Charlton 1; Portsmouth 1: Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp, a master of disguised emotion, says the notion of relegation has never entered his fiery red head.

"I always thought we'd be okay," he said nonchalantly. "I never thought for one minute that we'd go down.

"We started great this season, then got crippled by injuries. At one point I had seven of my first 11 injured. But now I'm getting some good players back we will be all right. It's going to be tight, but I think we're going to do it."

With their mediocre resources and their grubby little ground, Portsmouth have always appeared as interlopers in this league. But victory this afternoon over Birmingham at Fratton Park would further strengthen their already considerable self-belief. They have a match in hand over the other clubs around them.

This result came on the back of two victories as Portsmouth and Leeds have dragged Blackburn and Manchester City into the relegation debate.

"It's a dogfight now involving six teams," says Redknapp. "Birmingham is a must-win game for us. Wolves are probably favourites to go down. They've got to make up six points on us. But Blackburn are not winning and nor are Manchester City. They are right in it. Meanwhile, we are keeping relaxed and laid back."

Charlton manager Alan Curbishley, whose side could finish in the bottom half, also paid tribute to Portsmouth's attitude. "They appeared to be confident," he said. "They didn't seem to be under any pressure."

Of course, Charlton are under little pressure themselves, apart from the need to maintain the morale of their supporters.

On Saturday, many heaped praise on Redknapp for his substitutions and tactical alterations. But why didn't Portsmouth play with Eyal Berkovic from the start? He transformed the game when he came on at half-time.

Charlton took the lead in the eighth minute when Jonatan Johansson's cross from the right was flicked on by Jason Euell and the unmarked Shaun Bartlett headed in.

Portsmouth equalised in the 65th minute when a clever ball from Berkovic released the busy Matthew Taylor. His cross was converted by Yakubu Aiyegbeni, who, having been neglected by defenders for most of the season, is beginning to surprise people, not least himself.

Guardian Service