Nine-man Reds sunk by Pompey (From The Argus)

Nine-man Reds sunk by Pompey

5:24pm Sunday 9th September 2012 in Sport By Steve Hollis

Crawley had two men sent off as they went down 3-0 against Portsmouth in front of the television cameras at Broadfield Stadium .

Hope Akpan and Josh Simpson were both dismissed for two bookable offences and Pompey took full advantage.

After being outplayed in the first half the visitors took the lead in the 74th minute through substitute Ashley Harris.

Luke Rodgers doubled the lead before Izale McLeod added to Crawley's misery with a third with five minutes to go.

The performance of referee Darren Deadman infuriated Crawley boss Richie Barker who was sent to the stands late in the game Crawley had dominated possession in the first half without ever really troubling the Portsmouth defence as their final ball let them down time after time.

The home side's only real effort of note came from long range when Hope Akpan volleyed just wide from 25 yards.

Portsmouth were happy to soak up the pressure and hit Crawley on the counter-attack. It nearly brought them a goal after quarter of an hour when a clever ball from Lee Williamson found Luke Rodgers but David Hunt got back well to block.

The game changed just before half-time when Simpson was shown a second yellow card. The midfielder had gone in the referee's book for a foul on McLeod in the 34th minute and seven minutes later was seeing red when Darren Deadman adjudged he had clipped the former Barnet striker.

The dismissal completely altered the balance of the game and Portsmouth took control after the break.

Jones did well to tip over a well-struck free kick from Jack Compton in the 48th minute and now it was Reds who were happy to defend deep.

The odds became even more stacked against Crawley in the 71st minute when they were reduced to nine men – Akpan being shown a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on McLeod.

It proved decisive as Portsmouth took the lead three minutes later. Adam Webster swung over a deep cross from the right and fellow substitute Harris headed home at the far post.

The home fans had even more reason to complain about the referee as Portsmouth doubled their lead with seven minutes to go.

Shaun Cooper was adjudged to have brought down McLeod on the edge of the area and Rodgers curled the free kick over the wall and inside a post.

The game was over two minutes later when McLeod beat the offside trap to round Jones and roll into an empty net.