Webster's a wow on Pompey's happy birthday
Sunday, 6th Apr 2014 13:09 by Sam Garrett

A returning Adam Webster proved to be the decider for Pompey, scoring the only goal of the game to record a 1-0 victory over Hartlepool.

Andy Awford triggered the 24-hour recall clause in Webster's loan at Aldershot after Danny Alfei picked up a knock in training on Thursday.

A sensational opening four minutes for Pompey began when Webster latched on to a rebound from an initial Ryan Taylor shot, giving the hosts an early lead on two minutes.

The Blues could have made it two goals in two minutes with a penalty as Wes Fogden was tripped in the area. Andy Rafferty saved Ryan Taylor's spot-kick and Ricky Holmes smashed the rebound over the bar.

Simon Walton had Hartlepool's first chance of the game - his curling corner kick swerved across to the left side of the goal for Trevor Carson to parry it behind him, with Jack Whatmough clearing the danger.

The visitors started the second half the brighter as Luke James produced a reaction save from Carson with a sliced shot to the right of the goal and once again, Whatmough blasted the ball up the field.

Pools' suffered an injury blow to Christian Burgess 17 minutes from time and was replaced by Scott Harrison, making his first appearance since recently signing on-loan from Sunderland.

The full-time whistle was greeted by a roar from the Fratton Faithful, who had been in superb voice all afternoon, followed by a punch in the air from Awford as Pompey came away with three crucial points on their 116th birthday.