Croatian star Robert Prosinecki came up with the vital goal to give Portsmouth
and manager Graham Rix much needed relief.
Pompey, with eight defeats in their previous nine games, were heading for
stalemate against a Forest side who themselves have yet to win in 2002.
But seven minutes from the end Prosinecki struck with a 22-yard free kick
after Forest defender Jon Hjelde had brought down Kevin Harper.
Prosinecki, looking for a touch of class, got a slice of good fortune instead
as his effort took a deflection off the Forest wall and left goal keeper Darren
Ward stranded.
It was a goal that Portsmouth had threatened, particularly in the first half
when they created much the better chances.
Prosinecki was at the heart of most of their attacks and when his 10th minute
free kick was deflected, Steve Lovell lifted the loose ball over the bar.
Prosinecki, himself, was guilty of a wasted opportunity in the 15th minute.
He was fed by Gary O'Neil and shot straight at Ward with only the goal keeper
to beat from 15 yards.
Portsmouth got nearer still when Ward fumbled a Prosinecki corner and Lewis
Buxton prodded the loose ball against the foot of the post.
Next it was the turn of big defender Linvoy Primus to spurn a chance, heading
wide after being picked out unmarked from yet another Prosinecki delivery.
Forest were not without openings themselves and Marlon Harewood volleyed wide
in the early stages from a superb cross from Tony Vaughn.
And twice within the space of five minutes Jack Lester just failed to convert
crosses from Nicky Summerbee and John Thompson that flashed in front of goal.
The second half went much the same way and the deadlock looked set to be
broken in the 51st minute when Harewood pounced on a cross from England Under-21
star David Prutton.
But with Harewood ready to celebrate, he was denied by a stunning save from
former keeper Dave Beasant.
And Beasant crucially won the verdict when he collided with Harewood, who went
sprawling in the box.
As Forest appealed for a penalty, Beasant survived the scare and Harewood
earned a booking for his dive.
Teams:
Nottm Forest: Ward, Thompson, Hjelde, Scimeca, Vaughan,
Summerbee, Prutton, Jenas, Williams, Lester (Johnson 84),
Harewood (Reid 84).
Subs Not Used: Roche, Jones, Foy.
Booked: Harewood, Hjelde, Summerbee.
Portsmouth: Beasant, Harper (Curtis 86), Primus, Buxton,
Vincent, Prosinecki, Derry, Rudonja (Hiley 61), O'Neil, Pitt,
Lovell (Thogersen 73).
Subs Not Used: Tardif, Zamperini.
Booked: Buxton.
Goals: Prosinecki 83.
Att: 26,476
Ref: S Mathieson (Stockport).
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