Football: Brighton 3-1 Portsmouth, FA Cup 2011 Third Round

Portsmouth made it to the FA Cup Final in 2010, before being relegated from the Barclays Premier League, but it was not to be a repeat of that success this year, as they fell to a 3-1 defeat away at Brighton and Hove Albion, of League One, in the Third Round.

The clubs may be separated by a league – for now – but Brighton showed why they lead League One, and Portsmouth why they are in 18th in the Championship with this result which went to the side showing the best form.

Brighton were well worth their win, as they edged possession and shot statistics by a small margin, but it was in the final third that they made this count, in producing three well put together goals, though they were aided particularly by the 14th minute dismissal of Portsmouth forward, Dave Kitson, for an elbow on Adam El-Abd.

Chris Wood opened the scoring for the hosts on 26 minutes before Ashley Barnes made it 2-0 deep into first half stoppage time, giving them a two goal half time advantage.

Despite Portsmouth pulling a goal back on 88 minutes through Tom Kilbey, Brighton put the result beyond doubt, and added the margin they deserved with a last-gasp goal from Francisco Sandaza.

Brighton, managed by former Chelsea man, Gus Poyet, are through to the Fourth Round of FA Cup 2011. Portsmouth have only their league campaign, and Championship survival, left to focus on.

Starting Line-ups