FOOTBALL
DEFOE IS SORELY MISSED
DEFOE: Sidelined with 'flu'
By Peter White
PORTSMOUTH 0 BRISTOL CITY 0
Portsmouth got past five Championship clubs by a single-goal margin on their way to winning the cup last May.
But now, just eight months on, a different Pompey manager and a host of different players could find themselves surrendering the trophy against a side from the second tier of English football – unless Tony Adams can apply ultimate powers of persuasion.
Bristol City rarely threatened to win at this first time of asking, but their task in securing a replay on their own turf appeared to be made much easier by the decision to play Peter Crouch as a lone striker.
Adams would argue that Niko Kranjcar and David Nugent were on hand to support the big man, but it became obvious the longer this match went on that what Pompey really needed was a foil in the shape of Jermain Defoe, who was missing with a touch of flu – or so we were led to believe.
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Defoe might have played his last game for Pompey but Adams has not given up hope that he could stay.
Adams said: “People do change their minds and I am always willing to give the benefit of the doubt to players. If he needs convincing to stay, I will convince him. If he doesn’t, he doesn’t.”
Bristol City’s lanky defender Jamie McCombe did well to keep a tight rein on Crouch, but admitted: “We did expect more from the holders.
“However, we have now got another exciting tie back at Ashton Gate, and we believe we have a real chance.”
Portsmouth (4-5-1): James; Cranie (Pamarot 81), Campbell, Distin, Belhadj; Nugent, Wilson, Davis, Mvuemba, Kranjcar; Crouch. Booked: Belhadj
Bristol City (4-5-1): Basso; Orr, Carey, McCombe, Fontaine; Sproule (Williams 64), Johnson, Elliott, Skuse, Styvar (McAllister 82); John (Adebola 62). Booked: John
Referee: P Dowd (Staffordshire).
