Schemmel says Portsmouth must be prepared to battle

Sebastian Schemmel, fresh from scoring in Portsmouth's 2-1 win over Blackpool in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, has warned Pompey fans not to expect attractive football at Fratton Park as the club bids to stave off relegation from the Premiership.

"Every win is very important for us at the moment," Schemmel said, "whether it's a Premiership match, cup game or friendly. Winning is good for our confidence.

"We started the season very well and played great games against Arsenal and Bolton. But then we had some bad games, so we have to play like we did on Saturday where every ball, tackle and cross is extremely important.

"Playing attractive football is not important for us at the moment. We need to fight for every minute of every game. That is how Portsmouth must play."

The former West Ham defender nodded home a pinpoint cross from Matt Taylor in the 36th minute to give Portsmouth the lead on Saturday. However, Steve McMahon's team replied seven minutes later through Scott Taylor 22rd goal of the season, the striker capitalising on some excellent work from Martin Bullock before threading the ball past Harald Wapenaar in the Portsmouth goal.

Blackpool deserved their equaliser after forcing their way back into the first-half. However there was only one team in it after the break as Portsmouth created a glut of chances which they failed to convert.

Finally, with a replay back at Bloomfield Road on the cards, from a corner in the last minute Teddy Sheringham's shot was palmed by Blackpool's keeper, Lee Jones, into the path of Yakubu Ayegbeni and the Nigerian striker prodded the ball in from close range.