Redknapp’s Pompey need cup to cheer

PERHAPS the prospect of playing at Wembley next month is playing on the minds of Portsmouth players.

Mon, 28 Apr, 2008 - 01:00

Since booking a place against Cardiff City in next month’s FA Cup Final, Harry Redknapp’s side have scored two goals, and picked up just four points from a possible 12.

A second-half goal by Blackburn Rovers forward Roque Santa Cruz has ended any hopes of Portsmouth qualifying for the Uefa Cup through a fifth placed finish, so there is now more pressure on the players to book their continental tour by lifting the cup next month.

Redknapp remains adamant that a trip to Wembley is not affecting their form. “The only time we have spoken about the cup was when the guy came down to measure the players for their suits,” Redknapp said. “I think fifth place was always going to be a difficult one, but up until last week our form has been as good as anyone else in the league.”

Portsmouth rested goalkeeper David James, ending his run of 166 consecutive league appearances. He has a calf tear which Redknapp is hopeful will not rule him out of the FA Cup encounter on May 17.

Jamie Ashdown took his place, and made two impressive stops, one on 41 minutes as he parried away a Jason Roberts effort and another when he showed fantastic agility to react to a Ryan Nelson header.

The game was decided on 73 minutes, as Cruz played a one-two with Jason Roberts and drilled the ball in at the near post.

Blackburn remain in contention to compete in European competition next season, albeit the much-maligned Intertoto Cup.

PORTSMOUTH (4-4-2): Ashdown 6, Lauren 5, Campbell 6, Distin 6, Johnson 6, Utaka 6 (Kranjcar 45, 6), Diarra 8, Bouba Diop 6, Muntari 6 (Baros 78, 5), Defoe 7, Kanu 5.

Subs Not Used: Begovic, Aubey, Davis.

BLACKBURN (4-5-1): Friedel 6, Reid 6, Samba 6 (Ooijr 86, 5), Nelsen 6, Warnock 5, Vogel 6, Emerton 5, Pedersen 6, Bentley 6, Santa Cruz 7, Roberts 7 (Dunn 90, 5).

Subs Not Used: Brown, Tugay, Derbyshire.

REFEREE: Mike Riley (Yorkshire) 6: Portsmouth supporters were frustrated by some of his decision making at times, particularly on free-kicks.

MATCH RATING: * Both sides took a negative approach to this game, especially Blackburn who used a five-man midfield.