Source: Daily_Mail
Pompey 2 Birmingham 0: Piquionne's brace fires crisis club to Wembley
Portsmouth's season has seen four different owners and the threat of liquidation but will also include a trip to Wembley after Frederic Piquionne earned them victory over Birmingham at Fratton Park.[LNB]Pompey, saddled with debt and being pursued by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, will earn more than £600,000 in prize money and broadcasting fees for reaching the FA Cup semi-final but money was hardly on their minds as they celebrated victory against Alex McLeish's men.[LNB]Piquionne's goals brightened up a quarter-final tie short on action until he struck in the 67th and 70th minutes, then Liam Ridgewell had an effort ruled out for the visitors despite the ball appearing to cross the line.[LNB]Before that, there was little to do for the two England goalkeepers on display, with David James looking to re-establish himself as Fabio Capello's first choice and Joe Hart tipped as a future number one.[LNB] Make mine a double: Frederic Piquionne fires Pompey to Wembley[LNB] [LNB]They were barely tested during a first 45 minutes short ofentertainment and goalmouth action, despite Birmingham having JamesMcFadden in their forward line after overcoming groin problems duringthe week.[LNB]John Utaka, one of three survivors in the starting XI from Pompey'swinning team in 2008, took just eight seconds to drill a shot at Hart -but it was not a sign of things to come.[LNB]James, Utaka and Hermann Hreidarsson offered a reminder of Wembleytwo seasons ago when Pompey defeated Cardiff, with the likes of LassanaDiarra, Glen Johnson and Sulley Muntari then sold at a profit but theclub still plunging into financial crisis.[LNB]Adrift at the foot of the Barclays Premier League and with thethreat of a nine-point deduction hanging over them for enteringadministration. the commitment of Avram Grant's men could not bequestioned. Jamie O'Hara had been struggling with a back problem butinsisted on playing.[LNB]In James, Grant has a goalkeeper desperate to get back ahead ofRobert Green in the England pecking order and he tidily dealt withBirmingham's only chance of the first half. Lee Bowyer unselfishly setup Cameron Jerome and James denied the striker with a save at the nearpost.[LNB] Goal-line scramble: Frederic Piquionne (centre) fires Pompey ahead[LNB]Aside from Jerome's chance, the tie became a midfield battle withMichael Brown and Bowyer leading each side. One tackle from Brown, onhis central-midfield opponent, earned a yellow card.[LNB]It meant flowing football did not figure prominently. When NadirBelhadj did spot the chance of a counter-attack and tried to switchplay, his ball to Danny Webber was accidentally blocked by refereeSteve Bennett.[LNB] Great timing: Liam Ridgewell leads the chorus of disapproval after his header crossed the line at Fratton Park[LNB]Utaka had sight of goal just before the break when O'Hara sent himdown the left but he flashed over the crossbar after cutting inside andforcing Stephen Carr to backtrack. [LNB]There was more of the same after the restart, with neither side threatening with intent and both defences on top.[LNB]The visitors had Roger Johnson in their defence and he was lookingfor revenge after being in the Cardiff side that lost to Pompey nearlytwo years ago. [LNB]He and Scott Dann at the centre of Birmingham's defence meant itneeded something special for the hosts to make an impression - andPiquionne provided it.[LNB] Contrasting fortunes: Alex McLeish saw his side concede defeat, while Avram Grant takes Portsmouth to a Wembley semi-final[LNB] [LNB]The French striker made no mistake from close range for the opener.Steve Finnan put the ball back in the danger area after a corner andfound Utaka, Hart looked to have the situation under control but Danncrashed into him and the ball fell for Piquionne to tap in.[LNB]Piquionne's second came three minutes later. O'Hara played himthrough and the striker twisted and turned around Johnson beforeplanting his finish past Hart for his fourth goal in three games.[LNB]There was time for James to pull off a stunning double save,although Ridgewell's header from close range looked over the line onreplays.[LNB] Zulu warrior still fighting: Noel Blake relishing Fratton Park clashFiasco leaves Dusko Tosic in limbo between Portsmouth and SwanseaPortsmouth 2 Birmingham 0 - all the action from Fratton Park as it happenedPORTSMOUTH FC
