Portsmouth’s friendly over the Nigerian champions slipped off of my round-up last night so here’s the notes on a game that saw Harry’s side, and Peter Crouch, continue their decent pre-season form.

Kano Pillars 0 Portsmouth 5

Peter Crouch continued to boost his appeal for us fantasy managers with a brace as Pompey trounced the Nigerian champions. Utaka, Sahar and Kanu added the other goals in what could have been a far bigger scoreline. Sahar, Kanu, Bouba Diop, Kranjcar and Cranie earned the assists in the rout.

Portsmouth were three to the good after 45 minutes and only Ashdown and Cranie remained on the pitch as Harry made a host of changes for the second-half with tonights game with United in mind. That saw the introduction of both Crouch and Defoe up front who duly arrived to cause havoc. Crouch converted Kranjcar’s cross for his first before volleying home another centre from Cranie. Defoe also had chances but couldn’t join Crouch on the scoresheet.

Utaka got plenty of attention after the game via Harry’s post match comments. He is tipping him for a strong season having settled last term with a return of 5 goals and 3 assists. Redknapp employed him out on the left in the first half of this game but a role on the right seems more likely – that is of course, if Harry doesn’t grab Wright-Phillips from Chelsea. However, with Utaka classed as a striker across the fantasy games, it’s unlikely that he’ll appear on our fantasy radars over the season.

Portsmouth remain in Nigeria to take on United tonight a game which should see Crouch and Defoe start from the off.

Portsmouth vs Kano Pillars:
Ashdown; Primus (Lauren 46), Campbell (Pamarot 46), Distin (Traore 46), Babayaro (Hreidarsson 46); Cranie, Davis (Mendes 46), Diop (Mvuemba 46), Utaka (Kranjcar 46); Sahar (Defoe 46), Kanu (Crouch 46)