Report by Ben Davis

A defensive error by Russell Perrett allowed Crewe striker Dele Adebola to race through and score the winner five minutes from time in an eventful game at Fratton Park. Crewe in the end deserved the win although Pompey pulled themselves together after a woeful first half performance to come from two goals down to level at two a piece. Their task was made even harder when captain Whitbread was sent off in the 38th minute.
David Hillier returned after injury with Martin Allen dropping down to the subs bench which didn't include Thorp. New signing Craig Foster was at the game and was introduced to the crowd at half-time.
The visitor's got off to an absolute flyer as they took the lead after only 28 seconds, the fastest goal of the day. A long ball from the back caused the initial problems as the large figure of Anthrobus flicked it on into Pompey's area where Russell hooked it clear. Lunt though picked it up and slipped Anthrobus into the area and his cross was easily stroked home by Rivers.
Crewe's strike duo of Anthrobus and Adebola were already showing what a threat they were as they had the Pompey defence constantly panicking. Igoe was the only player who looked like creating anything and his run and cross from the right was just to long for Svensson who managed to get a touch but could only put it behind.
Adebola then stormed through Pompey's defence from the half way line with Russell making a good challenge to halt the massive striker. The Pompey defence had to deal with him again minutes later with three defenders needed to win the ball off him. Hillier and Igoe worked well together to set Pethick away down the right from the clearance. Svensson tried to acrobatically turn in the cross and despite mistiming it the ball fell to Aloisi whose volley flew inches wide.
Pompey though weren't flowing with the defence looking totally unsure of it self, especially when either Anthrobus or Adebola had the ball. In the 38th minute Pompey's hopes at getting back in to the game were dealt a blow when Whitbread was sent off. The defender clearly brought down Rivers as the Crewe player went through on goal. A free-kick was given although the referee Mr Taylor had no choice but to send Pompey's captain off.
Svensson came off yet again for Durnin at half-time which baffled some fans as Pompey needed a striker to get the equaliser. Durnin though came on to his now accustomed 'Oooh Johnny Larger' chants and he didn't take long to get stuck in. The pattern of play though didn't change with Crewe still looking comfortable with their one goal lead.
Crewe thought they had a second goal when Bignot moved from full-back to put the ball in the net but the linesman's flag had gone up in the 53rd minute. Four minutes later it was two, which had always been on the cards.
Lunt drilled a cross in from the right towards Anthrobus who beat the challenges of Perrett and Flahavan to delicately clip the ball in and there now seemed no way back for Pompey. Aussie striker Aloisi then beat his marker Unsworth before firing in a shot from a tight angle which Kearton saved between his legs.
With 20 minutes to go Pompey pulled a goal back. Durnin raced away down the right before putting in a fine cross which Kearton misjudged leaving Aloisi with a simple header past the keeper. The goal picked the whole side up and the fans who believed their was still hope.
Three minutes later the ground erupted as Pompey equalised. Crewe could only clear some pressure to Pethick and his rocket of a shot smashed off the bar from fully 30-yards. It bounced down to Aloisi and he struck it past Kearton from five yards. Suddenly the chimes were booming out and there was now a feeling that Pompey could go on and win.
Crewe were completely shell shocked and Aloisi could have had an extraordinary hat-trick when he muscled his way past two defenders to leave him with only the keeper to beat from six yards but a defender managed to stick out a foot to turn it behind for a corner.
However, in their efforts to win the game Igoe damaged his groin and had to be replaced by Allen. There was still time though for another twist as a gross error by Perrett gifted Crewe the winner. The defender headed a long ball from Bignot into Adebola's path and he calmly stroked it past Flahavan.
Pompey tried to rally round to find another equaliser as they won a couple of late corners although it wasn't enough and the points had gone to Crewe who deserved the win. It was a poor performance from Pompey and will have to sort the defensive frailties before next Saturday's daunting trip to Nottingham Forest.