Pompey 0 Ipswich 0 Pompey Academy were held to a goalless draw by Ipswich at the Wellington Sports Ground. Tom Kilbey went close for the Blues just seconds into the game, linking up with Nadir Ciftci and firing a shot narrowly over the bar. The visitors’ first decent chance arrived on 15 minutes but Billy Clarke sent the ball wide after bursting into space. Pompey were soon back on the attack, though, and Billy Goddard headed wide before Ciftci shot inches over. At the other end Tommy Smith was forced into action just before the interval, saving well to deny Ronan Murray. Pablo Navas Alors came off the bench at the start of the second half and had an immediate impact, whipping a cross into the box that Ciftci just failed to connect with. Pompey were not being put under much pressure but Smith made a fine save to deny Sam Brandon at point-blank range. The hosts poured forward in search of a winner and Luke Wilkinson (pictured) dragged a shot wide before Peter Gregory’s ambitious long-range effort crashed against the crossbar. But Ipswich almost grabbed a winner on the break. Only another fine save from Smith kept out Murray’s goal-bound strike. Pompey: T.Smith; Gregory, Ryan, Wilkinson, Martin; Goddard, Stockford, Kilbey (Bogard 55); M.Smith (Walshe 73), du Chattelier (Navas Alors 46), Ciftci Subs not used: O’Brien Ipswich: Ranieri; Bennett, Meekings, Eastman, Dunbar (Windas 35); Garrett (Jones 60), Hyam, Cawley, Clark (Butcher 70); Brandon, Murray Subs not used: Lavery, Trainor

Frederic Piquionne starts up front for Pompey Reserves at Birmingham tonight. The French striker – who scored twice in last week’s Barclays Premier Reserve League South clash with West Ham – is partnered by Danny Webber. Mike Williamson was skipper as the Blues eased to a 3-0 victory against the Hammers and he gets another chance to impress in defence. Guy Whittingham’s side currently sit fourth in the table after two wins and two defeats from their opening four games. Please note that the match has been switched from Solihull Moors to St Andrew’s. Kick-off is 7pm. Pompey: Ashdown, Wilkinson, Williamson, Kilbey, Sowah, Cowan-Hall, Bopp, Mahoto, Nlundulu, Webber, Piquionne Subs: T.Smith, Ryan, Gregory, Samba, M.Smith

David James has been selected in Fabio Capello’s England squad to face Ukraine and Belarus. The 39-year-old Blues keeper has missed his country's last five games after undergoing surgery and suffering a knee injury. But he has since returned to full fitness and some impressive form of late has earned him a place in the 24-man party. The Three Lions have qualified for next summer’s World Cup in South Africa with two games to spare. They finish their qualifying campaign with a trip to Ukraine on Saturday, October 10, before Belarus visit Wembley on Wednesday, October 14. England squad: Robert Green (West Ham), David James (POMPEY), Paul Robinson (Blackburn); Wayne Bridge (Man City), Wes Brown (Man Utd), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Joleon Lescott (Man City), John Terry (Chelsea), Matthew Upson (West Ham); Gareth Barry (Man City), David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Michael Carrick (Man Utd), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), James Milner (Aston Villa), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Man City); Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Carlton Cole (West Ham), Peter Crouch (Tottenham), Emile Heskey (Aston Villa), Wayne Rooney (Man Utd)

Younes Kaboul paid tribute to Paul Hart as Pompey triumphed at Wolves. The defender explained how the Blues boss gave him a pep-talk that has helped him perform so well this season. Pompey’s fans chanted Kaboul’s name at the end of the game as he threw his shirt into the away end in jubilation at the Blues’ 1-0 win. Kaboul told pfcTV: “Before the start of the season I had a little chat with the gaffer. He gave me big confidence and I want to do well in every game. “When the manager has such confidence in you, you have to give back. “We can go forward from this. Spurs were in the same position as us last season and finished in the top 10. Our aim is to stay in the Premier League. “The fans were massive. Since the start of the season they’ve been behind us and I wanted to say a big thanks.”

