FA Cup: Portsmouth defeat West Brom, advance to final

April 5, 2008

took on the only team remaining in the  on Saturday, with  coming out on top. Pompey had defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the quarter-finals to advance to this stage, while West Brom crushed 5-1 to advance to this stage.

West Brom started the game strongly, with their first chance coming when shot the ball right and  who couldn't hold on, and the ball had to be hacked clear by. The Baggies dominated the midfield for much of the first half and Portsmouth had to play off the counter-attack, but couldn't produce any good chances. Portsmouth began to gain steam nearing halftime, but neither team would score in the first period.

After the break it was Portsmouth who took the lead through. A miscommunication between defender and goalkeeper occurred after Kiely made a fine save off. The ball ended up at Kanu's feet around five yards away from the goal, and the Nigerian side footed the ball calmly into the corner. After their goal Portsmouth began to control the match, but West Brom still get their chances as smashes a shot off the crossbar. West Brom pushed for the equalizer near the end of the match, but the Portsmouth defense stood firm and will now await the winner of v  to see who they will take on at  in the final.