Article : 'Your forwards can win you the FA Cup.'

Everton boss David Moyes watched his side pull off a last-gasp victory at Goodison Park yesterday as Avram Grant's men bowed out of the Premier League on a losing note.

But despite the 1-0 scoreline, Moyes was impressed with Pompey's counter-attacking play and stern defence, as well as their battling qualities just six days before their FA Cup final showdown with Chelsea.

The Scot knows all about the huge task which lies ahead for Pompey on Saturday.

A year ago it was his Toffees who faced the Londoners in the Cup final at Wembley before they suffered a 2-1 loss.

And although Moyes conceded the odds were firmly stacked in Chelsea's favour to retain the silverware, he pinpointed Frederic Piquionne and Aruna Dindane as the key men to Pompey pulling off a major upset against the newly-crowned Premier League champions.

He said: 'It's going to be very hard for Portsmouth to win.

'Chelsea have just won the Premier League title and look as if they are on a different level at the minute.

'But Portsmouth have a chance. They have got a very good counter-attacking game, which we saw against us.

'Piquionne and Dindane have shown they can cause damage and if you over-commit, they will hurt you.

'They are two weapons Portsmouth will need in the final.

'But if they play to the best of their ability and get the odd goal, you just never know.'

With Dindane rested for yesterday's Premier League finale, Piquionne was tasked once again with playing the lone striker's role.

Although Everton dominated for large periods, Pompey looked a threat on the counter at times and nearly edged ahead in the first half when the Frenchman made the most of Phil Jagielka's slip to have a clear sight at goal, only to be thwarted by keeper Tim Howard.

Piquionne was then involved in the biggest talking point after the break as he teamed up with Jamie O'Hara to enable Anthony Vanden Borre to finish at the far post.

But despite former Blues defender Sylvain Distin playing the Belgian onside, the goal was ruled out – a decision Moyes admitted was wrong.
'Portsmouth scored a goal,' he said.

'I think we played really well and kept plugging away but there is no denying their chance should have stood.

'They were very unfortunate because it was onside.

'In the end, it took a stunning goal from us to decide it.

'Portsmouth can take plenty of encouragement going into the Cup final, though.

'They defended brilliantly and looked a real danger on the counter-attack.'

www.portsmouth.co.uk

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