PORTSMOUTH V FULHAM
Sunday May 11th, 2008 (KO 3pm)
Fulham's final game of the season and day of destiny takes place on the South Coast on Sunday. Roy Hodgson's side face a Portsmouth side who have enjoyed an excellent campaign.
Portsmouth are currently preparing for their first FA Cup Final since 1939 and have been amongst those in contention for a Uefa Cup spot in the league for much of the season. In fact, had their usually strong home record matched that enjoyed on their travels, a top-four finish could have been a possibility.
Redknapp’s team did not make the brightest of starts to the campaign, winning only one of their opening six, but a 1-0 success at Blackburn in September sparked a run of six consecutive away wins, including a 2-0 victory at Craven Cottage. Conversely, after beating Reading 7-4 at Fratton Park on September 29, Pompey failed to score in their next five home games, though only one, against Arsenal, was lost. Nevertheless, in contrast to their manager’s reputation for attacking football, the Fratton faithful have sat through no fewer than six goalless draws to date this term.
The club stunned their fans during the January transfer window by selling top scorer Benjani to Manchester City and the Zimbabwean still tops the Fratton Park scoring charts with 12 goals. However, Redknapp, who turned down an offer to become Newcastle manager in January, did find an adequate replacement, capturing Jermain Defoe, who has delighted his new fans with eight goals in his first nine Premier League games.
Fratton Park is currently the smallest ground in the Premier League, but it has undergone some long overdue improvements since last season and Fulham fans will be glad to note that the visitors end is now covered.
Five things you may not have known...
- Portsmouth has enjoyed its status as a naval base since 1200 when King John established a fleet there as part of his desire to invade Normandy.
- The city was one of the few bombed by Germany in World War One when in 1916 it was bombed by a Zeppelin airship.
- James Callaghan, Prime Minister from 1976 to 1979, was born in Portsmouth. Other notable children include Eastenders actress Emma Barton (Honey Mitchell) and Charles Dickens.
- Famous tourist attractions in Portsmouth include the Spinnaker Tower and Nelson’s HMS Victory.
- Most of the City of Portsmouth is not on the British mainland, but actually lies on Portsea Island.
Getting to Pompey
(Approx 72 miles)
By road
Leave Fulham area via Putney Bridge and follow signs for A3 (Guildford, Portsmouth). Join A3(M) at Horndean and stay on motorway to end. Join A27 (West) signs Fareham and in 2 miles take exit onto Eastern Road (A2030 South) signs Milton, Eastney, Southsea. In 3 miles go straight on at crossroads and follow Rodney Road until the ground is visible on your left.
By coach
Official FFC coach travel is free to Fulham supporters, but must be booked when buying your ticket.
Car parking
There is limited parking around ground following a lot of redevelopment of local area. Street parking is available though there are some restrictions close to the ground. Clamping is a possibility in adjacent B&Q / Pompey Centre car park.
Travel by rail
The nearest station is Fratton which is served directly from Waterloo or Clapham Junction. Fratton Station is about a half a mile from the ground and a taxi will cost about £3. Buses run along Goldsmith Avenue, or stadium is a 10 minute walk. As the game is on a Sunday you are strongly advised to check details on 08457 484950 before travelling.
