NOTTINGHAM FOREST manager Paul Hart turned up to the post-match press conference not in the best of moods, and gave waiting journalists an uncomfortable ride.

The former Leeds defender was incensed by the manner of his team's defeat last night as lucky Pompey scrambled to an unlikely win courtesy of a controversial late penalty.

"I felt we deserved to get something out of the game," said Hart. "I thought we should have won it."

The killer blow was a strange penalty decision given against Norwegian defender, Jon-Olav Hjelde nine minutes from time when he was adjudged to have held back striker Peter Crouch.

The 6ft 7in striker was trying an audacious overhead kick, completely miscued, and to the surprise of the Fratton crowd, Thatcham referee, Paul Armstrong awarded the penalty.

Up stepped Lee Bradbury with a cool finish to collect the goal and three valuable points which puts Pompey in ninth place and right in the thick of the play-off chase.

But the result could have been so different. Pompey and Forest traded goals within two minutes of each other early on - Hjelde diverting a Crouch header into his own net after nine minutes, but Nicky Summerbee replied with a header after goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi saved his first effort;

But then on the half hour, Forest won a penalty when Alessandro Zamperini was caught shirt-tugging Summerbee, the Pompey defender was booked, and Jermaine Jenas tucked away the spot kick.

But within two minutes, Forest should have had a second penalty after Zamperini slipped on the edge of his area, David Johnson nipped in and was felled - Zamperini should have been given a second yellow as well.

Yet referee Armstrong failed to spot the foul, and Pompey escaped. Had they been 3-1 down and with ten men, it could have been a completely different story.

As it was, Pompey rallied after the break, and Bradbury latched onto a deep Kevin Harper cross to head home.

A bitterly unhappy Hart said: "I am mystified by the last penalty award.

"The Portsmouth player attempted an overhead kick which failed and then fell over. I have seen players do that and been booked for dangerous play.

"I have not spoken to the referee about it because there is no point but it was an amazing decision."

Blues boss, Graham Rix praised the two-goal hero. He said: "I am very pleased for Lee Bradbury. He took his goals well."