Grant rues 'strange decision'

Pompey boss Avram Grant was left to rue a disallowed goal after his side lost to a last-gasp Diniyar Bilyaletdinov effort at Goodison Park.

Anthony Vanden Borre had a second-half tap-in controversially disallowed for offside, although replays showed he was clearly behind at least two Everton players.

Pompey were then made to pay when Russian substitute Bilyaletdinov hit an injury-time wonder-strike to seal the Toffees' win.

Grant told Sky Sports afterwards that he thought the disallowed goal was a 'strange decision'.

"We scored a goal, it was disallowed, two players were on the line. But, as I say, we are used to it this season," he said.

"But it was good to finish with a good game, not good that they scored in the last minute, by the way a fantastic goal, but it was a good performance of course."

He praised his side's resolute defensive display as well as their threat going forward.

"We defended well and made some good attacking, the goal that we scored was a good goal but also Everton are a good team, they know how to pass the ball, they started the game very well but I thought in the second-half we could score."

Strange

Asked if he had any explanation from the officials as to why they had ruled out Vanden Borre's effort, he replied: "No - two players were on the line, it was one of the most strange decisions I have ever seen. I don't know, I don't know what to say."

Grant made five changes to his side and admitted afterwards that he had half an eye on the FA Cup final against Chelsea next Saturday, although a lengthy injury list also limited him to just six substitutes.

There has been speculation that the Israeli could be leaving the relegated club but he said anything was possible.

"I think I am not the issue because first we need to see what happens with the club, I can not take any decision, even the club can not take any decision - even if they want me to stay - when they do not know what is the future of the club," he admitted.