By that stage Cattermole had been given his marching orders for nasty-looking fouls on Dindane and Angelos Basinas but, in a rare attack, Sunderland almost doubled their lead when Kilgallon thundered a left-footed volley against the post.

BBC: Portsmouth 1-1 Sunderland

Their best chance fell in the 65th minute when Given spilled a stinging 25-yard drive from Angelo Basinas into the path of Webber, but the striker embarrassingly missed his left-footed follow-up shot from six yards, much to the delight of the Eastlands faithful.

BBC: Manchester City 2-0 Portsmouth