Report v Portsmouth 16/04/01

Birmingham had keeper Ian Bennett to thank for a last gasp reflex save, keeping out what would have been a sensational Michael Johnson own goal and earning his side a lucky point against Pompey.

Birmingham have not won in nine games, and their play-off hopes appear to be faltering as they made hard work of this encounter with a struggling Portsmouth side.

The south coast outfit could easily have snatched a last gasp winner with Birmingham on the back foot and offering nothing up-front.

Although Trevor Francis' side were missing several key players, they looked short of confidence and this was reflected in their lackluster performance. Their strike pairing of Marcelo and Andrew Johnson were easily contained by Pompey defenders Carl Tiler and Scott Hiley.

What few chances appeared were not taken, as they looked to be lacking both the skill and self-belief needed to find the back of the Pompey net.

Trevor Francis looked on in frustration as his side dominated the first half in terms of possession, but lacked the cutting edge required to pose a serious threat in the final third of the pitch.

Former Manchester United star Lee Sharpe was outstanding in the Pompey midfield, and was at the heart of several dangerous attacks.

His pinpoint pass to Lee Bradbury in first half injury time almost resulted in the away side taking the lead, but Birmingham keeper Ian Bennett made the first of several fine saves, diving to his right to deny Bradbury.

Birmingham started the second half brightly and mounted several attacks, but Pompey soaked up the pressure and Graham Rix's side finished the match strongly. Portsmouth were denied a vital win right at the death when Sharpe burst down the left, outpacing Martin O'Connor before putting in a low cross which Bradbury hit in his stride.

On this occasion the ball was deflected by Michael Johnson and Bennett made an acrobatic reflex save to tip the ball over the bar.

The Pompey performance will offer Graham Rix hope as they fight for their First Division lives, while Trevor Francis' season could depend on the news he receives from the treatment room.