In a dour contest that did neither side credit, the stark contrast between the haves and the have-nots of the Championship was no greater illustrated than here last night. Newly rich Reading sneaked past newly in administration Portsmouth, the difference in fortunes off the pitch replicated on it.
Reading continue to ride the crest of a wave, securing their seventh successive victory and eagerly anticipating the £25m takeover, due to be completed this month, by Anton Zingarevich, a young Russian tycoon. In third place, Reading lie one point behind West Ham United, who play Watford at Upton Park on Wednesday night.
Good times in Berkshire, perhaps, but desperate times in Hampshire. A record of one win in 10 matches, plus a 10-point deduction, has left Portsmouth at the foot of the table. Relegation – if, that is, they manage to finish the campaign – would appear inevitable. The Good Ship Pompey is sinking, fast.
Still, Reading roll on. The beaten play-off finalists of last season have won 15 times in 19 matches, not having drawn a game since October, and have kept six clean sheets in seven outings. Brian McDermott, their manager, has a newly signed contract in his pocket and, apparently, the only way is up.
"We have to work hard for every result in this league," McDermott said. "We couldn't get involved in all Portsmouth's problems, we just had to take care of ourselves, and we did. We relish every game, we work hard every day, and I don't think my players get the credit they deserve. But we stick together as a group.
"Since Anton Zingarevich came in, maybe there is a bit more expectation from the fans. But I like that, I encourage that. We want an exciting time at the end of this season, as we had at the end of last. We'll just keep ticking off the games and see where we end up."
As Portsmouth head towards League One oblivion, Michael Appleton, their manager, puts on a brave face … week in, week out. "We've talked about it with the players and we're still convinced we can survive," he said. "We've got 12 games left and we know how many we need to win to get us out of this mess."
Not if predator rivals keep picking off their best players. As Portsmouth have attempted to ease their wage bill, Birmingham City have nabbed Erik Huseklepp and Cardiff City took Liam Lawrence. Others may follow. "We've had a few polite enquiries from various clubs about various players," Appleton said. "But there's been no hard offers like we had for Erik and Liam."
Still, the Pompey fans remain a resolute bunch and were in good voice on a chilly evening, chanting throughout. Not that they had much to cheer, with Portsmouth playing second fiddle for long spells in a mundane affair. Summing up the all-round lethargy, just one effort hit the target all night – Reading's goal. Ian Harte released Jason Roberts and his precise cross was glanced in by Noel Hunt for his sixth goal of the season and third in five games.