past James.

Adams made a half time change in the form of Nadir Belhadj, coming off for the second game running at half-time, for Glen Little.

Pompey started to fight back after Adams' stern half time ticking off, as Johnson's long ball found Jermain Defoe who crossed the ball across the 18-yard box, but couldn't find the approaching Peter Crouch.

Ismael Miller then went close again as James tipped away Miller's low shot before leaping onto the loose ball.

The Blues fought a goal back as Peter Crouch's shot struck Meite and the underside of the crossbar on the way into the net.

Crouch's sixth goal in the league this season gave Pompey the chance to fight back and get a winner, but it was the Baggies who went close to getting the next goal.

Ismael Miller once again parted Sol Campbell and Slyvain Distin before firing it at James who pulled off a great save.

Pompey's midfield were strong in the middle with both Papa Bouba Diop and Sean Davis had good performances holding the ball up, picking out passes, and throwing in the tackles where needed.

Glen Johnson's frequent runs down the right wing were troubling West Brom and the England right-back was put in by Defoe before firing it over from 6 yards out.

Portsmouth had yet another chance to go ahead as Carson fumbled Johnson's cross as it rolled across the line, but neither the linesman or referee seemed to think the whole ball went over the line, replays showed it appeared to be the correct decision. The Baggies cleared the ball before Crouch could get to it.

Although a fair result from the match events, taking only a point against West Brom is disappointed, and if Pompey are to put pressure on Aston Villa and maybe even Arsenal, then they need to stop dropping these points.

Pompey Pages Man of the Match was Sean Davis for the second game running, although Papa Bouba Diop and Glen Johnson were close contenders.

Davis ruled the midfield and gave everything, great passing, chips, crosses, and when he lost the ball he ran around to fight for the ball and the majority of time won the ball. A bit more chasing up could be seen by some of the big names in Pompey's squad, notably Jermain Defoe and Niko Kranjcar.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yeh it was a poor result for Pompey really, although they could have stolen it, Mike Dean had a bit of a shocker

Anonymous said...

Hopefully we can start picking up the crucial points soon, and maybe even beat Arsenal after xmas

Anonymous said...

well written fair report, Pompey were unlucky, play up pompey

PompeyJourno said...

Glen Johnson should have scored but we'll just look onto the next game now, thanks for the comments

Anonymous said...

Bit surprised at the empty seats at the Pompey end. Baggies kept you on your toes - two points lost for Albion rather than one point won!

John Phillips said...

Bet you Mitch and Pete were happy!!!

Unknown said...

u gotta be beatin the baggies...terrible team!