Paul Hart at last has cause to celebrate on a Saturday night. Hassan Yebda’s first goal for the Blues meant Pompey could revel in a first league victory of the season following seven straight defeats. It was certainly a game of two halves at Molineux – Pompey played some attractive, attacking football in the first half and fought for every ball after the interval. Blue shirts were getting in the way of nearly every Wolves shot, while David James made several key saves. The final whistle brought a mixture of joy and relief as the 1,500 travelling supporters celebrated with their heroes. But for Hart one win is not enough. The Blues boss is as delighted as anyone that Pompey at last have some points to show for some impressive performances of late. But he knows that one win is not enough and has already cast his mind forward to the visit of Tottenham after the international break. “I’ve got two weeks of agony thinking about Spurs now,” said Hart. “But it’s a great win. “We did very well in the first half and defended tremendously in the second, although we’ve probably played better in the past month. “The whole group have been tremendous. Everyone knows what we’ve been through in the past six months. These players have had everything thrown at them and they’ve stayed strong. “They’re a great bunch of lads and have shown a lot of spirit. They’ve never wavered. “I don’t pick the England team but I think David James will be in the squad. He should be. “He’s the best goalkeeper in England and he’s very important to us.” Pompey had to hang on at times as Wolves poured forward in the second half. Marc Wilson could have conceded a penalty when he appeared to use his arm to block Michael Kightly’s cross. This time, however, luck went Pompey’s way and referee Howard Webb – after glancing at his linesman – waved play on. “We got a few breaks but I think we’ve earned that,” said Hart. “Some of the defending was excellent and we deserved the win.”

Hassan Yebda toasted Pompey's winner and roared: Bring On Spurs. The midfielder marked his first Premier League start for the Blues with the first-half header that downed Wolves at Molineux. And now he wants Pompey to keep up the good work in their next test against Spurs at Fratton Park on October 17. Yebda praised the 1,500 Pompey fans who cheered the Blues to their first Premier league win of the season. He told pfcTV: “When we lose the fans are here and when we win they’re here – I think it’s the best thing. “I was really happy to score my first goal and to get three points - and I’ll be even happier if we win the next game against Tottenham.”

At last. At long, long last. The win Pompey have been threatening for so long finally arrived at Molineux. The excellent football the Blues have been playing lately at last found its reward on a blustery day in the Black Country. It may have felt like the first day of Autumn as the rain swept in but at last for Pompey there may be more than a bleak midwinter to look forward to. The famine is over. Hassan Yebda’s first-half header was enough to end a record-breaking start of seven straight defeats and was sweet relief for the 1500 travelling Blues fans who grabbed the shirts Pompey’s players threw to them after the final whistle. The Blues first Premier League away win in 11 months was down to an inspirational first-half performance, dogged defending in the second - and a big slice of luck. After a season dogged by misfortune, Pompey finally got a break when referee Howard Webb chose not to award a spot-kick after Michael Kightly’s cross struck Marc Wilson’s arm. On most days it would have been a penalty but the Blues, who have already had five spot-kicks awarded against them this season, were not complaining. It was the first time Pompey had taken the lead in the Premier League this season – and only their second away goal in the top flight since March. Boateng has been outstanding for Pompey this season and it was no surprise that he was the source of the goal that made the difference. Playing at the spearhead of the Blues’ diamond midfield, Boateng forced a near post save from Wolves keeper Wayne Hennessy and then fizzed a 30-yarder over just over the bar. And when a corner was cleared out wide after 19 minutes Boateng wrapped his right foot around it and swerved in a gorgeous cross which Yebda, getting between two old-gold shirts, headed low past Hennessey’s outstretched right hand. The goal was credit to boss Paul Hart who had given the attack-minded Yebda his first Pompey start in place of Aaron Mokoena in Pompey’s midfield. Aruna Dindane and Tommy Smith both had chances to extend Pompey’s lead before David James brilliantly denied Andy Keogh and Tal Ben-Haim did just as well to block the follow-up. The first half may have been about scintillating passing football, but after the break it was all about survival as Pompey sat deeper and came under increasing Wolves pressure. The presence of such an experienced campaigner as Steve Finnan, making his Pompey debut at right back, was a reassuring sight as the Blues held on. But it was still an agonising climax as Wolves got closer and closer to finding a goal, no nearer than when Sylvan Ebanks-Blake blazed over from close range late on. This time, however, there was no final twist. Pompey have three points at last.

