The second half was better for Portsmouth as Aaron Mokoena went close and Dave Kitson and Hayden Mullins forced fine saves from Barnet keeper Dean Brill.

BBC: Portsmouth 0-1 Barnet

Dave Kitson had a snatched chance but saw his header sail wide while Hunt conjured Reading's best attempt when his right-footed drive was well saved by Harper.

BBC: Newcastle 3-0 Reading

One of the few incidents of note saw unlucky home striker Dave Kitson, who has still to score for Stoke, replaced by Richard Cresswell after falling awkwardly in the six-yard box and hurting his knee.

BBC: Stoke 1-0 West Brom

Portsmouth handed a debut to on-loan Manchester United defender Ritchie De Laet, while Joel Ward stepped up into midfield due to Dave Kitson's suspension for his red card in the FA Cup defeat at Brighton.

BBC: Nottm Forest 2-1 Portsmouth

Dave Kitson, in his second match for Middlesbrough after joining on loan from Stoke, had put the visiting team in front in the first half with a sharp finish from the edge of the box.

BBC: Peterborough 2-2 Middlesbrough

Abdoulaye Faye, who only lasted 25 minutes before limping off with a twisted knee, was at the far post to meet one corner, after Dave Kitson had flicked on the initial delivery from Liam Lawrence.

BBC: West Ham 0-1 Stoke City