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Match Report

Wolves v Portsmouth 30 August 2003

HARRY OFF AS POMPEY STAY UNBEATEN

Wolves 0-0 Portsmouth

Andy Charles reports

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp was sent to the stands by referee Andy D'Urso as he watched his side keep up their unbeaten record in the Premiership with a battling 0-0 draw with Wolves at Molineux.

Redknapp was dismissed halfway through the second half after complaining to the fourth official about a Paul Ince foul on Yakubu Aiyegbeni and D'Urso's general performance - he booked eight players in a feisty game devoid of tackles with malicious intent.

But he will have been happy to see his side keep another clean sheet and by an improved second half performance as his side finished far the stronger having created the better chances throughout.

After Henri Camara caused some early problems, it was Steve Stone who had the first chance, but his shot brought a fine save from Michael Oakes.

Teddy Sheringham was next to go close as his curling 15 yard shot flew inches wide of Michael Oakes' post - whether Sheringham was put off by the white balloon which slightly deflected the ball on the way to where he took the shot, only he will know.

Camara's pace continued to be troublesome for the Pompey rearguard, but his finishing does leave a lot to be desired at Premiership standards.

Shaka Hislop was alert to his quick reactions as well, clearing milli-seconds before the Frenchman got on the end of a sloppy back-pass from Dejan Stefanovic.

Pompey wasted a good chance just before the break too, Patrik Berger getting in the way of Boris Zivkovic as the Croat defender lined up to put away what should have been an easy chance.

If the first half had been tetchy, with four bookings, the second half started in much the same vein as Zivkovic and Yakubu were cautioned for very clumsy challenges - Wolves fans were baying, in particular, for the Nigerian striker to be sent off for a foul on Lee Naylor.

Camara did find the back of the net just after Redknapp was dismissed, but his effort was ruled out quite correctly for an offside against Nathan Blake.

From that point Pompey were on top and really should have gone away with three points.

Wolves were most lucky to escape in the 70th minute when Pompey forced a double chance. Yakubu got loose down the right but his shot was parried by Oakes, and Paul Butler cleared off the line as Sheringham tried to force home the rebound.

Portsmouth gave a late debut to Russia midfielder Alexei Smertin - on loan from Chelsea - he looked lively on his bow and will give Redknapp the options he feels his side needs to survive in the top flight.

Schemmel had the last chance of the game, but it was bravely blocked, leaving Redknapp to ponder what the FA might think of his dismissal, should he be reported by D'Urso.

But Redknapp will be buoyed by his side's continuing good start to the season as they made it four games without defeat in their first Premiership season.

As for Wolves, boss Dave Jones will no doubt be on the phone looking for some strength in depth, particularly up front, as his side looks to be woefully short of goal-scoring threats.

Man of the Match: Paul Ince (Wolves) - as ever controlled the centre of the park with his mix of brain and brawn.

Report From , For full report and stats, click here.