Pompey finally picked up their first points of the season with a hard-fought victory at Molineux. Hassan Yebda scored the only goal of the game as the visitors survived a second-half onslaught to earn a morale-boosting victory. Paul Hart made two changes from the side that lost to Everton at Fratton Park last week Steve Finnan replaced Anthony Vanden Borre to make his Blues debut at right-back, while Aaron Mokoena made way for Yebda in midfield. The visitors created two early chances with Christophe Berra preventing Yebda from connecting with Finnan’s cross on two minutes. Finnan was the creator again soon after, playing a neat ball through to Kevin-Prince Boateng who drew a smart stop from Wolves keeper Wayne Hennessey. Wolves had an opportunity of their own on 13 minutes. Matt Jarvis burst forward down the left but his angled shot was comfortably held by David James. At the other end Boateng went close again, flashing a 30-yard strike just inches over the crossbar. Yebda was next to threaten the hosts’ defence. His shot was cleared off the line by Jarvis after Wolves had failed to clear a corner. He did find the net seconds later, however. The impressive Boateng swung a perfect cross into the box and YEBDA glanced a header into the bottom corner. Boateng was at the heart of every Pompey attack and was constantly causing the Wolves defence plenty of problems. But it was Aruna Dindane who almost doubled the Blues’ advantage on 29 minutes. He hit a clever shot with the outside of his foot that drew a fine save from Hennessey. The loose ball fell to Tommy Smith, who skipped past one challenge before firing the ball wide from an acute angle. Pompey were still having to work hard at the back and Jamie O’Hara made a vital block to divert Berra’s shot off target. Yebda had another headed chance on 40 minutes but Smith’s cross was just behind the on-loan midfielder and he was unable to find the target. Pompey then survived a massive scare just before the interval. James came tearing off his line to deny Andy Keogh, before Tal Ben Haim made a superb block to prevent Kevin Doyle from tucking away the loose ball. Half Time: Wolves 0 Pompey 1 Both sides had goalscoring opportunities early in the second half. Dindane’s header was kept out by Hennessey before Jarvis saw his shot deflected over. Wolves were looking threatening going forward but Pompey’s defending was a lot stronger than it had been in recent weeks. The hosts were aggrieved not to win a penalty on 63 minutes. Marc Wilson appeared to use his upper arm to block Michael Kightly’s cross but referee Howard Webb ignored their appeals. As the rain poured down Wolves started to pour forward and apply plenty of pressure on the Blues back-line. But Pompey were holding firm and some key blocks and clearances meant that James was not really being tested. Hart made his first change on 74 minutes with Danny Webber replacing Dindane up front, while Yebda made way for Mokoena soon after. Wolves fans started to head for the exits 10 minutes from the end, perhaps surprising seeing as their side were only one goal behind and looking dangerous going forward. As if to prove a point, Greg Halford curled a 25-yard free-kick just over the crossbar following Boateng’s foul on Karl Henry. Halford went even closer soon after with a free-kick straight from the training ground. The ball was played into his path by Henry and the wide-man chipped it up and fired a shot through the wall. James was equal to the effort, however, and flung himself to his left to palm the ball clear. And despite Wolves camping out in Pompey’s box for the remainder of the game, the Blues held on to claim their first league victory of the season. Pompey: James; Finnan, Kaboul, Wilson, Ben Haim; Brown, O’Hara, Boateng, Yebda (Mokoena 78); Dindane (Webber 74), Smith (Vanden Borre 90) Goals: Yebda 19 Booked: O’Hara, Boateng Subs not used: Begovic, Williamson, Belhadj, Utaka Wolves: Hennessey; Foley (Kightly 46), Mancienne, Berra, Elokobi (Maierhofer 80); Halford, Edwards, Henry (c), Jarvis; Doyle, Keogh (Ebanks-Blake 46) Booked: Kightly Subs not used: Hahnemann, Craddock, Zubar, Milijas Referee: Howard Webb Attendance: 29,023

