Source: Eurosport
Crouch pinches points for Pompey
Peter Crouch scored in both halves as Portsmouth came from behind to beat Everton 2-1 at Fratton Park to boost their hopes of survival.The hosts found themselves 1-0 down after just four minutes thanks to Leighton Baines' first goal for Everton, but Paul Hart's side showed plenty of togetherness and determination to first equalise, and then take the lead, through Crouch's 10th and 11th league goals of the season.The Toffees made a bright start and were rewarded with the opening goal after just four minutes when Baines curled home a fine free-kick from just over 20 yards, with the ball finding the back of the net via the post.But the goal seemed to spark Pompey into life and they quickly went on the attack in a bid to force the equaliser with Niko Kranjcar lashing over from 25 yards.And they were back on level terms after 22 minutes when Kranjcar's cross was headed back across goal by Glen Johnson and Crouch was on hand to outjump Joleon Lescott and head past Tim Howard from close range for his 15th of the season.The game continued to move from end to end and it was Everton who had a great opportunity to reclaim the lead 10 minutes before the interval when the ball fell to Jo just outside the area, and although the Brazilian killed the ball instantly, he lashed his shot well wide of goal.Pompey made a bright start to the second period and saw penalty appeals turned down when the ball bounced up and struck Baines' hand, but it was a classic case of ball to hand and not hand to ball.Crouch then saw a powerful header well held by Howard on the line, while David Nugent saw an effort blocked by the American's legs.But just as the contest appeared to be heading for a stalemate, Pompey took the lead with 15 minutes remaining when Kranjcar flighted over a right-wing corner and Crouch rose powerfully to head home unmarked from six yards out.Sean Davis then saw a ferocious dipping volley beat Howard, but bounce out off the post.Everton did their best to get back into the game, but there was no way through as Pompey held firm to climb up to 15th in the table ahead of the rest of Saturday's action. Everton remain sixth.[LNB]
