Portsmouth 3 Hull City 2: Pompey Late Show Leaves Iain Dowie Stunned

There is no doubt the Premier League still matters to Portsmouth after Kanu's dramatic late winner left home fans at Fratton Park celebrating an unlikely result.

Iain Dowie thought he was about to mark his first game as Hull manager with a masterstroke that would hand his new side their first away victory of the season.

Caleb Folan had been left on the fringes under Phil Brown, and was even sent out on loan to Middlesbrough, but he was handed a first start since August and scored both goals to breathe new life into the Tigers' relegation battle.

There was to be a late twist though.

In the build up to kick off it was hinted that Avram Grant may field a weakened side in light of their upcoming FA Cup semi-final and confirmation of the nine-point deduction that will almost certainly leave them heading for the Championship.

But Grant sent out a strong team that showed tremendous spirit, and Jamie O'Hara's tremendous free kick was followed by Kanu's tap in two minutes from time.


REACTION:
Manager Grant was delighted with the spirit of his side and as he reflected on this win he had a cheeky dig at his doubters.

He insisted there was never any danger of him making a mockery of the Premier League by fielding a weakened side and that Portsmouth will continue to show the top flight total respect.

"I'm not going down without a fight and I think we have done the Premier League a great favour," Grant said.

"If we were to play like others expect us to, with our heads down, it would not be good for the league. But we will do our job, even after the bad decision that has gone against us in the week.

"We will do what is right in the spirit of the game, and the Premier League can be proud that we are real ambassadors of the game and not the poeple in offices who make decisions."

While Portsmouth are resigned to a life outside of the Premier League, Hull still have some hope. This was a crushing blow for new manager Dowie, yet he is desperately trying to remain optimistic.

As he reflected on the two late goals, Dowie said: "I felt that in the pit of my stomach but you have to put it to one side.

"My wife said I look alive again this week and I would rather be out there than in front of the camera. I love being a coach, it is what I have put so much time into.

"It is a cruel game but I have seen enough to please me and we have eight rounds left of a nine-round fight now. I have to make sure we believe we can stay up."

HOW IT HAPPENED:
Hull should have been ahead after four minutes but Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink headed against the post. They eventually took the lead as Folan turned in Fagan's drive but Pompey levelled as Smith scored his first goal for the club. Hull dominated for large periods and should have gone on to win after they edged in front. But two late strikes, inspired by O'hara's magnificent free kick, have left Hull stunned.

WHAT IT MEANS:
Hull are still in deep trouble. A win would have given the entire camp great hope of escaping. Confidence is key at a time like this and they must hope that manager Dowie can provide inspiration. Pompey are all but down - yet you would not bet against this spirited group going all the way to the FA Cup final and picking up a winners medal.

QUOTABLE:
"It is frustrating that our problems here have not been because of football."
- Avram Grant reflects on what could have been, but for the team's financial troubles.

PORTSMOUTH 3 (Smith 37, O'Hara 87, Kanu 88) HULL 2 ( Folan 27, 73)

PLAYER MARKING:
Portsmouth (4-5-1): James 6, Mullins 6, Rocha 6, Hreidarsson 7, Belhadj 7; Smith 6, Mokoena 5 (Kanu 57, 6), Wilson 7, O'Hara 9, Owusu-Abeyie 6 (Webber 82, 6); Piquionne 6.
Subs (not used): Ashdown, Diop, Brown, Finnan, Webber, Basinas.

Hull (4-4-2): Myhill 6, Mendy 6, McShane 7, Mouyokolo 6, Dawson 7 (Garcia 70, 6); Marney 6, Bullard 8, Kilbane 6, Folan 7; Fagan 7, Vennegoor of Hesselink 5 (Barmby 66, 6).
Subs (not used): Duke, Geovanni, Cooper, Olofinjana, Cairney.

ATTENDANCE: 16, 513

NEXT UP:
- Portsmouth v Chelsea (Home), Premier League 24/03, 1945 GMT
- Hull v Fulham (Home), Premier League 27/03, 1500 GMT

MAN OF THE MATCH:
Jamie O'Hara (Portsmouth): Almost every week he is the best player in a Pompey shirt and he provided inspiration here to spark an unlikely fightback. His free kick was out of the top drawer and his determination underlines everything that is admirable about this side.