McLeish's View: Portsmouth (a)

Last updated : 13 March 2008 By Brian Cartlidge

Pompey were two goals up inside the first nine minutes but Blues went in at the break at 2-2 through goals from Fabrice Muamba and Seb Larsson.

Pompey went on to win the game 4-2 but that was a scoreline that the Blues boss said had flattered the home side as Blues had dominated for most of the second half.

"I'm delighted though by the spirit we showed. We had a right go in the second half but got caught short at the back for the fourth goal chasing the game," the Blues boss said after the match.

"To go two goals down so early on at Portsmouth, a lot of teams might have capitulated and been on the end of a drubbing.

"So we deserve credit for fighting back."

Blues now entertain struggling Newcastle at St Andrews next Monday which McLeish admitted was going to be a real 'six-pointer'.

"That's going to be a big game, nothing less now than it was ever going to be," he said.

"It would be a big boost to win it and we've got a lot of plusses coming out of this game."