Hassan Yebda grabbed his first Blues goal to give Pompey an interval lead at Molineux. Paul Hart made two changes from the side that lost to Everton at Fratton Park last week Steve Finnan replaced Anthony Vanden Borre to make his Blues debut at right-back, while Aaron Mokoena made way for Yebda in midfield. The visitors created two early chances with Christophe Berra preventing Yebda from connecting with Finnan’s cross on two minutes. Finnan was the creator again soon after, playing a neat ball through to Kevin-Prince Boateng who drew a smart stop from Wolves keeper Wayne Hennessey. Wolves had an opportunity of their own on 13 minutes. Matt Jarvis burst forward down the left but his angled shot was comfortably held by David James. At the other end Boateng went close again, flashing a 30-yard strike just inches over the crossbar. Yebda was next to threaten the hosts’ defence. His shot was cleared off the line by Jarvis after Wolves had failed to clear a corner. He did find the net seconds later, however. The impressive Boateng swung a perfect cross into the box and YEBDA glanced a header into the bottom corner. Boateng was at the heart of every Pompey attack and was constantly causing the Wolves defence plenty of problems. But it was Aruna Dindane who almost doubled the Blues’ advantage on 29 minutes. He hit a clever shot with the outside of his foot that drew a fine save from Hennessey. The loose ball fell to Tommy Smith, who skipped past one challenge before firing the ball wide from an acute angle. Pompey were still having to work hard at the back and Jamie O’Hara made a vital block to divert Berra’s shot off target. Yebda had another headed chance on 40 minutes but Smith’s cross was just behind the on-loan midfielder and he was unable to find the target. Pompey then survived a massive scare just before the interval. James came tearing off his line to deny Andy Keogh, before Tal Ben Haim made a superb block to prevent Kevin Doyle from tucking away the loose ball. Pompey: James; Finnan, Kaboul, Wilson, Ben Haim; Brown, O’Hara, Boateng, Yebda; Dindane, Smith Goals: Yebda 19 Subs: Begovic, Vanden Borre, Williamson, Belhadj, Mokoena, Utaka, Webber Wolves: Hennessey; Foley, Mancienne, Berra, Elokobi; Halford, Edwards, Henry (c), Jarvis; Doyle, Keogh Subs: Hahnemann, Craddock, Maierhofer, Zubar, Milijas, Kightly, Ebanks-Blake Referee: Howard Webb

Pompey 0 Ipswich 0 Pompey Academy were held to a goalless draw by Ipswich at the Wellington Sports Ground on Saturday. It means the Blues have taken eight points from their first seven games in the FA Premier Academy League Group A. Next Saturday they travel to Norfolk to take on Norwich. Full report of the game against Ipswich to follow on Monday.

Steve Finnan makes his debut for Pompey at Wolves today. Hassan Yebda also comes into the side as Paul Hart makes two changes from the side beaten by Everton last Saturday. Finnan, sidelined by hamstring injury since the summer, replaces Anthony Vanden Borre at right-back. Yebda steps into the midfield in place Aaron Mokoena. Pompey start with two strikers – Tommy Smith and Aruna Dindane – as they go in search of their first points of the season at Molineux. Midfielder Michael Brown will captain the side in what will be a crunch match against Wolves. Pompey: James; Finnan, Kaboul, Wilson, Ben Haim; Brown (c), Boateng, O’Hara, Yebda; Smith, Dindane Subs: Begovic, Williamson, Belhadj, Vanden Borre, Mokoena, Webber, Utaka

