Portsmouth secured the First Division title thanks to a double from top-scorer
Svetoslav Todorov in a 3-2 win over battling Rotherham.
In a five-goal thriller which proved a fitting finale to an incredible season
for the home side, Harry Redknapp's men claimed the three points that put them
out of reach of second-placed Leicester at the top of the table, with a game
still to play.
All the action came in a exhilarating first half as Rotherham twice came from
behind to level and threaten to spoil the Fratton Park party.
But Todorov's goals after 22 and 45 minutes, which followed Paul Merson's
opener from the spot 10 minutes in, were enough to cancel out goals from Guy
Branston and Chris Swailes.
With a real buzz of anticipation at a packed Fratton Park, any nerves Pompey
might have had following Leicester's 1-1 draw with Norwich earlier in the day
were soon swept away after nine minutes, when Branston's crude push on Todorov
earned the home side a penalty.
Merson showed no nerves as he steered the spot-kick into the top right-hand
corner.
But the visitors refused to lie down and Ronnie Moore's side were level within
five minutes. A long throw from the right by Shaun Barker was flicked on and
Branston stole in to prod past a helpless Shaka Hislop from six yards.
That shook the home side but they were soon back in front. Branston misjudged
a through-ball down the right and Vincent Pericard raced on to cross for Todorov
to sweep home from close range for his 22nd goal of the season.
Although Pompey were in the ascendancy, Rotherham continued to threaten and
they earned their reward after 28 minutes after Alan Lee's shot was deflected
for a corner. Swailes rose highest at the back post to stun Pompey and head the
Millers back level.
But Todorov then had the last word of the half as he bundled home from close
range after Nigel Quashie's left-wing cross was headed back across goal by
Pericard for the Bulgarian to score.
Portsmouth did not have it all their own way after the break as Tim Sherwood's
rasping strike was blocked and Merson was crowded out early on as he bore down
on goal.
Stewart Talbot tried a speculative left-foot curler for the visitors which
flew wide of Hislop's goal just before the hour.
But despite Pompey continuing to press they struggled to find the goal which
would kill the game, despite the introduction of Nigerian Yacubu Ayegbini midway
through the half.
In the 76th minute, a Merson ball slid into the box from the right saw Swailes
slip and Yacubu, having drawn the keeper, saw his shot blocked on its way to
goal by Barker.
But the home celebrations were already underway as chants of 'We're gonna win
the league' echoed around the ground - and the Pompey faithful were not to be
denied their wish.
Teams
Portsmouth: Hislop, Primus, Festa, Foxe, Stone, Sherwood,
Merson, Quashie, Harper (De Zeeuw 45), Todorov,
Pericard (Ayegbini 68).
Subs Not Used: Kawaguchi, O'Neil, Diabate.
Booked: Harper, Quashie.
Goals: Merson 11 pen, Todorov 22, 45.
Rotherham: Gray, McIntosh, Swailes, Branston, Shaun Barker,
Daws, Richard Barker, Talbot (Warne 63),
Sedgwick (Monkhouse 80), Lee, Hurst.
Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Robins, Hudson.
Booked: Sedgwick, Warne.
Goals: Branston 16, Swailes 29.
Att: 19,420
Ref: R Beeby (Northamptonshire).
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