Portsmouth continued their fine away form as they grabbed a controversial 1-0 win over Bolton at the Reebok Stadium. Lassana Diarra scored a disputed goal in the 80th minute despite being in an off side position.

The game began with little to choose between both sides although Pompey posed constant threats to the Bolton goal. The return of their African stars has given Portsmouth many choices and manager Harry Redknapp deployed a full-strength side.

Matt Taylor though had a great chance to take the lead for the home side, but his close range shot looped over the bar in the 31st minute. The shot was taken from a Kevin Davies cross. Pompey's first half show was nothing much to write home about forcing Redknapp to bring on Kanu i place of Milan Baros.

Guthrie and Taylor continued to have a host of chances in the second half thanks mainly to Davies' wonderful work down the flanks. However both of them were unable to hit the target and the game looked to be headed towards a draw.

However it was not to be as Pompey increased the pressure and were rewarded with a goal albeit a controversial one. Diarra initiated the move driving a low shot towards the goal, but a tackle from O’Brien deflected the ball off Kanu and bounced to Diarra who scored from what was a clear off-side.

The win sees Porstmouth occupying the eighth spot on the Premiership table with 41 points from 26 games. Bolton may yet regret the sale of star striker Nicolas Anelka as the side is placed 15th with 25 points from 26 games; just three points away from the relegation zone.