Pompey are just not on the Ball

ALAN BALL'S return to one of his former clubs was spoiled by two late goals which increased Portsmouth's relegation fears.

Ball endured a nightmare 13 months as Stoke boss from January 1990 when he took the club down to the old Third Division for the first time since 1927.

But the former England star had looked like putting one over City after a brilliant goal-keeping display by Aaron Flahavan and a goal from John Durnin.

Ball was honest enough to admit: "The best team won and we can't have any complaints. It's going to be a real fight now.

"We looked tired from a tough game at Tranmere in midweek and never really got to grips with the task.

"The win will give Stoke a real boost and, from looking almost dead and buried, they will fancy their chances of getting out of trouble."

Pompey had their backs to the wall from the off as Stoke caretaker manager Alan Durban, who took over from Chris Kamara on Wednesday, got his troops fired up.

Flahavan was inspired in the first half as he tipped Graham Kavanagh's long range drive against the bar in the seventh minute and produced several other important saves.

Pompey were celebrating in the 69th minute when Matt Robinson's cross eluded home defender Kofi Nyamah and Durnin drilled the loose ball in.

Stoke refused to lay down and fullback Ally Pickering finally beat Flahavan with a rising drive.

Stoke substitute Kyle Lightbourne lobbed the winner in injury time.

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