Match Report

Well I never eh? Swashbuckling Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle United in nil-nil shocker sensation – hardly fits the rubbish in the Daily Shite does it? Keeping it tight at the back over this canny little run as well eh? God knows what the headline writers will make of this one as KK presided over a tactically smart, mature performance that earned us an excellent point in an otherwise forgettable encounter.

There wasn't an awful lot happening in terms of match action to report on but overall, we edged it. With Taylor back in for Edgar, KK started again with the three up top and Martins went close with a low shot while at the other end, Taylor got away with what looked like a handball and Defoe had a half chance but Pompey were playing like a side with one eye on the FAC Final - memories of the last months of our Wembley seasons coming to mind. Dull, in other words.

The second half was marginally better and squinting through the blinding sunshine, we were able to make out 'Ron' Geremi almost scoring from a long way out with an adventurous looking shot. In fairness, it could well have been a cross such was the accuracy of his distribution throughout. The law of averages should dictate that even by fluke he would manage to find one of our players heads' from a corner but seemingly the Cameroon defies the law of physics on that front - hey ho. Martins also came close with a snap shot which James' saved low and at the other end we were grateful Defoe had his mind on some page 3 'stunners' breasts as he missed a hat trick of chances - one a good save from Harper and two screwed wide after balls over the top. Faye especially will be pleased Defoe didn't have his shooting boots on as he looked hopelessly static to lofted balls that he should have mopped up easily.

We could have pinched it late on when a corner bobbled around and ended up falling to Owen six yards out. He looked offside but still managed to steer it goalwards only for it to jammily bounce off James' head and go over. In the end though, a point was about right on balance. It certainly wasn't a thriller, but for us, it was an excellent away point against a Pompey side having a very impressive season indeed. It was also a chance to basically chill out in the sunshine and actually enjoy a game of football without gnawing away at fingernails and having heart palpitations and Fratton Park is a mint little ground - full of character and the sort of place that will be a real miss in an increasingly sterile and sterile Premiership.

We've got next weekend to look forward to and a nice little unbeaten run to take into the clash with the village idiots from down the road. If we play as we have in the last four games, we'll beat them - confidence is growing - we are safe now and a derby win will put a highly satisfactory gloss on what has been a dire season. Top marks though to Keegan as he slowly turns things around – good times around the corner?

Keep the Faith

Man of the Match - Beye - Never gave Kranjcar a kick

Ref - Dowd 7 - Had little to do but still managed to irritate their fans. That'll do.

Their Fans - 5 - Muted but unsurprising given the entertainment on show

Gareth Harrison