Pompey Reserves 3 West Ham Reserves 0 Frederic Piquionne scored twice as a strong Pompey Reserves side beat their West Ham counterparts at Westleigh Park. Steve Finnan returned from a hamstring injury to play at right-back, while there were also starts for Piquionne, Danny Webber, Antti Niemi and Mike Williamson. But it was a player with slightly less experience that opened the scoring for Pompey after just two minutes. There did not look to be much on for Gael NLUNDULU when he received the ball on the edge of the box, but the winger hit a sweet shot that looped into the net. Anthony Edgar then hit a fierce 20-yard free-kick narrowly over the bar as the visitors tried to grab a quick equaliser. Webber looked to increase Pompey’s advantage with a neat turn and shot on 16 minutes but the ball rolled comfortably into Hammers keeper Peter Kurucz’s arms. After a quiet spell midway through the half, West Ham came close to levelling on 33 minutes when Frank Nouble headed inches over the crossbar. At the other end, Webber found space to shoot in the box and drew a smart save from Kurucz. Piquionne should have made it 2-0 just before the interval but he headed Williamson’s cross wide from close range. Half Time: Pompey 1 West Ham 0 Pompey began the second half brightly and Paris Cowan-Hall flashed a shot just inches over the crossbar. But the action was soon down at the other end and Nouble fluffed a great chance, completely missing the ball as he shaped to shoot in the box. Former Blues midfielder Nigel Quashie was shown a yellow card on 52 minutes following a late challenge on Cowan-Hall. It was two of Pompey’s senior players that combined to double their advantage on 59 minutes. Finnan curled a superb cross into the box and PIQUIONNE headed home from close range. Nouble missed another great opportunity soon after, blazing the ball wide after doing well to round Niemi. Christian Montano then went on a mazy run across the edge of Pompey’s box but his shot crept the wrong side of the post. Pompey’s finishing was more clinical, however, and PIQUIONNE grabbed his second goal of the night on 69 minutes, latching onto trialist Cherno Samba’s pass and sliding the ball into the net. The hosts continued to trouble a shaky West Ham defence but they had to be content with just a three-goal victory. Pompey: Niemi; Finnan (Gregory 85), Williamson (c), Kilbey, Sowah; Cowan-Hall, Bopp, Mahoto (M.Smith 64), Nlundulu; Piquionne, Webber (Samba 67) Goals: Nlundulu 2, Piquionne 59, 69 Subs not used: O’Brien, Ryan West Ham: Kurucz; Brookes (Ferrari 46), Eyjolfsson, N’Gala (c), Daprela; Payne, Quashie (Kearns 63), Lee (Grasser 26), Edgar; Nouble, Montano Booked: Edgar, Quashie, Payne, Kearns Subs not used: Cowler, Abdulla Referee: Chris Powell Attendance: 324

This weekend Pompey Ladies will have a break from league action as they take on Chelsea in the second round of the Premier League Cup. They will host the London side at Cams Alders, the home of Fareham Town. The kick-off is at 2pm on Sunday. Chelsea compete in the Premier League National Division and have won their only match in the league so far. Vanessa Raynbird said: “We’re looking forward to it. It’s always nice to play sides from other leagues and it’s a good challenge to play a team in a higher division. “It’s going to be a tough game, but we’re looking forward to it and we’ll go into it with confidence. Hopefully we can take the game to them.” Season ticket holders can get in free.

