John Utaka's brace against Sunderland booked Portsmouth's place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Nigerian's double knocks Sunderland out of FA Cup
John Utaka rewarded Portsmouth supporters with a rare moment of cheer this season as his brace helped Avram Grant's side come from a goal down against Sunderland to book their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
The Black Cats, off the back of a 7-2 loss at Chelsea last weekend, found themselves a goal in front at Fratton Park when Darren Bent reacted quickest to swipe in a move on the right channel.
However, just prior to the half-time whistle, Pompey restored parity against their Premier League counterparts as Utaka caught out Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon with an instinctive header.
And the 2008 FA Cup winners' comeback was complete 13 minutes into the second period when Nigerian forward Utaka beat the offside trap before demonstrating excellent composure to slot home past Gordon.
Recovery
Portsmouth started with Asmir Begovic between the sticks as David James, who has been linked with a switch to Stoke, sat out. This ensures the England international will be available to represent the Potters in the FA Cup, should they beat Arsenal on Sunday.
Sunderland recalled Michael Turner after a four-game ban, while goalkeeper Gordon returned after recovering from a broken arm and Kieran Richardson overcame a calf problem to start as well.
The hosts began the brightest of the sides but Sunderland quickly took charge. Their pressure was rewarded after 15 minutes, when Zenden's long throw from the right was flicked on by Jordan Henderson, allowing Bent to side-foot home from eight yards.
With Pompey fans having little to smile about on the pitch, two supporters invaded the field after 32 minutes.
Midfielder Aaron Mokoena calmly apprehended the first fan, while Hreidarsson handed the second man over to stewards.
The home supporters' mood did not get any better when their side had a penalty appeal turned down after 35 minutes.
Sunderland's Paulo da Silva appeared to charge down the ball with his hand as Kevin-Prince Boateng stormed towards the Black Cats' six-yard box. But referee Peter Walton waved away their calls.
Portsmouth made up for this, though, by snatching an equaliser three minutes before the break, when Utaka got on the end of Marc Wilson's ball forward.
Gordon was too far off his line, as the Pompey midfielder out-jumped Phil Bardsley and headed over the stranded Scot.
Portsmouth nearly went ahead at the start of the second half when Angelos Basinas powerfully intercepted Richardson's charge forward.
Superb
The Greek picked out Utaka, who lost his marker superbly, but his drive from 20 yards was well parried away by Gordon.
Pompey completed the turnaround after 58 minutes. Younes Kaboul headed long to put Utaka clean through on goal. The Nigerian made no mistake as he raced in to pass the ball under Gordon.
Manager Grant's depleted squad suffered another injury blow after 68 minutes, when Papa Bouba Diop pulled up clutching the back of his leg.
Hayden Mullins replaced him, but the change did not knock a buoyant Pompey off their stride.
A stunning flick-on from Utaka after 70 minutes put Boateng clear on the left-hand side of the Sunderland box. But his shot from the angle was beaten away by Gordon.
Utaka continued to wreak havoc in the Black Cats' box. Piquionne missed a glorious cutback from the Nigerian after 72 minutes. Boateng picked up the loose ball 20 yards out, but his effort just curled wide of the post.
Sunderland nearly levelled after 87 minutes, when a Bent free-kick was superbly tipped over by Begovic.
The Black Cats then almost snatched a replay from the resulting corner, but Boateng cleared Da Silva's header off the line in a goalmouth scramble, sparking desperate protests from Zenden, who claimed it had crossed.
Sunderland's late rally was not enough, though, and Portsmouth progressed as their supporters returned to the directors' entrance to continue their protest against the club's board.
| Team Name |
Portsmouth |
Sunderland |
| Possession |
48% |
52% |
| Goals |
2 |
1 |
| Shots On Target |
5 |
2 |
| Shots Off Target |
3 |
1 |
| Blocked Shots |
0 |
1 |
| Corners |
2 |
7 |
| Fouls Conceded |
9 |
10 |
| Offsides |
2 |
2 |
| Yellow Cards |
1 |
1 |
| Red Cards |
0 |
0 |
|
