Arry's as appy as Larry

May 18 2008 By Gordon Waddell

POMPEY boss Harry Redknapp admitted clinching the FA Cup against Cardiff was like a dream come true after suffering a difficult season off the field.

Redknapp was arrested earlier in the campaign as part of a police probe into alleged corruption but Kanu's winning goal yesterday gave the Portsmouth gaffer the perfect end-of-season tonic.

The victory gave Portsmouth their first FA Cup success since 1939 and booked them a place in next season's UEFA Cup.

Redknapp (right) said: "It's absolutely fantastic for everybody - my family, the players, it's great.

"It has been a difficult year off the field so to win the FA Cup is a dream come true.

"Cardiff played well and put us under pressure with balls in the box. But when we get in front we're difficult to break down and the defence were terrific."

Pompey skipper Sol Campbell also paid tribute to Cardiff but felt the quality of the Premiership side ultimately shone through.

He said: "We had our luck through the rounds but in the end the result was good.

"Cardiff played good football, they had chances but I think the quality came through in the end."

Cardiff boss Dave Jones was left to ponder what might have been but refused to focus on the mistake from keeper Peter Enckelman that led to the Portsmouth winner.

He said: "A slight error has cost us. We gave it everything we had and we have done everyone associated with the club proud.

"What we have done today is prove that maybe other teams can achieve what they thought was impossible.

"I'm proud of my players, my staff, the chairman, and especially the fans. They have been magnificent.

"There wasn't much in it, there's no-one to blame but it's hard to take."

When asked if reaching the final would spur City on to challenge for promotion to the Premiership, Jones said: "It has to. We've now got a brand new stadium, fantastic training facilities and if we don't move on from here we want shooting."