Portsmouth Football Club News

Was it Peter Crouch’s, was it Jermain Defoe’s? One thing is clear beyond who actually scored Pompey’s third goal at Everton, however: the partnership’s working. Crouch and Defoe had faced the hardest of games to try to establish an understanding: two against Manchester United and the other versus Chelsea. A trip to Goodison Park did not look much easier, but from the moment Defoe put Pompey ahead early on after Crouch’s headed lay-off, pleasure flooded through the small band of Blues fans who had made the long trek to Merseyside. Defoe was everywhere, teeing up Glen Johnson for Pompey’s second and then hitting the underside of the bar with a chip which Crouch then nodded in, even though replays showed Defoe’s effort had already crossed the line. After a taxing start to the season, hope has suddenly blossomed. “Any partnership is going to take time and we’ve had difficult games," said Defoe. "But we’ve kept working. “Crouch is a great player and we linked up well – I hope we can keep it going. “As a forward the first goal was very satisfying, getting that early goal away from home. “You can imagine the banter in the dressing-room afterwards about the third goal! "I’ve seen since that it was over the line before Crouchy headed it in, so it must be mine! “I was pleased with the chip - you’ve got to try things in a game that you try in training. It’s all about confidence. "But what really matters is the three points. "Everton’s a difficult place to come, so credit to the boys, particularly the goalkeeper who was fantastic again, with a great save in the first half, then keeping out the penalty. “After they missed the penalty we had the feeling it was going to be our day." Defoe felt the 3-5-2 system Pompey employed at Goodison Park was pivotal to their 3-0 win. “Credit to the coaching staff and the manager that they realised we had to change certain things," he said. "It worked really well. “It’s three points that we hope kick-starts our season. The lads are buzzing."

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