Pompey take the glory

Yesterday’s FA Cup final between Portsmouth and Cardiff City had been dismissed in some quarters as “dull”, or “boring” in the pre-match build up. Clearly, they would have loved another installment of last year’s thriller between Chelsea and Manchester United. A game which, apart from Chelsea and Aston Villa in 2000, is the worst FA Cup final I have ever seen since starting to watch England’s showpiece from Everton’s 1995 win.

Obviously, the lack of a so-called ‘big gun’ in the final meant it didn’t mean as much. Not worthy of an FA Cup final. Well, Portsmouth and Cardiff conspired to rip that opinion to shreds, an opinion I have always said would be nonsense.

As this year’s FA Cup has been one of the most exciting and breathtaking tournaments in its illustrious history. We’ve had stunning stories, like Havant and Waterlooville, glorious shocks in the shape of Barnsley conquering Liverpool and Chelsea, and a final between two teams who had only harboured dreams of making it this far.

In one corner, Premiership Pompey were firm favourites. Harry Redknapp had steered them to 8th in the top flight, and possessed a host of big names. Having seen off Manchester United at Old Trafford in the quarter final, the pressure was on them to deliver.

But in the other corner, Championship Cardiff were not there to make up the numbers. A respectable if failed campaign to make the play offs, the Bluebirds road to Wembley contained only one real shock, the defeat of Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium. But Dave Jones’ team knew they stood a great chance of taking the trophy out of England for the second time.

And they gave as good as they got. They started well, with Paul Parry having the game’s first chance after 12 minutes but his effort was blocked by Pompey’s rejuvenated goalkeeper David James. But Portsmouth then began to assert themselves and Kanu somehow contrived to hit the post after rounding goalkeeper Peter Enckleman with the goal gaping.

But he and his team were not to be denied and a howler from Enckleman gifted them the lead. A cross ball in from John Uktaka could only be palmed by the Fin to the feet of Kanu and he gleefully tapped home.

Cardiff responded and had a goal disallowed on the stroke of half time for handball from defender Glenn Loovens after James completely missed a cross ball.

The second period saw both teams go at it but lacked a creative spark to pave a way to goal, particularly Jones’ side. In the last 10 minutes though, they charged towards the Portsmouth goal and bombarded their backline with set plays, and Loovens again went close with a header. But with Sol Campbell and Sylvain Distin in tremendous form in the middle of defence, Portsmouth held on to win their first FA Cup in 69 long years and Redknapp won his first trophy in a managerial career spanning 25.

It sparked delirious scenes from Pompey at full time, from fans and players, but it was dejection for the heroes of the principality, knowing they may never get a better chance to win the FA Cup. Manager Jones proclaimed that Cardiff had done “everyone proud and made teams think they can achieve the impossible.” They had achieved the impossible by being there in the first place, and while nobody likes to lose finals, Cardiff will look back and reflect on a fabulous run which has done wonders for the city and Wales. The way is up for them, with a new stadium on the horizon. Who knows, they may yet become regulars down Wembley Way.

For the winners, sheer joy and a brilliant moment for Redknapp. Over two spells, he’s transformed Portsmouth from relegation battlers in the Championship to FA Cup winners. He and his team will be revered forevermore on the south coast and Portsmouth have arrived as a major force. Its a day that will live with every Pompey, and I daresay Cardiff, fan forever and it was a day which encapsulated the tournament this year.

The magic of the FA Cup is back. Long may it continue.