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James breaks cleansheets record in Villa stalemate
First Published: Apr 22, 2007
David James, pictured in 2006, broke the record for Premiership cleansheets with a superb display that helped Portsmouth earn a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa on Sunday.
David James broke the record for Premiership cleansheets with a superb display that helped Portsmouth earn a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa on Sunday.
Portsmouth keeper James now has 142 Premiership cleansheets, one ahead of David Seaman's previous record, but he had to work hard to remain unbeaten.
Villa dominated from start to finish, but could not find a way past the former England international, who had waited five matches to beat the record since his last cleansheet.
Portsmouth remain in the race for a UEFA Cup place thanks to James's heroics, while mid-table Villa extended their unbeaten run to six matches.
Former Villa keeper James, who admitted he had broken his promise not to shave until he got the record, said: "I'm very proud. It was a tough game and it's nice to keep a cleansheet at my old club.
"I'm pleased to get it out of the way because it's been a constant question. But I had to shave in between even though I said I wouldn't!"
James believes Portsmouth deserve a European place for their efforts and he added: "It would mean everything. We have spent most of the season in the top six.
"We had a bad run recently but we've turned it around and we're in a good position."
Craig Gardner, who had scored his first goal for the club last weekend, was close to giving Villa the lead after seven minutes.
John Carew held off Linvoy Primus and whipped in a low cross which Gardner poked goalwards, only for James to brilliantly block the shot.
James had to be alert again when Wilfred Bouma's cross threatened to dip over him, but the stopper stretched to keep it out.
Carew should have broken the deadlock when Gareth Barry flicked on Stilian Petrov's corner, but the Norway striker made a complete hash of his attempted volley.
Villa were responsible for most of what passed for goalmouth action in a drab first half. Patrick Berger tried his luck with a long-range strike that went over before James produced another good stop to keep out Gardner's low drive.
James was proving a formidable barrier and he repelled a fierce effort from Carew soon after half-time.
Portsmouth harbour ambitions of qualifying for Europe, but this moribund performance hardly made a convincing case. Harry Redknapp's team hardly had a shot on target and were fortunate to find James in top form.
Barry had one last chance to win it and keep James waiting for his record, but the England midfielder scuffed his shot wide
First Published: Apr 22, 2007
David James, pictured in 2006, broke the record for Premiership cleansheets with a superb display that helped Portsmouth earn a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa on Sunday.David James broke the record for Premiership cleansheets with a superb display that helped Portsmouth earn a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa on Sunday.
Portsmouth keeper James now has 142 Premiership cleansheets, one ahead of David Seaman's previous record, but he had to work hard to remain unbeaten.
Villa dominated from start to finish, but could not find a way past the former England international, who had waited five matches to beat the record since his last cleansheet.
Portsmouth remain in the race for a UEFA Cup place thanks to James's heroics, while mid-table Villa extended their unbeaten run to six matches.
Former Villa keeper James, who admitted he had broken his promise not to shave until he got the record, said: "I'm very proud. It was a tough game and it's nice to keep a cleansheet at my old club.
"I'm pleased to get it out of the way because it's been a constant question. But I had to shave in between even though I said I wouldn't!"
James believes Portsmouth deserve a European place for their efforts and he added: "It would mean everything. We have spent most of the season in the top six.
"We had a bad run recently but we've turned it around and we're in a good position."
Craig Gardner, who had scored his first goal for the club last weekend, was close to giving Villa the lead after seven minutes.
John Carew held off Linvoy Primus and whipped in a low cross which Gardner poked goalwards, only for James to brilliantly block the shot.
James had to be alert again when Wilfred Bouma's cross threatened to dip over him, but the stopper stretched to keep it out.
Carew should have broken the deadlock when Gareth Barry flicked on Stilian Petrov's corner, but the Norway striker made a complete hash of his attempted volley.
Villa were responsible for most of what passed for goalmouth action in a drab first half. Patrick Berger tried his luck with a long-range strike that went over before James produced another good stop to keep out Gardner's low drive.
James was proving a formidable barrier and he repelled a fierce effort from Carew soon after half-time.
Portsmouth harbour ambitions of qualifying for Europe, but this moribund performance hardly made a convincing case. Harry Redknapp's team hardly had a shot on target and were fortunate to find James in top form.
Barry had one last chance to win it and keep James waiting for his record, but the England midfielder scuffed his shot wide
Paul Marin -19 is one thing, 20 is a whole other matter. It gets even worse if they win the UCL. *groan*. 
05/18/2011.MU fans naah cough, but all a unuh a vomit?-Lazie 1/11/2015
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