Pompey fight on all fronts

F clean sweep

es nd he ed

va, in

as es he

w ix PORTSMOUTH boss Kenny Jackett insisted that an FA Cup replay will not damage his side’s season after a bruising battle with QPR.

The League One promotion-chasers looked to be heading for the fifth round for the first time since getting to the final nine years ago through a Joel

Lynch own goal.

But Nahki Wells’ late leveller kept Rangers’ hopes alive – before an ugly bust-up erupted, with punches appearing to be thrown.

Jackett, ahead of a huge league clash with Luton on Tuesday, said: “The melee came after two heavy challenges – one from our player, one from theirs. Maybe both were bookings.

“Both sets of players got in there to support their mates. There was a lot of pushing and shoving – but nothing much else.

“We got the goal, but it’s a replay rather than a win.”

The 2008 FA Cup winners have a lot on their plate, riding high in the league and one win away from a Checkatrade Trophy Wembley final. But Jackett said: “We should enjoy it, it is a huge challenge but we relish it. What a position to be in, for the last three months of the season.”

Rangers boss Steve Mcclaren said: “With the wind and rain, it was a proper blood and thunder FA Cup tie.

“It was a bad challenge on our player that led to the melee, and you had a reaction from everyone joining in. You want that sort of solidarity in the face of intimidation.

“You have to give the Cup respect with the team selection, and we know the replay won’t be an easy game either.”

Brett Pitman had the ball in the Rangers net after 41 minutes, but ref Gavin Ward ruled it out for a push.

With Pompey finally applying pressure Louis Dennis forced Joe Lumley to tip a dipping 25-yard effort over the bar. Just after the break a Dennis pass beat the offside trap but Pitman shot over.

The breakthrough came after 63 minute when Lee Brown whipped in a cross, and

Lynch shanked it into his own goal. But from a QPR corner Wells smashed the ball home.

The free-for-all came in the 77th minute following a bad challenge from Ronan Curtis on Josh Scowen.

Ward booked Curtis, Brown and Lynch – but it could have been more. 3 0

JESUS 1 POPE 0 Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus scores the opener past Nick Pope IT’S ALL KICKED OFF Nahki Wells celebrates after levelling for QPR before trouble erupted between the teams (right)