By Ollie Irish
Administration, schadministration. Two second-half goals by Frederic Piquionne, in the space of three minutes, earned troubled Portsmouth a trip back to Wembley, scene of their FA Cup victory in 2008.
This win comes with £360,000 in prize money, plus another £250,000 in TV cash, but for a club crippled by debts in the £70m region, it’s more about the performance itself than the financial perks.
It was a gripping encounter, low on quality chances but high on intrigue. Piquionne’s size and athleticism unnerved Birmingham’s defence throughout, whilst Jamie O’Hara ran the show in midfield. O’Hara has been superb for Pompey since he went there on loan but I can’t see how they can afford to sign him on a permanent deal from Spurs. Shame, as he’s been a major factor in their recent good form.
City, who did have a legit goal disallowed, can go back to concentrating on the league – ironically, they must travel to Fratton Park again this Tuesday in the Prem.
The best photos from Fratton: