Matthew Robinson scored his first senior goal to help Portsmouth take three
points from relegation rivals Bury at Fratton Park.
Robinson stooped to convert a close-range header in the 37th minute as Pompey
overcame a difficult start.
Bury, who were without an away win all season, were deprived of the services
of injured skipper Chris Lucketti and striker Lennie Johnrose was sold the
previous day to ease debts.
But Pompey struggled to find a way through until Robinson got on the score
sheet for the first time in his five-year career.
Steve Claridge made the goal with a sharp turn on the edge of the six-yard
line and his centre to the far post was met by Robinson.
Bury offered little in attack but had almost taken the lead in the 33rd minute
with a shot from midfield player Mark Patterson which produced the best from
goalkeeper Andy Petterson at full stretch.
Pompey had much the better of the second half and it needed two excellent
saves from goalkeeper Dean Kiely to prevent Guy Whittingham putting Portsmouth
further in front.
Kiely went full stretch to push away a 55th minute header and then raced out
to block a shot from the same player a minute later.
But Whittingham, on loan from Sheffield Wednesday, was not to be denied for
long.
In the 63rd minute Republic of Ireland midfield player Alan McLoughlin picked
him out with a precise centre and Whittingham was unmarked as he flicked a
header wide of Kiely's outstretched hand.
Bury offered little threat but defender Steve Redmond might have done better
in the 75th minute when a corner from Patterson left him with a free header at
the far post but he was unable to get his effort on target.
Bury lost midfield player Chris Billy with an eye injury in the 25th minute
and manager Neil Warnock used his other substitutes, Kemsel Avdiv and Ryan
Souter in a desperate bid to turn the tide.
But Bury's goal was only a consolation and arrived in injury time seconds
before the end.
Portsmouth failed to clear a centre from the left and substitute Avdiv had
plenty of time to hook in a shot from the edge of the area which was deflected
by a defender on the line
Teams:
Portsmouth: Petterson, Thogersen, Robinson, McLoughlin,
Whitbread, Awford, Whittingham, Peron (Phillips 88), Vlachos,
Claridge, Durnin (Simpson 73).
Subs Not Used: Nightingale.
Booked: Durnin.
Goals: Robinson 37, Whittingham 64.
Bury: Kiely, Woodward (Souter 82), Williams, Daws, Swailes,
Redmond, West, Patterson, James, Jemson (Avdiv 61),Billy (Preece 25).
Booked: Woodward, Swailes, Patterson.
Goals: Avdiv 89.
Att: 9,062
Ref: T Bates (Stoke-on-Trent).
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