Pearce misses ton as champions lift trophy

Champions equal record haul

City dominated from the off and took an early lead in the 8th minute, Stuart Pearce crossing for Stevie Howey to head home. Portsmouth had no answer to the skills of Ali Bernabia who was once more controlling the midfield. It was Bernabia who set up City’s second on 27 minutes, with a fine through ball for the Goat to run on to. Beasant came out to claim the ball but fluffed the opportunity and the Goat found himself in pastures of his own and made sure he was fed, 2-0 to City.

City continued to dominate the first half and could and should have had more. Perhaps the team were savouring the atmosphere because a full array of tricks and flicks were demonstrated. Portsmouth were quite simply outclassed.

The second half was rather low key on the pitch and Portsmouth were allowed back into the game. On the hour some poor City defending saw a Pitt glancing header beat Nash at his near post. Portsmouth sensed something but failed to force any further saves out of Nash.

City once more upped the tempo in the final 10 minutes and went chasing the club record for goals scored in the season. On 86 minutes Macken levelled it with a neat chip over Beasant. City continued to press, and were awarded a penalty for hand ball in the 4th minute of injury time. The script was written for Stuart Pearce to break the goal scoring record with his 100th career goal in his final game. Beasant appeared to agree not to move, Psycho ran up and blasted the ball wide. A pity, but at the end it didn’t matter. The party had begun.

After the stands were set up the team came out in ones and twos and were announced to the crowd. The best moment was Berkovic and Bernabia walking out together, arms around each other. Israel and Palestine take note. Pearce lifted the trophy to an almighty roar and then led the team on a couple of laps of honour. Pearce was himself given an award for his services to football and Bernabia took the acclaim for his player of the season award. Overall a truly excellent day out, great atmosphere, good win and a piece of silverware to round it off. The party continued long into the night, next stop the Premiership.