Portsmouth maintained their challenge for a European spot next season with a har fought 1-0 victory against Sunderland in their Premiership clash on Saturday.

Sunderland fought hard for most of the game but Pompey were awarded a contentious penalty in the 70th minute which was calmly stroked away by Jermain Defoe to give his side all three points from the match. The Black Cats tried to get back into the game in the final few minutes but were unable to break through a stubborn Portsmouth defense.

A scrappy first half was characterized by some poor passing by both the teams with no real chance of note bar a penalty appeal by Portsmouth late in the half when Johnny Evans blocked Hreidarsson in the penalty area. Sunderland were happy to sit back and soak up the pressure, breaking a number of Pompey's attacking moves before it could develop into anything dangerous.

The second half started on a brighter note with Defoe twice forcing saves from Craig Gordon. Sunderland's first real chance of the match fell to Grant Leadbitter whose free kick attempt from 30 yards out narrowly missed the target.

Pompey finally got the breakthrough when Niko Kranjcar raced into the penalty area and fell over Phil Bardsley foot and referee Phil Dowd having no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Defoe calmly stepped up and smashed the ball past Gordon to score his second goal for his new club.

Sunderland tried to stage a late come back but the Pompey defense held on to collect all three points and remain in touch with Aston Villa in the race for a UEFA Cup spot next season.