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The Fratton Faithful didn't have to wait long for the first goal. Deon Burton, making his second debut for the club, fired a low shot past the Forest keeper after only sixth minutes. A lovely through ball from Nigel Quashie found Pericard whose shot canoned off a Forest defender into the path of Burton who took his goal with much confidence. The sight of two strikers that looked like scoring was a pleasure to see for Pompey. Pericard in particular looks sure to cause problems this season. Like a young Louis Saha he terrorises defences with pace, skill and strength.
A goal up and Pompey began to test out Redknapp's new team. Merson and Quashie were instrumental in the centre of midfield, threading through balls or spreading them out wide to a constantly marauding Matthew Taylor. Taylor constantly wanted the ball, was defensively sound, skillful and with a wicked cross. He looks a steal but Pompey will have to find someone of similar ilk on the right hand side if the team is going to achieve a successful balance. Carl Robinson also deserves a mention for his underated performance in midfield. The Welsh midfield constantly broke up any sort of threat from Forest and will be a key player in this years hunt for Promotion.
Whenever Forest threatened then the back three displayed an understanding and composure also not seen at Fratton Park for many years. Foxe in particular was superb, organising the midfield and back line whilst remaining calm under any sort of pressure. Eddie Howe once again had a shocking slice of luck and dislocated his knee cap only minutes from making his first appearance since being injured on his debut last season.
With the half drawing to a close, Pompey decided to score one more and sew the game up. Merson to Quashie, Quashie to O'Neil. The England youngster then swung a beautiful ball into Pericard who somehow found the net with a curling diving header from the penalty spot. 2-0 up and Pompey looked solid.
The second half continued much as the first half had panned out - Pompey ruling from midfield and trying to thread through our strikers. Burton once again went close but should of scored when Merson put him clean through late on in the game. The Derby striker looked tired and his slightly weakened shot was saved. Matthew Taylor then when close with a beautiful run and shot but in the end 2-0 was to be enough.
A tough week ahead for Pompey with difficult trips to Sheffield and then Crystal Palace but on this showing, this season should finally be the one where success pays Fratton Park a visit in some shape or form.