Username
Password
Fletcher strike secures Fratton Park win

Goalscorer
By Chris, August 25 2008
Mancheter United picked up their first league win of the season with a narrow 1-0 win at Fratton Park as they faced Portsmouth for the third time in a matter of weeks. Darren Fletcher's 32nd-minute flick was booted into the roof of the net by Sol Campbell as the Red Devils secured a crucial three points on the south coast.

There was cause for concern before kick-off with United missing a host of stars. The Reds were at full strength at the back and up front - but the midfield quartet of John O'Shea, Darren Fletcher, Paul Scholes and jet-lagged Anderson didn't breed confidence.

United, nevertheless, performed well throughout with Scholes and Anderson impressive in midfield. Carlos Tevez, who has spent the last week in Argentina and then Belarus, also played a blinder and ran his socks off in attack.

Keen to put their 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Chelski behind them, Pompey started brightly and Papa Bouba Diop's long-range effort whistled passed Edwin van der Sar's post after just twelve seconds.

However, despite the slow start, United soon settled into their stride and started to dictate the play. Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes both tested David James before Fletcher's opening goal gave the visitors a deserved lead. The Scotsman latched onto a Patrice Evra cross and, via Campbell's boot, hit the roof of David James' net to the delight of the travelling Red Army.

United had chances to double their lead - with Portsmouth's second real chance of the match not coming until the hour mark. Substitute Jerome Thomas forced VDS into a block with a piledriver strike - but it was a rare moment for Harry Redknapp's men who struggled to carve out opportunities.

As the game wore on, United seemed increasingly content to protect their single-goal lead and the home side enjoyed more possession. However, they were always lacking a creative spark and United comfortably held on to claim a well-earned win. Next up is the Uefa Super Cup and a chance for more silverware.

Good work Reds.

Full Time - Portsmouth 0-1 Manchester United
Attendance - 20,540

Portsmouth: James, Kaboul, Campbell, Distin, Johnson, Diop, Davis (Utaka 66), Diarra, Armand Traore (Thomas 56), Crouch, Defoe.
Substitutes Not Used: Ashdown, Lauren, Hreidarsson, Mvuemba, Sahar.

Manchester United: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, O'Shea, Fletcher, Anderson (Possebon 76), Scholes, Evra, Rooney, Tevez.
Substitutes Not Used: Kuszczak, Neville, Fabio Da Silva, Rafael Da Silva, Gibson, Campbell.

Bookmark or share this story with:

Re: Fletcher strike secures Fratton Park win
Posted by: Mick_MUFC (IP Logged)
Date: 26/08/2008 14:27

The midfield was superb. Scholes put in a masterclass on how to pass and protect. You could count on 1 hamd the amount of times he gave the ball away. Plaudits go to Anderson for playing 75 minutes and at such a high standard. Fletch was excellent again and who needs Ronni when we have another right winger banging in the goals every week (Sm6).

Rooney looked isolated at times and i didn't really like him playing right up front without dropping off at all and getting the ball. I hate all this@#$%&about where he should play etc etc. He's a striker, play him up front and tell him to play football. He doesn't have to stay right up front all night, play out on the right or on the left. Tell him to play football and thats it!! He should have had a goal which was disallowed (wrongly) for offside.

http://a185.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/79/m_ddd9aee4b05902f6374df2de1102cab8.gif

Options: Reply To This Message•Quote This Message•Report This Message
Re: Fletcher strike secures Fratton Park win
Posted by: Mr.Ben (IP Logged)
Date: 26/08/2008 14:47

Agreed.

It was all about the midfield for me,
No where near out first-choice quarter and they were all superb.

No United fan like O’Sheasy in the role he played but even he did well. We made Pompey look very ordinary – although they probably are!

Options: Reply To This Message•Quote This Message•Report This Message
Goto Thread: Previous•Next
Goto: Message List•Log In

SPORTS SPREAD BETTING

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search•Log In
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.
We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net