Portsmouth's flying start to the Premier League season was brought to a halt this morning when they conceded their first goal and suffered their first defeat in a 1-0 home loss to Bolton Wanderers.
Portsmouth, who escaped relegation with a remarkable late surge last season, were the surprise early pacesetters of the new campaign after winning four and drawing one of their first five league games.
They started positively again on Monday and Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen produced several good early saves, including one full stretch dive to touch a Sean Davis shot on to a post after five minutes.
However, Bolton went ahead in the 22nd minute when Kevin Nolan seized on a weak defensive header by Linvoy Primus to plant a neat, low volley from the edge of the box.
Portsmouth continued to make the running after the break but as Bolton packed their defence the chances dried up and though the home side controlled possession they failed to seriously trouble Jaaskelainen in the last 30 minutes.
Portsmouth slip to third in the standings on 13 points, behind Manchester United on goals scored and two points adrift of champions Chelsea, who went top for the first time on Saturday with a 2-0 win at Fulham.
Bolton's first away win in the league since December moves them up to sixth on 11 points.
"It was a typical backs-to-the-wall performance from 11 very committed players tonight," manager Sam Allardyce told Sky Sports TV.
"Yes, Portsmouth had a number of chances but our keeper was on top form, there was some desperate defending and the quality of our finishing made the difference."
Allardyce was named last week in a BBC programme investigating illegal transfer payments and said he was delighted with the reaction of his players in what had been a difficult period for everyone at the club.
The coach has denied taking any illegal payments and said again on Monday that he had never been offered a "bung".
Despite the defeat, Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp had few complaints. "We played ever so well but their keeper was in fantastic form," he said.
"That first 20 minutes we were fantastic. I couldn't have asked any more from the players, they've pummelled away all night and if they keep playing like that we won't have any problems at all this season."
- REUTERS
Soccer: High-flying Portsmouth suffer first defeat
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.