Live Commentary

Pompey plight continues Portsmouth's struggles continued on the pitch as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against an impressive Coventry on the opening weekend of the new npower Championship season. Cash-strapped Pompey, relegated from the Barclays Premier League back in May after seven seasons in the top flight, saw their immediate future saved on Thursday after a challenge to their Company Voluntary Agreement by HM Revenue & Customs was dismissed by the High Court. The ruling left the south-coast club free to fight another day as their administrators look to manage their existing debt and find new owners. But this was not a day they enjoyed at the Ricoh Arena as a brace from Freddy Eastwood - the first of which came after just four minutes - ensured they started the 2010/11 campaign with defeat. City looked solid and steadfast under new boss Aidy Boothroyd and, combined with a genuine attacking threat, fully deserved all three points against a Portsmouth side who looked short of quality despite seeing plenty of the ball. It was a display that would certainly have pleased home fans who have waited longer than any other team in the Football League to celebrate promotion - 43 years. The task faced by new Pompey boss Steve Cotterill was evident from the outset with his inability to send out a complete matchday 18, naming just four substitutes instead of the allocated seven. Boothroyd handed debuts to impressive summer signings Lee Carsley, Gary McSheffrey, Richard Keogh and Lukas Jutkiewicz while youngster Nathan Cameron was handed a surprise league debut at centre-back. But it was Eastwood - signed from Wolves in 2008 - who handed Coventry a dream start and ensured Portsmouth's woes would not just be consigned to off-the-field matters. McSheffrey saw his deep corner headed back across by fellow new boy Carsley and Eastwood was on hand to fire through the legs of keeper Jamie Ashdown, who could well have done better with the tame effort. Both sides enjoyed half chances as the opening 45 minutes wore on but it was the visitors who enjoyed the bulk of possession, albeit without really threatening Keiren Westwood. The hosts started the second half on the front foot and, after a quick break within seconds of the restart, McSheffrey saw his goalbound effort diverted wide by a well-timed interception from Hayden Mullins. The former Birmingham winger was proving a lively threat for Coventry and twice came close to claiming an assist just before the hour mark but no-one in a Sky Blue shirt could get onto the end of his crosses. City, with Carsley using all his experience to marshal the midfield, were showing plenty of confidence and sealed all three points in the 70th minute courtesy of Eastwood's second. David Bell sent over a cross from the right flank and the former Wales international was on hand to head into the top corner. Portsmouth finished strongly and Marc Wilson saw his free-kick hit a post in injury time, but it was not to be their day.