Todorov's double strike secures Portsmouth's title

Portsmouth 3 Rotherham United

The last time Portsmouth lifted the First Division title, to borrow from Harry Enfield, they were playing in black and white. That was back in 1950 but this victory last night on the south coast ensured Pompey won back that trophy and they will certainly enjoy next season's Premiership in full colour.

This was Fratton Park's last home match of the season and both Harry Redknapp's side and Rotherham illustrated the scene brilliantly, aided and abetted by a suitably cacophonous atmosphere generated by Portsmouth's impressively loud support.

It was an occasion that merited a song and dance. The last significant silverware that Pompey had won prior to last night was the old Third Division title 20 years ago. It is safe to say that, two decades on, the rewards for a championship and promotion are immeasurably greater. Conservative estimates for their Premiership earnings next season are put at roughly £15m.

Portsmouth were able to claim the title one match before the end of the season thanks to the combination of this victory and Leicester drawing with Norwich earlier in the day.

Not that a win was always assured against Ronnie Moore's stubborn Millers. Twice Pompey took the lead and twice they were pulled back thanks to Rotherham's ability from set-pieces and some lax defending by the home side.

Ultimately the title was clinched by Svetoslav Todorov's 23rd League strike of the season. The Bulgarian barely played under Harry Redknapp at West Ham, but with both transplanted to Fratton Park he has flourished and scored twice in the first half

But it was Paul Merson who got the show rolling with his early penalty, generously given after Guy Branston was adjudged to have fouled Todorov. It was not long before Branston got himself out of a pickle, however, as he tapped home from Alan Lee's flick-on.

A slick move down the right-hand side then saw Vincent Péricard cross from the by-line and Todorov was there to tap home. Yet Rotherham silenced the crowd for the second time when a corner by Nick Daws was met with a thumping header from Chris Swailes.

Not to be denied their glory in front of the home fans, Pompey got their third on the stroke of half-time. Once again Péricard and Todorov combined and after that it was a question only of matching Rotherham's muscular approach.

Goals: Merson pen (11) 1-0; Branston (16) 1-1; Todorov (22) 2-1; Swailes (29) 2-2; Todorov (45) 3-2.

Portsmouth (3-4-1-2): Hislop; Primus, Foxe; Festa; Harper (De Zeeuw, h-t), Quashie, Sherwood, Stone; Merson; Péricard (Ayegbeni, 68), Todorov. Substitutes not used: Kawaguchi (gk), O'Neil, Diabaté.

Rotherham United (4-4-2): Gray; McIntosh, Branston, Swailes, S Barker; Hurst, Daws, Talbot (Warne, 64), Sedgwick, (Monkhouse, 80); Lee, R Barker. Substitutes not used: Politt (gk), Robins, Hudson.

Referee: R Beeby (Northampton).

Bookings: Portsmouth: Harper, Quashie. Rotherham: Sedgwick.

Man of the match: Todorov.

Attendance: 19,420.