Massive Win In Wales

Last updated : 29 March 2014 By Jim Bonner

Andy Awford began his second spell as caretaker manager at Portsmouth with a hugely important win over Newport County, who ended the match with nine men.

Ryan Taylor gave Pompey the lead after he was brought down in the box and just about got enough on his spot kick to beat Ian McLoughlin. Adam Chapman was then shown a straight red card for a terrible two-footed challenge on Danny Hollands.

Pompey doubled their lead before the break after Jed Wallace headed in Ricky Holmes's cross and showed plenty more in attack during the second half.

Ismail Yakubu gave the visiting fans something to worry about as he headed the ball past Trevor Carson but the hosts were soon down to nine men when Darcy Blake received a second yellow card for a foul on Patrick Agyemang just outside the box.

Despite the five minutes of added time, Awford's men held their nerve for a vitally important victory at Rodney Parade. Having not been there, I can only repeat what others have said about the level of commitment shown by the Pompey players with Wallace and Holmes the standout performers being allowed to get forward now that Richie Barker's stranglehold on the team has gone.

The result was massive as Portsmouth are now up a place to 21st in League Two and now five points clear of Northampton who were beaten 3-0 by Bury and now nine clear of Torquay who lost at Southend.

Not all results went for us as Bristol Rovers got a stoppage time winner over Morecambe but this has been a good day for our football club.

There is still more work to do but Fratton Park will now be rocking for the visit of Hartlepool United next Saturday as Andy Awford looks to finish the job and keep Portsmouth in the Football League.