WHEN it comes to Saints and 1976, there is one moment that stands out above them all – the FA Cup final victory.

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Read the interview with Mick Channon inside today's Daily Echo.

But that vintage year is also remembered fondly for another very special reason, as it marks the last occasion the club won a league match at Fratton Park.

It was April 1976 when Mick Channon struck a dramatic 89th minute winner in a 1-0 victory for Lawrie McMenemy’s super Saints.

The victory, courtesy of the Dell legend’s “low shot that hit the post and crept in”, came just three days after the team had booked their FA Cup final place.

They were even able to defeat their foes without the services of Jim McCalliog, Peter Osgood and Jim Steele, who were dropped after celebrating the defeat of Crystal Palace in the semis a little too heavily.

Channon, who had a brief spell with Pompey towards the end of his career, would love a repeat result when the teams clash this Sunday.

But he believes a point will be a good result for Nigel Adkins’ men against a Pompey side that are in good form on home soil.

“It’s a tough one, isn’t it?” he said.

“We have had a sticky spot, and they had a good result at the weekend (winning 1-0 at Burnley). They’re very capable and it’s at Fratton, so it will be a tough one.

“You would take a point at the moment and move on.

“They look to have players with a bit of ability, so it could be a tricky one.”

Channon enjoyed a 100 per cent record in the three games he played for Saints against Pompey.

That included a hat-trick in a 4-0 win at the Dell earlier in the 1975/76 season.

Although he never allowed them the pleasure, Channon is well aware of just how desperate the Pompey supporters are to taste victory against Saints.

“We are always going to be scummers, that ain’t going to change,” said Channon, laughing, as he described the intensity of the rivalry.

“But I also played for them late on in my career, so I know the passion involved with the two clubs.

“They don’t get on, but it’s good to have someone you desperately want to beat.

“There’s always some people who take it over the top, but overall it’s a healthy thing.”

Channon added: “It means so much to the fans – it’s more about them.

“As a footballer, you just tend to get on with your job.”

Sunday’s game will be the first time any of the current Saints players have featured in a south coast derby at Fratton Park.

Channon said they can expect a hostile reception, but he is confident Adkins’ men won’t let the occasion get the better of them.

“It will be quite unique, they’re very passionate the Pompey boys,” he said.

“But, listen, they’re playing big games all the time, because they’re doing so well, and this is another one, so they have just got to get on with it.”

Read more build-up to Saints big clash with Pompey in today's Daily Echo