With the visit of high flying Pompey, I was expecting fireworks and wasn't to be disappointed; although instead of rockets and Catherine wheels I got industrial strength display bangers!

With a Paul Merson inspired team you would expect to see free flowing football, full of skills and trickery; unfortunately, we got the opposite. Pompey came with one simple, but effective tactic - kick anything that moved and cripple anything that doesn't get out of the way quick enough. The whole game they were admirably aided and abetted by the most inept, biased and incompetent referee that you will ever see - more of this later.

The before the game show saw what will probably be the last time that the liquidator will be played - the announcement asked for no swearing but it came anyway, even to a much abridged version.

The game kicked off with a good sized crowd (even for a cold November night) in buoyant mood - shame that Wolves didn't! The initial 5 mins were very nervy, as Wolves seemed to be showing far too much respect for Pompey. Lots of square passing and no one wanting to venture forward. The game sprang into life on 11 minutes, with Portsmouth literally drawing first blood. A trademark neat turn from Blake saw him get clear away from a defender and start bursting for goal, but he was clinically taken out from behind by a lunge that ultimately needed hospital treatment. With Blake writhing in agony on the floor the ref casually waved play on and only Wolves kicking the ball out, enabled him to get attention before being stretchered off. Sturridge replaced Blake with the ref being told by the crowd what he did in his spare time - in fact he must have been at it on the pitch as he was obviously distracted from the game.

A well worked Portsmouth corner caught the Wolves defence sleeping, with one of them finding acres of space on the corner of the box before letting rip and smacking the upright. This inspired Pompey a little who had a short spell of dominating the midfield, again though without troubling Murray in goal. (Talking of which this game must have had the 2 tallest keepers in the league 16 feet of beanploes!)

The game exploded on 34 mins when an act of criminal intentions saw another one of that lot dive in with both feet first on an unsuspecting Ndah. I thought that he had caught him between the legs but "luckily?" his knee got in the way - splitting it open. This caused a few handbags as again the distracted ref was obviously wandering where the tissues were. Ndah was strechered off and replaced with a great deal of cheers for the long overdue arrival of Mark Kennedy. This cranked up the crowd who were becoming more hostile, oh how for a goal. Portsmouth were really never in the game after this as Wolves pushed forward to inflict the greatest revenge on them. However, for all the pressure and domination the only chances was an exocet from Rae which rocketed over the bar, a neat chip from Sturridge and a Miller shot well saved by their 10 foot tall keeper.

HT Wolves 0, Portsmouth 0

The second half started brightly for Wolves as Ince at least 3 times and Miller went close to getting a deserved lead. Unfortunately, against the run of play Pompey scored first. Another dodgy refereeing decision on 56 mins saw him give a foul near the "D" of the Wolves box.Murray lined up a big wall, but Merson managed to curl the ball around them and past the stranded keeper. 0-1 and what an injustice, this seemed to stun Wolves who were then very rocky for few minutes as Pompey threatened to run riot.

However, justice was done just 6 mins later as Sturridge collected a neat pass from Irwin and waltzed his way past 3 defenders (who uncharacteristically didn't take a chunk out of him) before placing the ball home - oh yes and 1-1.

It was all Wolves now as they charged forward time after time, at one point seemingly having ten corners one after another in the space of two mins. However they couldn't make it pay. Pompey resorted to spoiling tactics, praying for a draw - with even Harry Rednapp having a go by trying to hold onto the ball, much to the annoyance of the crowd, which Rednapp then waved to the crowd. This just goes to show the mentality of the team and manager! Wolves pressured but couldn't make any effort pay. Endless shots on goal by virtually every team member showed the determination to get a win, but it wasn't to be. Full time 1-1 with a very relieved Portsmouth skulking off back under their stones.

This was a very pleasing performance. If Wolves played like this every week I would be happy and I'm sure we would be pressing for promotion, but how many times to we show the better teams how to play only to roll over when "lesser" teams are played. The worry is now the loss of two players on form through injury and the loss of players from picking up bookings, lets hope that they don't coincide. I would like to think that the corner has been turned and that the last few games are the cornerstone to build upon. Come on lads make Sir Jack a happy man.......

FT Wolves 1, Portsmouth 1