Hassan Yebda is confident that Pompey can survive in the Premier League this season. But the on-loan midfielder says they need to start picking up points soon to ensure they do not get cut adrift at the bottom of the table. Pompey face Wolves on Saturday still looking for their first point of the season. The newly-promoted midlands outfit have made a steady start to life back in the top flight with seven points from their opening seven games. Yebda does not expect an easy match at Molineux but he believes the Blues can take three points back to the south coast. He said: “We’re looking forward to the game and another chance to get some points, although we expect another tough match. “The position we’re in isn’t a good one but there is solidarity in the team and we will do everything we can to win the next game. “We need to get some points as soon as possible because we do not want to be left behind at the bottom of the table. “We’re confident that we can start winning games and we want to do that as soon as possible. “The spirit is good here and everyone is happy. We’re together and trying to turn things around. “We’ve been working hard and we have to keep working hard if we want to get a good result at Wolves.” Yebda was denied his first Blues goal last week when Leighton Baines cleared his header off the line in the 1-0 defeat to Everton. “I was disappointed – I thought it was in,” he said. “We could have won the game but we didn’t even get a point. “Sometimes you have good luck and sometimes you have bad luck – at the moment we seem to be having a lot of bad luck. “We just need to keep going because we’ve been playing well lately and sooner or later our luck will change.”

Paul Hart believes Pompey’s form is about to turn. The Blues boss has been boosted by the way his side have played lately even though they go to Wolves on Saturday still looking for their first points of the season. Hart told pfcTV: “We have to get some points on the board and the sooner the better. “We’ve been so close, playing well. A positive result at Wolves will make everyone feel better. There’s a good spirt around the place in tough times and a good result will cement that. “I don’t think we’re very far away. We’ve been in every game and been better than the opposition in the majority of games. But it’s three points that count.”

Portsmouth Football Club’s executive directors – Peter Storrie, Tanya Robins and Roberto Avondo – fully support the club’s owner, Sulaiman Al Fahim, in his efforts to refinance the club and to stabilise the business. However, at a time when the club needs to focus on a very important match that will help determine its future, it is very disappointing to all of us that the players have for the first time had to wait for their contractual remuneration for reasons entirely outside the club’s control. It is through the joint efforts of the executive directors that we are in the final stages of securing funding that will allow the club to meet these contractual obligations. It is clear that in order to ensure that the club is able to secure its longer term future, a more permanent financing solution needs to be found quickly as the executive directors consider it an obligation to the club’s loyal employees and fans, who undoubtedly feel equally disappointed. The extent to which the gains that have been realised from player sales were retained by the club’s previous banking partner during a protracted takeover period creates a responsibility for the new ownership, one which we are committed to help resolve. In order to achieve this we will continue to work closely with the owner’s lawyers and associates in delivering the finance that is needed over the next 10 to 14 days. Ultimately the responsibility to deliver this remains with the owner. We continue to express our gratitude to all our supporters and partners that stand with us in these difficult times and we would like to reassure them of our firm commitment to take this club to a position of stability and to be able to enjoy the football that we have grown accustomed to.

Brighton & Hove Ladies 1 Pompey Ladies 1 Pompey Ladies’ winning streak came to an end on Wednesday night, although they remain unbeaten in eight games after being held to a draw by Brighton. The Blues took the lead after 32 minutes when Justine LORTON (pictured) scored with a superb 25-yard free-kick. But the hosts pushed forward and were able to level the scores a quarter-of-an hour into the second half. It was a soft goal, though, with a ball floated into Pompey’s box deflecting off Lucy Keil and over the line. Minutes later Keil’s attempt to restore Pompey’s lead was thwarted by the woodwork, with her well-taken shot ricocheting off the post. Despite a dominant final 20 minutes of the game, the Blues were unable to find a winner. Manager Vanessa Raynbird said: “It’s a disappointing result. “Although we scored in the first half, we didn’t see much of the ball. “Brighton were probably feeling aggrieved at half-time to be behind but when they scored we looked a lot stronger, so it was the reverse really. “Overall we probably had more chances than them, though. I can’t remember our keeper making a save.” Team: Worsfold, Keil (Beaumont), Hier, Fisher, Kirby, Thorp, McGee (c), Rutherford, Hillier, Nash (Agius), Lorton Unused Sub: Miles

