BIRMINGHAM 1, PORTSMOUTH 0

PORTSMOUTH manager Paul Hart is hoping the club will finally have new owners after it emerged chief executive officer Peter Storrie is fronting up a consortium wanting to take over at Fratton Park.

Hart saw Pompey lose to a disputed last-minute penalty at Birmingham from James McFadden after David James was adjudged to have fouled Sebastian Larsson.

But Hart knows for the long-term it is more important that Portsmouth sort out their off the field situation.

He said: "What do I know about the takeover? Only that we might be getting some good news so we are keeping our fingers crossed that there might be a successful bid.

"I think it is imminent. We need to get this sorted out. That is pretty obvious to everybody.

"Will there be any money if the takeover goes through? I've not had any detailed talks. We have got targets and it doesn't necessarily mean we will be spending money."

Portsmouth looks set to collect their first point of the campaign until James, who had made a fine save to deny Kevin Phillips, was adjudged to have caught Larsson by referee Lee Probert.

Hart said: "I've looked at the penalty and it is harsh. The referee was perfectly placed. Why he had to rely on the linesman, I just don't know.

"If you look at David James, his eyes are on the ball and his arms are outstretched to catch it."

Blues manager Alex McLeish had stressed the need to make St Andrews a fortress this season after too many draws had cost the club their top-flight spot two years ago.

He said: "It's very important to get that first win on the board. We started the game with completely different tactics to the Manchester United game.

"We worked hard at getting it right. We played some good football. We got a bit tired in the second half but came strong again with the substitutes.

"As for the penalty, I was nowhere near it but the players are adamant David James was over zealous with his challenge.

"We will take the free point. For 30 years I have seen games like that - and my heart is still ticking.

"We did get put through the mill today but we have got a great victory."

McLeish may have to go back into the transfer market as left-back Gregory Vignal is struggling with a hip problem.

But he admitted the deal to try and sign Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel has still to be finalised.

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