The Pompey goalkeeper was helpless to prevent Danny Murphy's close-range header 14 minutes from time as his defence failed to mark properly from Jimmy Bullard's free-kick.

But Ashdown was unimpressed with the whole performance and was particularly disappointed by the marking at the crucial set-piece.

Ashdown said: 'I didn't think we turned up and we didn't put in a good performance.

'It's the FA Cup final next up and if we don't turn up again, all of the hard work we've put in this season will be for nothing.

'It's a shame the league season had to end like that.

'It's the third game on the trot we haven't picked up our men and that is very disappointing.

'I didn't have too much chance when it's six yards away.'

Although Ashdown was rarely troubled, he believes Fulham's extra desire just saw them edge home to preserve their Premier League status.

He said: 'It's always a difficult situation when you know the other team have got so much to play for.

'They really went for it because they knew had to go for the win, but I didn't think they created too much.

'They started to put some pressure on with a few set-pieces, but I suppose it is a factor we have next week to think about as well.

'We still wanted to win the game and finish on a high note.

'But perhaps they just wanted it that little bit more than us on the day.'