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Pompey push past lacklustre Wigan

An away game at the JJB was never going to be an easy outing. But an inspired Pompey side did just enough to notch up their fourth consecutive win in the Premier League and take their points tally to 18, and increasing Wigan's goal less streak to over 5 hours of football.

With no score after 80 minutes, the match was headed for a dull 0-0 draw when Benjani Mwaruwari scored with a neat near-post finish from Sulley Muntari's inviting cross. Five minutes later, Glen Johnson made a strong run from the right flank, cut in and drove a low shot home past the hapless Kirkland.

Wigan started the game brighter of the two teams. Paul Scharner hit the post with a header as early as three minutes into the game. The first half was a bit of a stop start affair - Glen Johnson and Antoine Sibierski both shrugged off minor injuries to continue for their respective teams. After a strong start to the half, the tempo dropped drastically. Neither side had a decent chance after that in the first 45 with Kranjcar's long shot being the only shot of note for Pompey in the first forty-five.

The second half saw the injured Sibierski being replaced by Julius Aghahowa who managed to get himself a yellow card less than a minute later after clattering into Sol Campbell.

Pompey were always the better side but failed to convert the possession into clear cut chances. On 63 minutes, Suley Muntari's cracking free kick came back of the post - Pompey's best chance thus far. Wigan sat back and soaked up incessant Pompey pressure. So it was no surprise when a quality cross from Muntari was converted by Benjani on 81 minutes to give Pompey the crucial first goal. And the win was sealed with a finely taken goal by Glen Johnson.

Wigan 0 – Pompey 2 (Benjani 80, Johnson 86)

Attendance 17695

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