Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Harper eyes Pompey revenge

11 Apr 2008 - 08:43:16

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Goalkeeper Steve Harper has backed his Newcastle United team-mates to exact their revenge on Portsmouth for a drubbing earlier this season when the sides meet again on Saturday.

Pompey were 4-1 winners at St James' Park back in November after racing into a three-goal lead inside the opening 11 minutes.

The home fans turned on their side and former manager Sam Allardyce after that dismal opening and Harper - who was in goal that day - concedes the Magpies are on a revenge mission ahead of Saturday's return at Fratton Park.

Newcastle are currently in the midst of a three-game winning run after a slow start to Kevin Keegan's second spell as manager.

"We certainly owe them one," Harper told the club's official website.

"To be three down at home inside 11 minutes is something I never want to repeat.

"We were gutted after that game and it was one of the lowest points of the season.

"But credit to Portsmouth, they've had a good year and are now in the FA Cup Final.

"It will be a tough game because it's always a difficult place to go and it's a great atmosphere.

"But the form we're in at the moment means we're looking forward to it and are extremely confident of getting a result."