Immediately at the other end Defoe swivels on the edge of the box and hits a roaring shot that flashes a fraction wide of the box.

Two almost identical chances for Valencia as he twice gets through one-on-one only to see David James make two stunning saves to deny him stealing all three points for the visitors.

The home side are really going for it now as Defoe gets goalside of Bramble only to see his shot diverted wide by Kirkland who has frustrated him all afternoon.

How are Wigan holding Portsmouth at bay? Another scramble is started by a Crouch header hitting Defoe on the hip and after two blocks from Kirkland it somehow worms its way out of the box.

Valencia is beside himself! And with good reason as Heskey feeds him through to beat James and roll the ball into the net, only to see the linesmen flag rule it out - and he was a good two yards onside too!

Puddles are finally beginning to form on the pitch that has lived up to the hammering it has taken from the rain all afternoon - will that cause someone embarassment in the closing stages?

Unbelievable! Distin heads Diarra's corner against the crossbar but before Wigan can clear Diarra has whipped the ball back in again only for Crouch's header to rebound off the bar again - how did they not score there?

Crouch is proving a real outlet for Belhadj as the Moroccan drifts a ball to the back post for the striker to knock down for Defoe who has it nicked off his toe by Bramble superbly.

Trouble for Wigan with Amr Zaki struggling after a crunching tackle from Diarra leaves him needing treatment - it was a good challenge but it clearly hurt the Egyptian.

Chance for Wigan to extend their lead as Valencia's cross is deflected out for Heskey to strike but his shot is so high it clears the stand behind the goal.

Lassana Diarra is orchestrating an improved Portsmouth performance in this second half and sooner or later he will create another chance for the hosts.

...after an almighty delay Defoe finally hits it and its blocked by the defenders on the line - it may have been Palacios again actually. Unbelievable drama here!

A strange incident here as Kirkland picks a loose ball up and referee Walton decides it is a backpass so Portsmouth have an in-direct free-kick just eight yards out...

Constant pressure from Portsmouth as Belhadj now is forward to cross for Peter Crouch who somehow glances wide when it seemed easier to score.

Palacios off the line again! Kranjcar's low free-kick deflects away from Kirkland but somehow the Honduran has got himself on the line again to hook it away.

Portsmouth immediately on the front foot and Kranjcar is at the heart of it as he clips the ball in for Crouch who heads down but all three midfield runners go straight past it and Wigan clear.

Papa Bouba Diop has done it again! He gave away a penalty in midweek needlessly and today he has tripped Titus Bramble and referee Walton points to the spot.

Considering the conditions, the football today has been superb and it is a surprise that we are yet to have a goal.

Portsmouth are looking dangerous from set pieces and they almost break the deadlock again as Diop meets a high corner only to see Palacios hook his shot off the line.

Wigan now on the attack with Valencia causing more problems for Belhadj as he cuts inside to see his shot deflect wickedly off Distin and onto the roof of the net.

Fortunately for Bramble nothing comes from the free-kick as Defoe tries to smash it through the wall but it deflects out of danger.

Lassana Diarra goes within inches of giving Portsmouth a spectacular lead with a delightful free-kick that leaves Kirkland rooted to the spot as it whips past the far post from 25 yards.

End to end stuff with both sides looking to attack at every opportunity as Traore evades Melchiot but feeds the ball behind Defoe, and Wigan break with James forced into action by Zaki at the expense of a corner.

Wigan are on the back foot and Portsmouth are dominating the ball with clever passes and movement that is seeing the likes of Defoe and Diarra becoming heavily involved.

The game is being played at an electrifying tempo and Portsmouth break with Diarra feeding Defoe who flashes a snap shot wide of the near post under good pressure from Scharner.

Off the bar! Diarra curls a corner into the box and Crouch rises highest and although the header is weak it loops over Kirkland and onto the top of the bar.

The rain is still storming down but the news is gettin better for Portsmouth as they finally begin to impose themselves on the game with Diarra finding himself on the ball to pull the strings in midfield.

Portsmouth have not started at all here today and Luis Valencia is giving Nadir Belhadj no end of problems on the Wigan right with his pace and trickery - and the Ecuadorian is the latest to test David James.

Wigan are in charge of the game and David James is tested by Palacios who evades Glen Johnson before rifling a shot towards the far corner and the England keeper needs two attempts to gather with Heskey ready to pounce.

Armand Traore's pace is going to cause a few problems for Mario Melchiot today who will need to use his experience to keep the youngster in check - that battle is just starting to brew up with the Dutchman on top for now.

It is still Wigan well on top here on the South Coast and the Pompey crowd are starting to go a little quiet - that really is a first.

The rain is absolutely bucketing down at Fratton Park and Wigan have made a good start with Cattermole finding Zaki in the box and his glancing headers skids just past the far post.