Source: Daily_Mail
Portsmouth 1 Stoke 2: Salif Diao adds to sinking feeling at Fratton Park
Portsmouth hope to be taken over by a South African consortium on Monday, saving them from going under when they face a winding-up order next Monday.[LNB]But, with debts of £60million and the club facing administration, manager Avram Grant admitted he is 'totally not confident' that the situation will improve. [LNB]Grant is just hoping that the High Court take into account Portsmouth's gutsy on-pitch efforts.[LNB] Last-gasp: Salif Diao (left) celebrates scoring the winning goal[LNB]'I think when everybody sees the team spirit that they do not give up it affects even the decision of the judge,' he said. 'They see the players, fans and everybody trying to keep this team alive.'[LNB]Even super agent Pini Zahavi has agreed to write off his share of £3m in unpaid fees. [LNB]But Portsmouth's tactics smacked of desperation late on. With the score at 1-1 and Stoke reduced to 10 men for the final 15 minutes Grant threw on a fourth forward.[LNB]But, for all their pressure, they were struck in injury time by a winner from Salif Diao, who had not scored in the Premier League since October 2002. [LNB]If this match was Portsmouth's last ever game at Fratton Park, it was a fittingly cruel ending.[LNB] [LNB] Off the mark: Frederic Piquionne opens the scoring at Fratton Park[LNB]'It is very painful,' added Grant. 'It's very frustrating but I believe that, if we continue to play like this, there will be a good future for the club if the club exists.'[LNB]His side fought here, particularly Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, who was making his first start.[LNB]MATCH FACTSPortsmouth (4-1-3-2): James; Finnan (Webber 86min), Wilson, Hreidarsson, Belhadj; Bouba Diop; Yebda (Utaka 66), O'Hara, Owusu-Abeyie; Dindane, Piquionne (Kanu 46). Subs (not used): Ashdown, Rocha, Mullins, Webber, Basinas.Booked: O'Hara, Hreidarsson.[LNB]Stoke (4-4-1-1): Sorensen; Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Collins; Delap, Whelan, Whitehead, Tuncay (Diao 76); Sidibe; Fuller (Kitson 90). Subs (not used): Begovic, Lawrence, Beattie, Pugh, Faye. Booked: Wilkinson. Sent off: Wilkinson 73min.Referee: M Dean (Wirral).[LNB]The former Arsenal forward said: 'I'm lost for words. I'm so sad anddisappointed. In the second half, we just gave it away. It's the lowestI've felt after a game.'[LNB]Quincy set up Portsmouth's goal again in the 35th minute with apowerful strike that Thomas Sorensen spilled, allowing FredericPiquionne to score from a tight angle in the six-yard-box.[LNB]Stoke level led when Glenn Whelan's 50th-minute corner was headed in by Robert Huth after Marc Wilson was out-jumped. [LNB]Wilson was to blame for the late winner too, after Andy Wilkinsonhad been sent off for a disputed second yellow card, as Ricardo Fullerwas allowed to barge through and cross for substitute Diao.[LNB]'I was told to get in there, sit in front of the defence and makesure we kept the 1-1 result,' said Diao. 'But, for the goal, I sawRicky (Fuller) on the right and there was nobody in front of goal so Ithought I had the freshest legs and should try to make it into the box.[LNB] Tower of strength: Robert Huth nods Stoke level [LNB]'It is a great feeling.'[LNB]Fuller's contribution in setting up that goal ensured Stoke's fanswere loudly singing his praises at the final whistle, but he can expecta difficult week after TV footage showed him digging his studs intoJamie O'Hara's shorts and ripping them. [LNB]A ban for violent conduct is likely.[LNB] Practice pays off for Robert Huth as Stoke defender makes amends for midweek disallowed goalThe referees are against us! Angry Portsmouth boss Avram Grant hits out at Premier League officials following Stoke defeat Portsmouth 1 Stoke 2: Salif Diao delivers another blow to PompeyArismendi 'forces neighbour out' of luxury flat with series of partiesSTOKE CITY FC
