Pompey seal a crucial point
Pompey grabbed a vital point in their battle to avoid relegation as they ground out a 0-0 draw at drop rivals Newcastle United to leave their hosts deep in the mire.
Paul Hart's battling side dug deep to stem a fierce flow of pressure early in the first period, but began to exert themselves on the game as the first half progressed.
United striker Obafemi Martins had the best chance of the opening 45 minutes as his snapshot on the half-volley just eight yards from goal took a deflection and whistled over David James' crossbar.
Although the Blues created little in the first period, you could understand their satisfaction to sit deep and soak up pressure, knowing that the onus was on the home side to go for the three points.
Newcastle again attempted to raise themselves after the break, but Pompey began to show more attacking teeth – and could have won a penalty when a decent shout was turned down after Peter Crouch appeared to be tripped by Fabricio Coloccini.
But the best chance of the game fell to former England striker Michael Owen just beyond the hour mark as he went clean through on goal, but scuffed his shot and David James spread himself well to block.
From there, it only looked like Pompey would be the team to nick the points, despite the Newcastle supporters' growing desperation.
Crouch had a decent opportunity but could not make clean contact with his attempt and Steve Harper made a comfortable save.
And then with just eight minutes remaining, Richard Hughes' looping header looked destined for the far corner, but the Scotsman was left holding his head in frustration as the ball bounced back off the post.
But before the game, Pompey would have gladly taken a point and it gives them the vital buffer between themselves and the drop zone.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South
