Portsmouth Football Club News

• Nickname:Pompey
• Founded:1898
• Manager:Michael Appleton

• Ground:Fratton Park
• Capacity:19,179

Hart upbeat despite defeat

31 Aug 2009 - 10:00:46

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Portsmouth manager Paul Hart blamed a lack of a cutting edge for his side's 1-0 defeat by Manchester City.

Pompey remain without a point from their opening four games, but Hart insists there is plenty of reason for optimism after running big-spending City close at Fratton Park.

The south coast side should have claimed their first point of the campaign when substitute David Nugent fluffed a glorious late chance.

"I thought we played very well, I was pleased with the way we went about our job," said Hart.

"I think we lacked a bit of forward movement because when we got behind them we caused them problems.

"It was a great opportunity (for Nugent) to score at the end and I'm disappointed we didn't."

Meanwhile, Hart has denied reports claiming David James missed the game as the England goalkeeper had asked for a transfer.

"He's the best goalkeeper in England," added Hart. "At the moment he's injured so you would think that would limit it."