Portsmouth's poor run of form continued with a 3-1 defeat to Fulham in their Premier League encounter on Saturday.

Having lost five of their last six matches, Portsmouth looked to make amends for their disastrous form with the visitors creating a number of chances early in the game. Jermaine Pennant and Glen Johnson looked dangerous on the flanks but were unable to provide the final ball as Fulham settled down to take the lead in the 14th minute.

Andy Johnson easily lost Sylvain Distin to latch on to a through ball from Clint Dempsey before slotting it past David James to give his side the lead. Johnson should have had doubled the lead minutes later but James was quick to come off his line and clear the ball after Distin had once again let Simon Davies' through ball go past him.

Portsmouth had chances of their own with Sean Davies twice going close to leveling the scores while Younes Kaboul hit the crossbar with his header. The visitors stepped up the pressure in the second half and had two penalty appeals turned down with John Pantsil first challenging David Nugent as the striker was looking to release his shot and then colliding with Peter Crouch inside the area.

Just when it looked as if Portsmouth could find their way back in the game, substitute Erik Nevland put the result beyond doubt by doubling the lead in the 71st minute and scoring a third nine minutes later.

Portsmouth managed to pull one back through Nugent in the 84th minute but Fulham hung on to claim all three points from the match.