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Match Report
Portsmouth v Wolves 31 January 2004
WOODWORK DENIES POMPEY WIN
Portsmouth 0-0 Wolves
Report by Patrick Goss
A swirling wind contributed to a thrilling but scrappy 0-0 draw at Fratton Park, but Portsmouth will look at the four times they hit the woodwork and wonder how they did not take the points against Wolves. A relegation battle that suggested more gritty defending than flowing attacks, provided great entertainment but no goals - although rarely can Wolves have escaped so many times without conceding a goal.
A blustery first half saw Pompey hit the woodwork three times, as the wind made life hellish for the goalkeepers.
Eyal Berkovic was the first to hit the frame, his clipped shot smashing the outside of a post with Paul Jones beaten.
Debutant Jones then nearly gifted Pompey an opener when his rushed clearance found Sheringham who smashed the ball back in with the outside of his right boot but saw his effort clip a post.
Patrik Berger drew a good save from Jones, whilst at the other end, Carl Cort directed a header wide when he should have done better after a great cross from Colin Cameron.
Linvoy Primus was unlucky when his powerful header smashed off the bar, and Shaka Hislop had to be alert to save from Cort with his legs and smother the follow-up.
The second half nearly brought an instant fairytale return for Yakubu Aiyegbeni.
The Nigerian was sent home early from the African Cup of Nations and arrived too late to make the starting line-up, but the striker nearly scored with his first touch after coming on at half time, with only Jones's quick thinking denying the pacy African a dream start.
Yakubu then should have done better when he was released by a Berger through ball but shot far too close to Jones, allowing the Welshman to pick out another good save.
As the pressure continued Wolves showed precious little desire to push forward, although they did hit the bar through Iversen after the whistle had blown for a foul.
Portsmouth had one more chance to test the woodwork was sound, Arjan de Zeeuw nearly winning the game for the home side but again seeing the ball hit the frame.
A draw is hard luck on Portsmouth, but Wolves battled hard for their point and cannot be criticised for their work-rate.
Report From  , For full report and stats, click here.
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