Triumph in adversity was the catchphrase at Fratton Park this afternoon as Pompey secured a semi-final place against Birmingham.

With their off-field problems well documented and seemingly always getting worse, matters turned to action on the pitch as the crisis club looked for some FA Cup cheer in an otherwise gloomy season.

Almost certain of relegation this season following entering administration, the first half did produce a finish it deserved. Birmingham started the brighter without scoring and Portsmouth lacked a cutting edge despite their guile and endeavour.

But two goals in quick succession from Frederic Piquionne saw the home side through to the semis and a much needed morale- and cash-boost for the club.

His first was a scrappy finish when Birmingham failed to clear their lines effectively giving Piquionne an easy tap-in, but for the lack of flair in his first goal, his second made amends.

Jamie O’Hara, on loan from Spurs, set Piquionne free and raced on goal hotly chased by Roger Johnson. However the striker turned his man inside and out before calmly rounding Joe Hart and slotting home to send the Pompey faithful into raptures.

However the game could have been far more interesting late on when Liam Ridgewell was denied a clear goal, the whole ball crossing the line before being palmed out by the despairing David James, but the linesman and referee did not give it sparking a fresh debate on goal-line technology.

Portsmouth though hung on to secure their last-four place, looking to emulate their Cup victory of two years previous at Wembley.

Jon Osterland