Portsmouth Football Club News

Tony Adams was looking for grit and determination at Ashton Gate – and he got it in spades. Pompey set up an FA Cup fourth round clash against Swansea with a 2-0 defeat of Championship side Bristol City. Peter Crouch and Niko Kranjcar got the goals, both finishing off fine flowing moves to give the Blues their first win since the end of November. David James then ensured a second consecutive clean sheet by saving Nicky Maynard’s late penalty. With Sean Davis suffering a stomach virus and Papa Bouba Diop and Richard Hughes out injured, Pompey were particularly depleted in midfield. So Niko Kranjcar moved into the middle and was ably assisted by Marc Wilson and Younes Kaboul. And rather than crack under the pressure, Adams’ patched-together side got their heads down and fought hard for victory. “I was pleased with the resilience of the guys, said the Blues boss. We’re looking a lot tougher to beat now. “We had a makeshift midfield containing two centre-halves and a wide left player. But they’re honest enough guys and stuck to their task well. “It was a good competition in midfield and they may have just edged it there but the lads worked hard for me. “If we’d passed the ball around a little better then we could have opened them up even more because Bristol City were gambling at the end. “But they’re a tough team who have been together for a little while now. “We counter-attacked well and I thought it was a good cup tie. “I would have been gutted if they’d scored their penalty because I wanted us to keep another clean sheet. “The goalkeeper was immense and I remember Glen Johnson making an amazing tackle – it’s nice to have him back in the team. He was much more disciplined and put in an outstanding display at right-back. “I actually thought we could have finished the tie off at Fratton Park and I was disappointed not to get it over with in one game. “We had about 13 chances to their three and you think that you might have blown it and given them a chance to turn you over.” Pompey’s character in the replay was summed up by their first goal. Crouch started the move just outside his own box before racing up the other end and converting Armand Traore’s low cross. “It was only two strides for Peter,” laughed Adams. “He’s a great lad and wants to fight for the football club. I’m pleased that he got his goal.” Another Championship side await Pompey in the fourth round after Swansea triumphed 2-1 against non-league Histon. And Adams is expecting another tough clash when the Welsh side visit Fratton Park on January 24. He said: “It’s good to be in the next round. I’ve seen Swansea a few times and they’re very similar to Bristol City. “They’ve got good technical players and like to get the ball down and play. It’s going to be a tough game. “I’ve been knocked out at York, Hereford and Wrexham – but I’ve also won the cup a few times. That’s what the cup’s all about.”

Click here to read the full article

Filed under: Portsmouth News