Webber keeps Portsmouth fighting

Danny Webber came off the bench to claim his first Premier League goal as Portsmouth avoided what would have been a morale-sapping defeat to fellow strugglers West Ham at Fratton Park.

The Hammers were on track for a much-needed three points after taking the lead with a scrappy effort from club captain Matthew Upson seven minutes into the second half.

But Webber’s 75th-minute goal reduced the damage suffered by Avram Grant’s side, who nevertheless remain bottom of the table, four points adrift of the side above them, Hull, and five away from safety.

West Ham had taken the lead following an inswinging cross from Alessandro Diamanti, which found its way into the net off Upson after Younes Kaboul, who was initially credited with an own goal, had appeared to make contact.

Portsmouth should have equalised when Mark Wilson sent a free header wide ten minutes later and the home fans were finally rewarded for their patience two mintues after Webber came off the bench.

The former Manchester United trainee was played in by John Utaka and he beat the advancing Robert Green with a low shot that slipped through the keeper’s legs.

Webber nearly snatched a winner when he flicked Utaka’s cross from the left just over the bar but a draw was just about the right result after an opening period that had been a tale of two goalkeepers with Pompey’s Asmir Begovic and Green both excelling.

Portsmouth, who had learned earlier in the day that they will be allowed to acquire new players on free transfers or loan deals before the end of the transfer window, were without injured midfield duo Papa Bouba Diop and Michael Brown.

The Hammers meanwhile were boosted by the sight of England striker Carlton Cole taking his place on the bench following his recovery from a knee injury.

Portsmouth enjoyed the first real chance, Frederic Piquionne narrowly failing to connect with Hermann Hreidarsson’s ball across the goalmouth.

But they had Begovic to thank for keeping them level, the Serb throwing himself to his left to keep out a Frank Nouble strike before turning away Valon Behrami’s shot on the follow-up.

Portsmouth responded immediately and Green had to pull off a full length save to keep out Utaka’s strike, shortly before the West Ham back four managed to scramble a Kaboul volley off the goalline.

The momentum swung back towards the visitors with Jack Collison, played through by Nouble, producing another good stop from Begovic to ensure the match remained goalless at the interval.