Just like Pompey in 2003, Wolves won promotion to the Premier League by romping to the title. And just like Pompey back then, they’ve made a decent start to life again among the elite. Mick McCarthy’s side prepare to host Pompey on Saturday having taken seven points from their first seven games, with wins over Fulham and Wigan the highlight. Pompey managed nine points in the same spell, an opening that provided the basis for a creditable 13th-placed finish under Harry Redknapp. Wolves would be happy with that outcome in what is only their second season in the top flight in 26 years. And so would Pompey after seven straight defeats, their worst ever start to a season. It is worth noting, however, that the Blues have lost five of those games by a single goal, with losses at Arsenal (4-1) and Aston Villa (2-0) the only exceptions. Pompey have been better than the raw-looking Premier League table suggests, with an excellent performance in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Everton pointing towards an upswing in fortunes. Kevin-Prince Boateng has made a huge impact in his three games since signing from Spurs, bursting forward from midfield with an attacking intent that has seen him score one goal and threaten many more. The 22-year-old is a provider, too, establishing an instant understanding with Pompey’s forwards like Aruna Dindane, who impressed on his debut against Everton. Blues boss Paul Hart suddenly has options up front, underlined by Frederic Piquionne, who missed out against Everton but made a case for his return to the side with two goals for the reserves versus West Ham on Tuesday night. Steve Finnan is pushing for his Pompey debut at Molineux after coming through his first reserve game following injury. The former Liverpool and Fulham right-back, who has been sidelined by a torn hamstring, played 85 minutes in Pompey’s 3-0 win at Westleigh Park. Wolves’ last Premier League campaign ended in dejection. Their reward for winning the play-offs in 2003 – after finishing 22 points behind champions Pompey – was a bottom-placed finish and instant return to English football’s second tier. But even in that season Wolves were strong at Molineux, winning seven and drawing five. As title-winners last season McCarthy’s side lost only three times on home soil, so it was with considerable disappointment that they succumbed 2-0 to West Ham in their opening Premier League home fixture. Richard Stearman’s goal was only enough to earn a point against Hull in their next game at Molineux before relief arrived in the shape of a 2-1 win over Fulham courtesy of goals from Kevin Doyle and David Edwards. Away from home, Wolves have conceded nine goals in defeats at Manchester City, Blackburn and Sunderland. Andy Keogh scored the winner in a 1-0 win at Wigan in August. The last five meetings between Wolves and Pompey at Molineux have ended in draws, the most recent a goalless Premier League affair in August 2003. A repeat of their first visit to Wolves would be even more pleasing for Pompey, however. It was on Valentine’s Day in 1925 and they won 5-0.

Pompey’s season ticket holders can take advantage of a very special offer for the Blues’ Carling Cup clash against Stoke on Tuesday, October 27. For one week only, they will be able to load the game onto their season cards for a special reduced price. Between Monday, October 5 and Friday, October 9 they will be able to purchase their seat for just £15 for adults, £8 for senior/young person and £3 for juniors. There will also be no booking fee for tickets purchased online or by telephone during this period. These prices will only be available for that week, season ticket holders who purchase outside of this period will be issued with paper tickets, charges at the full match prices (below). Members will be able to load their cards on Monday, October 12 and Tuesday, October 13, before general sale commences on Wednesday, October 14. Members who purchase outside of their exclusive period will be issued with paper tickets. Full match prices (from October 12): Adult £20 Senior £10 Junior £5 Tickets can be purchased by calling 0844 847 1898 (option one), online at www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/etickets or in person at the club’s ticket office in Rodney Road.

Pompey will be travelling to Wolves with a full contingent of fans. All of the Blues’ allocation of tickets for the match at Molineux on Saturday, October 3 have been sold. It means more than 1,500 supporters will be there to cheer on Paul Hart’s side as they seek their first points of the season. Please note that this match is all-ticket. Do not travel if you have not purchased a ticket. Supporters who have bought concession tickets are strongly advised to take proof of age identification to the game. Failure to do so may mean they will have to upgrade to the adult price or not be admitted into the ground.