Rix made three changes after the West Brom debacle with Harper, Waterman and O'Neil replacing Thogerson, Biagini and Zamperini. Biagini will feel agrieved about dropping to the bench but in the end Rix's tactics proved spot on. Zamperini dropped out because of hamstring trouble, disappointing due to the fact that the Italian has looked like our best defender this season.
The back four of Vincent, Buxton, Waterman and Hiley looked as solid as a Pompey back four can look like - albeit with some shaky moments throughout the match. In midfield Quashie was man of the match, constantly a thorn in Coventry's side. Pitt had his customary blinding first half and shaky second. O'Neil once again completely coasted, Harper was subdued and Prosinecki constantly probing. Crouch, up front, ran his socks off.
However individual performances aside, it was the team that won it against a well organised, quick and sometimes dangerous looking Coventry. When the Sky Blue's had the ball, Pompey were quick to close down and the defence, and Waterman in particular, had a 'no nonsense' attitude and were rock solid against Lee Mills and Thompson.
Because of Pompey's work ethic, both sides seemed to cancel eachother out in the first half and chances were few and far between. The best probably coming from two Prosinecki free kicks, one of which went over and the other was comfortably saved by Tim Flowers. As the rain began to fall heavily, Pompey went in at half time, pleased with a point.
However the second half changed after the introduction of Rudonja. So often overlooked by Pompey and disregarded by fans. 'Turbo' showed what he can do with lightning pace and pin-point crosses. He terrorised the Coventry back line and added an extra dimension to Pompey's game - put it this way, he is definitely worth a start on Saturday.
Eight minutes into the half, Pompey's persistence was awarded when a Prosinecki corner found the head of Peter Crouch. It was the lanky strikers 17th goal of the season - incredible considering Pompey's inconsistent form. Crouch had another chance ten minutes later when good work by O'Neil, left Crouch with a free shot on the edge of the area. This time he missed but Pompey were at last looking dangerous. A few minutes later Crouch had another chance when a dipping, whipping cross by Pitt just missed the marauding Crouch inside the area.
In the dying moments, Pompey hung on with some route one defending but the three points were the most important of the season - as Graham Rix put it, the players had to win against Coventry if they were to 'see him on Wednesday' Three points against Walsall will certainly see the doom and gloom lift around Fratton Park and finally the team can consolidate their midtable finish and look forward to next season with confidence.