Defoe keeps Pompey on course

Jermain Defoe's controversial 70th-minute penalty condemned Sunderland to yet another away defeat and kept Portsmouth on course for Europe.

Defoe scored on his debut against Chelsea three weeks ago and had the home fans toasting his name again after referee Phil Dowd decided Niko Kranjcar's fall over Phil Bardsley's foot constituted a spot-kick.

The 1-0 defeat was Sunderland's 10th successive away loss in the Barclays Premier League - an unwanted club record.

Dickson Etuhu could easily have added to his first Sunderland goal two weeks ago in the opening minutes, but he failed to anticipate a free-kick by the returning Grant Leadbitter.

Soon afterwards, team-mate Bardsley had to go off for treatment after colliding with goalkeeper Craig Gordon in his own area.

Defoe finally tested Gordon with a leaping half-volley to connect with Muntari's cross in the 51st minute.

Sunderland looked set to secure a point, but just when Pompey looked like running out of ideas, Kranjcar cut in from the left on his right foot and fell over the luckless Bardsley's outstretched boot.

Dowd, perfectly placed, pointed emphatically to the spot.

Defoe stepped up to score his second goal in successive home games, drilling in from the spot with Gordon diving the wrong way.

Defoe could have added two more before the end, going close with right-foot shots, one of which he claimed hit a hand.