Football Results Round-up: Pompey haven’t got a penny but they might win silverware
French striker fires Pompey into semi-finals with quick brace as cash strapped club prepare for Wembley return… “Those who matched the South Coast club at 500.00 will be celebrating with the Portsmouth fans, having see their odds come in to 13.0 after today’s win.” The road may not be paved with gold but crisis-club Portsmouth are going to Wembley after beating Birmingham 2-0 in their FA Cup quarter-final. Pompey touched 3.8 at Fratton Park before striker Frederic Piquionne scrambled the ball into the visitors’ net after 67 minutes. Three minutes later, Piquionne latched on to the impressive Jamie O’Hara’s killer pass, bamboozled his marker and fired a right foot shot past Joe Hart and into the net. The goal-line technology debate was re-ignited with 10 minutes remaining when Liam Ridgewell thought he’d scored. The referee judged that the Birmingham defender’s close range shot had not crossed the line before David James caught it; television replays showed it had. Birmingham were frustrated to be denied a goal which could have altered the course of the tie but neutrals with an ounce of compassion will be delighted for Portsmouth . After going into administration a fortnight ago the club have now won two games on the trot and are going to Wembley for an FA Cup semi-final.
