Source: Daily_Mail
Portsmouth 2 Everton 1: Crouch shows he still has desire to fight for Pompey
Peter Crouch perhaps has more reason than most to feel aggrieved byHarry Redknapp's decision to turn his back on Portsmouth for the brightlights of White Hart Lane.[LNB]The chance to link up with Redknapponce more was instrumental in persuading Crouch to return to FrattonPark, as was the opportunity to form a little-and-large double act withJermain Defoe. But only three months after his £10million move fromLiverpool, Redknapp was at Spurs, quickly followed by Defoe.[LNB] Rise and shine: Peter Crouch (centre) rises highest to score the winning goal [LNB] Portsmouth 2 Everton 1: Fratton goes frantic over relegation relief [LNB]Portsmouth v Everton: How the game unfolded[LNB]PORTSMOUTH NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB[LNB]Strongly linked with a move to White Hart Lane in January, Crouch demonstrated his allegiance to the South Coast club was stronger than his allegiance to Redknapp when he chose to remain at Portsmouth despite their plummet down the table under Tony Adams' ill-fated stewardship.[LNB]The verve with which he celebrated his two vital headed goals against Everton, only served to demonstrate further Crouch's emotional bond with the Fratton Park faithful. And interim manager Paul Hart was quick to dismiss any suggestion his striker's commitment to the cause has been diminished by the departure of Redknapp.[LNB]'That never crossed my mind,' said Hart, who has led Portsmouth to eight points from a possible 15 since replacing Adams. 'He's a great professional. I've only had him for five games, but I've got absolutely no complaints. He's been brilliant. He's getting the goals that he thoroughly deserves for the work he's putting in.'[LNB]Sporting a healthy tan from Portsmouth's recent training camp in Dubai, Crouch was equally quick to praise Hart's influence on the recent up-turn in form.[LNB]'He's getting his ideas across,' said Crouch. 'We were together 24/7 in Dubai. It was roasting hot out there. Previously it had been terrible weather in England. We just needed to get away, maybe a break from being in the relegation dogfight. [LNB] All smiles: Peter Crouch (left) celebrates with team mate Nwankwo Kanu[LNB]'Maybe earlier in the season we might have gone under when we went a goal down but we showed our character and the resilience we have got now.'[LNB]A glorious, swerving free-kick from Leighton Baines which flew in off a post handed Everton a fourth-minute lead. [LNB]And while Crouch's first-half equaliser came via referee Peter Walton's wrong decision to award a corner in favour of the home side, Portsmouth' s second-half display deserved the reward of a second goal for the England striker.[LNB]Injuries aside, complacency seemed the only reasonable explanation for a below par performance from an Everton side who in 18 previous games had only lost to Manchester United.[LNB]'I had forgotten what it felt like,' admitted David Moyes of the pain of defeat as he struggled to find reasons for a performance which severely dented any hopes of a late run for a Champions League place. 'We have got still so much to play for which is terrific, but I always take the defeats hard.'[LNB] Portsmouth 2 Everton 1: Fratton goes frantic over relegation relief [LNB]Portsmouth v Everton: How the game unfolded[LNB]PORTSMOUTH NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB[LNB] [LNB] [LNB]
