Sunderland man 'should be embarrassed' by penalty appeal in loss to Portsmouth

That was the verdict of pundit Dean Ashton speaking on EFL on Quest following the Blues’ 2-0 victory over the Black Cats at Fratton Park.

Maguire, manager Phil Parkinson and the travelling Mackems in the Milton End thought the visitors should have been awarded an opportunity to cancel out Christian Burgess’ opener in the 34th minute.

The Scot collided with Ronan Curtis inside the area but referee Chris Sarginson wasn’t interested and waved play on.

Ashton felt it was Maguire who instigated the contact and the correct decision was made.

The former West Ham striker said: ‘It’s an appeal, yes. We talk about contact but the forward, in this case Maguire, instigates the contact.

‘It’s a massive giveaway if you throw your hands up in the air and he should be embarrassed watching that.’

Pompey’s triumph saw them leapfrog Sunderland and regain a place in the League One play-offs.

Burgess broke the deadlock on his 200th appearance for the Blues when heading home Ronan Curtis’ free-kick in the 25th minute.

James Bolton doubled the advantage seven minutes into the second half through another Curtis set-piece.

Jackett’s men equalled a club record eight successive wins in all competitions, while they remain unbeaten in the league at Fratton Park this season.

Sam Parkin added: ‘Brilliant, very strong performance. It was a big pressure game against a rival.

‘The home form has been sensational, still unbeaten and have faced all of the top sides at Fratton Park.

‘Again, set-pieces did the damage. That’s the last five goals now which have come from set-pieces.

‘He’s (Burgess) been brilliant alongside (Sean) Raggett, who’s come in for a little bit of flak during the early part of his Portsmouth career.

‘But they’ve struck up a really good partnership and bringing Ellis Harrison on at half-time really pinned Sunderland back.’