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Pompey get the winning habit again at Swindon
18 July 2008, 22:17

Pompey continued their pre-season preparations with an ultimately deserved win over League 1 Swindon, but they took their time to get going after the home side took an early lead through Simon Cox penalty. Herman Hreidarsson, and a Jermain Defoe penalty made it 2-1 at the break, then Danijel Subotic made the game safe late on.

Manager Harry Redknapp decided against starting with Peter Crouch and Defoe up front, opting to keep the former Liverpool striker on the bench after only a week's training. A couple of others who had picked up knocks against Exeter, including Linvoy Primus and Glen Little were not risked at all.

Pompey had the first shot of the game when Gambian trialist Omar 'OJ' Krumah sent his effort straight at the keeper.

Swindon whent ahead after eight minutes when Sol Campbell was penalised in the box as he grappled with an opponent and Simon Cox converted the resultant penalty.

Pompey almost levelled at once, but Hreidarsson's attempted lob was pushed over by Peter Brezovan.

James was in action, making a splendid one-handed save from an Anthony McNamee shot in the 15th minute, then Swindon had a goal disallowed for offside after 24 minutes when McNamee combined with Cox to set up a chance.

After 35 minutes Pompey equalised, when Hreidarsson played a one-two with Defoe and neatly clipped the ball over the out coming keeper.

Five minutes later Pompey led when Krumah ran onto a long ball over the top and was brought down as he went across the keeper. Defoe comfortably converted the spot kick.

After the break Pompey rang the changes and Crouch came on for his first action of the season.

Sylvain Distin was also on for Campbell and he made a great tackle in the 51st minute to snuff out some danger. He looked impressive in the second half as Swindon tried to force their way back into the game. Sub Ben Sahar saw a header pushed away in the 54th minuet for Pompey, then midway through the half Crouch was close to a debut goal when he headed Arnold Mvuemba's cross against a post.

Crouch looked impressive, making a number of useful flicks and touches.

Pompey sealed the match with two minutes to go when Ben Sahar did well to win the ball out on the left and he made his way to the goal line and his cross was met with a firm head by Subotic.

All in all a good work out and some encouragement for the 1,000 or so Pompey fans in attendance.

Pompey: James (Begovic 45), Lauren (Cranie 45), Campbell (Distin 45), Paramot, Hreidarsson (Traore 45), Mvuemba (Subotic 83), Mendes (Davis 45), Bouba Diop (Muntari 45), Hughes (Christophe 83), Defoe (Crouch 45), OJ Koroma (Ben Sahar 45).