Crouch Saves Redknapp from Pompey Return Southampton vs Portsmouth - 28 January 05 By Steve Everett

A controversial penalty in stoppage time saved Harry Redknapp from a fiery return to his old club, but this game will undoubtedly re-ignite debate over video referees. The game seemed to be heading for a draw, when David Prutton stabbed a cross into the box, hitting Matt Taylor with his arm extended. Initially Steve Bennett appeared to have decided against giving the penalty, until he spotted his assistant manager signalling handball; then, almost two minutes later, and after much debate from both teams' players, the penalty was awarded.

However, had a video referee been consulted, it is very likely Steve Bennett would have seen the ball actually hit Matt Taylor on the shoulder, therefore allowing play to continue. Although this was by far the biggest decision of the day, the game was a big event for a number of other reasons.

In the past this Southcoast rivalry has received little attention from the football media. Since Harry Redknapp's surprising switch between the two clubs, it has become the talking point on many people's lips. As an indication of the rivalry, and possibly even hatred, between both clubs and their sets of fans, 400 police were in attendance at the game, and that was before a ball had even been kicked. At 12:30 the game began, and the banter and chanting between both sets of fans could probably be heard miles away.

The atmosphere was intense, and many expected the game to be an absolute thriller. Due to the size of the occasion, it came as a surprise to many that the opening 20 minutes of the game were fairly tame. There were a couple of light fouls, and the only noticeable changes were a Patrick Berger free-kick which fired just wide, Yakubu seeing a shot get deflected, and Hughes mis-controlling an attempt to send it flying over the cross bar.

After 20 minutes, the game did pick up a little. Davenport went close with a good header and Patrick Berger shot form long range to produce a strong save from Antti Niemi. Pompey, despite the drought of good chances, were playing much better football, and for the most part, were controlling the game. Kamara created two more shots but saw them both go begging. His first attempt came from an angle, and despite his best efforts, he couldn't steer it on target. The second chance saw him skip round the Southampton defence, but once again he wasted what could have been a great opening goal.

For the first 45 minutes, Portsmouth's debutant goalkeeper, Kostas Chalkais, was barely called upon, until he had to tip a well struck shot from just outside the centre circle, by Paul Tefler. The first half ended 0-0, and the game was in need of some spice, which the second half did not fail to deliver. Harry Redknapp obviously asked his Southampton team to test the new keeper, and after the re-start they did just that. A few crosses came floating into the box, and it soon became apparent that Chalkais was somewhat edgy, as he missed the deliveries after flapping at them.

Portsmouth came close again when O'Neil volleyed over, then the net bulged for the first time of the day. Southampton were gradually moving forward but the chance seemed to have been thwarted by tight Portsmouth defending, until Matt Oakley, who had replaced Jamie Redknapp at the start of the day, latched onto a loose ball to score his first goal in over 15 months. Moments later drama ensued. The Saints had hardly stopped celebrating when Kamara burst down their left.

Lundekvam caught him with his arm in the box and Kamara made little effort to stay on his feet. It was a penalty, and St. Mary's was in shock. Yakubu stepped up, and despite Niemi's best efforts, the ball thundered into the back of the net. The game was tied once again, just three minutes after Matt Oakley had fired Southampton into the lead. However, unlike when the match was 0-0, there was now an electric feel to the occasion. Tension was high, and anything now could affect the balance of the game. Then, five minutes later, it looked as if such an event had occurred.

Higginbotham latched onto a cross with a sublime header after taking advantage of a goalkeeper error, to find the back of the net. But celebrations were cut short after the realisation that, because the keeper was in front of him, he was offside. The game was still 1-1, and was now poised to boil over. More chances came and went before there was a major turning point in the game. Kamara fell down, in the centre of the pitch, after seemingly getting his studs caught in the pitch, but instead of continuing, he grabbed the ball with his hand, and seen as the referee decided there was no foul, Kamara received his second yellow card, resulting in Pompey reduced to ten men.

Portsmouth now knew it was important to hold onto some sort of control, and they did that, for the most part. The game was open-ended, with chance coming and going for both sides. However, the game appeared to be heading for a replay, until that controversial penalty in the 91st minute.

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