Winning returns

17 October 2009 19:20
Phil Thompson watched Harry Redknapp return to a less than warm reception at Portsmouth. With Redknapp returning to his old club for the first time since his acrimonious departure, the game was always going to be a feisty one, and Michael Brown also saw red late on for two bookable offences. Jermain Defoe scored and was then sent off on his return to Fratton Park as Tottenham beat Portsmouth 2-1. Spurs took the lead on the half-hour mark when the superb Ledley King towered above everyone in the box to header home a Niko Kranjcar corner, and Defoe then doubled the visitor's lead on the stroke of half-time. Kevin Prince-Boateng pulled one back for the home side with a powerful half-volley that beat Heurelho Gomes at his near post. Pompey fans could buy "Judas" banners outside the ground, although Redknapp's arrival at the dug-out was fairly understated. Flanked by one steward, he applauded the fans and took his seat. "Harry got a decent reception - well I think so anyway," said Phil on Soccer Saturday. "But all the former players and staff got roundly booed but they were booing most of the match because there were that many of them. "It was a good start from both teams and everyone was up for it. But then Spurs took over and were just fantastic. Started to pass it around and it was no surprise when the goal came. They deserved it and then right on halftime Defoe went on got one which was the worst thing to happen to Pompey. "It was 2-0 and they were cruising. Defoe got a straight red and Portsmouth had a right go and there were some good substitutions from Paul Hart. Spurs goalkeeper Gomes was a poor juggler at times but he has produced three absolutely wonder saves. "Boateng did get the one back - he was on a mission to get something because he was a former Spurs player and he did alright. It was all about him today and he was shooting from all angles when he should have been thinking of the team. They did the best for their manager today but Ledley King and Sebastien Bassong at the back were fantastic. They have done extremely well."

Source: SKY_Sports