Strikers perk up weary Pompey

HARRY REDKNAPP celebrated a dazzling hat-trick of wins after his £18.5 million strikers Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe saw off Stoke.

A week ago the pair scored in the 2-0 victory over Tottenham before Crouch’s two goals in extra time rescued his side in their midweek UEFA Cup tie against Guimaraes in Portugal.

The former Liverpool striker added an overhead kick to his tally yesterday while ex-Tottenham star Defoe hit the post before scoring the winner.

Redknapp had special praise for captain Sol Campbell as well as his two front men.

The 34-year-old, abused by Spurs fans last Sunday, was impressive again and Redknapp said: “I thought he was absolutely brilliant.

“He’s had a lot to deal with and he’s a big lad who needs his rest but like the others he’s just a great professional who gets on with the job.”

On his goalscorers Redknapp added: “It was a fantastic finish by Crouchie for our first goal, great technique.

“Defoe just keeps looking for chances even after he misses. It was a great shot that hit the post but another terrific finish for the second goal.”

Stoke’s manager Tony Pulis, who was in charge at Fratton Park for 10 months in 2000, could only watch as Pompey’s multi-million pound strikeforce did the business.

“That’s why Harry has paid the money for Crouch and Defoe. The first goal was a fantastic finish and the second almost as good,” he said.

PORTSMOUTH (4-4-2): James 6, Johnson 7, Campbell 7, Distin 6, Belhadj 7, Diop 7, Davis 6, Hughes 6, A Traore 9 (Hreidarsson 90, 5), Crouch 7, Defoe 7.

Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Little, Kanu, Kaboul, Mvuemba, Pamarot.

STOKE (4-4-2): Simonsen 7, Griffin 6, Cort 6, Abdoulaye Faye 6, Higginbotham 6, Delap 5 (Cresswell 74, 5), Olofinjana 6, Amdy Faye 6, Tonge 5 (Soares 65, 5), Fuller 6, Kitson 6 (Sidibe 61, 6).

Subs Not Used: Whelan, Shawcross, Wilkinson, Sonko.

REFEREE: Andre Marriner (West Midlands) 6: Nothing controversial to trouble the officials.

MATCH RATING: *** Pompey roused their tired limbs to impressive effect.