Pompey felt the warmth of 3 points wash over them once more, it was the first time since March that the elation a win gives off was last felt, well overdue!
The goal was scored by Dave Kitson, he volleyed home a centre just after half-time, asfter missing a one-on-one earlier in the game the goal visibly lifted him.
Pompey threw Jason Pearce straight into the fray after his ban expired, he came in the centre with Halford while Mok moved to right back and Ben Haim to the left, no doubt to counter the threat of Jimmy Kebe.
The other surprise was the sight of Kanu getting a second start in a week with Kitson up front.
Much talk has passed since saturday when Pompey looked a bit disjointed and lacking in creative inspiration, but that changed from the off, the ball was generally on the deck and the movement a lot better, Lawrence was trying to make things happen and looked fitter than the previous weekend.
Pompey almost had a nerve settler early on, the ball was squared to Halford and from 25 yards he let leash, the ball took a slight deflection from the ‘keeper’s fingertips and crashed onto the bar.
Kitson should of broken the deadlock shortly after, Hayden Mullins played him in behind a flat looking Reading defence, with just Federici to beat he pushed himself too wide and gave the ‘keeper a straight forward save.
Kanu was having a great game, linking play and firing in a couple of powerful shots I didn’t know he was capable of, Reading’s best moment almost gave them the lead shortly before half-time, Kebe sending a diving header against Ashdown’s left-hand post.
Second half and Pompey kept up their domination, it was from another attack that we took the lead, a deep cross found Kitson and he gleefully swept home from about 10 yards.
Kanu struck another thunderbolt from distance, Federci again tipping over the bar.
Reading got some pressure with time ticking away, Pompey were sitting back somewhat to invite them on, Pearce who got his head and body to anything thrown at him had one moment of indecision with Halford but the ball was eventually scrambled away.
Reading had a penalty shout deep into injury time for handball, but Kebe looked to have handled it as much as Pearce from where I was sat.
Still 3 points were Pompey’s for the first time this season and the first time at Fratton since March, Benjani had a little run out to thrill his admirers, one other mention must go to Andy D’Urso, us fans a re quick to berate n officious ref, but very rarely give credit to one who lets the game flow as he did last night.
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