Gabbidon return brings mixed emotions

Danny Gabbidon was left with mixed emotions following our 2-1 defeat at the hands of Portsmouth yesterday.

The Welsh international defender made a welcome return after a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, but saw his afternoon turn sour as Harry Redknapp's men grabbed all three points thanks to Linvoy Primus's first-half headed double.

"Personally, it was nice to back out there again after three or four weeks out," said Danny. "I didn't enjoy the way it turned out, though. After two good results before Christmas we thought we could carry on the same trend, but unfortunately it wasn't to be.

"We knew Portsmouth would be dangerous at set-pieces, but overall this season we have defended corners and free-kicks quite well, so it was a bit of a shock to give away two free headers - something you just can't do at this level.

"In normal play, I didn't think they caused us too many problems, but we made it so difficult for ourselves with the goals we let in. Things were much better in the second half, but you can't start playing when you are 2-0 down - it's too much of a tall order in the Premiership.

"We'll take heart from the second half, but we've got to make sure we perform like that for 90 minutes in every game."