Appleton savours superb showing

Portsmouth manager Michael Appleton hailed his struggling side's 2-0 win over play-off chasing Hull as the best performance of his time in charge at Fratton Park.

Two goals in four first-half minutes from Scotland striker Chris Maguire and midfielder Joel Ward reignited Pompey's hopes of a miracle relegation escape.

Appleton said: "I was delighted. It was total dominance from minute one to 95."

He added: "It was the best performance since I have been in charge by an absolute mile. They had one shot on goal and I lost count of the number of chances we had.

"I have never not believed. There are going to be lots of twists and turns and ups and downs in the next seven games. Who knows how many points we will need to stay up?"

Hull manager Nick Barmby said: "Portsmouth were the better team. We were not good enough and they wanted it more than us.

"I apologise to the fans who made the long trip down. It was not us so I am disappointed.

"It is not over and we are still in with a chance (off the play-offs) so we will keep fighting. We will never give it up.

"Whoever is in the team I expect them to give a performance and win."