Portsmouth vs. Tottenham Hotspur

However, Jermain Defoe, who scored the goal that puts Spurs 2-0 up was sent off in the second half for violent conduct.

Ledley King broke the deadlock with his first goal of 2009 after 29 minutes and Defoe, one of three ex-Portsmouth players in the Spurs line-up, added a second on the stroke of half-time.

Former Spurs midfielder Kevin Prince Boateng pulled a goal back for Pompey after 59 minutes, They were given real hope when Defoe was given a straight red for a stamp on Mokoena. Defoe may not have wanted to inflict serious damage but replays suggested it was deliberate.

Portsmouth midfielder Michael Brown, another man playing against his old club, was also sent off a second bookable offence in injury time.

With half an hour remaining the hosts were well and truly back in the game, as Prince-Boateng volleyed powerfully, beating Gomes at his near post when he perhaps should have done better, before a moment of madness from Defoe saw him removed from the game.

Portsmouth again went dramatically close to levelling, as substitute Frederic Piquionne headed back across goal, narrowly missing at the far post.

Spurs defended well in injury time though, and Brown's dismissal saw the end of any meaningful action, as Portsmouth lost their fifth consecutive home game.