The Blues dominated the majority of the game but were unable to expand the lead given to them by their old team-mate whilst Luke Varney missed the chance to cause an upset.Andre Villas-Boas recorded his first win as Chelsea boss at Fratton Park against Portsmouth, courtesy of an own goal from former Blue Tal Ben Haim.
The visitors began the game with a mix of youth and experience, with Billy Clifford and Tomas Kalas both in the starting line-up.
A frantic start at Fratton Park saw both teams come close in the opening five minutes, with Florent Malouda and Dave Kitson both squandering chances.
The deadlock was soon broken however, as Chelsea old boy Ben Haim handed his old side the lead after he planted his header past Portsmouth goalkeeper Stephen Henderson in the seventh minute.
Chelsea continued to assert their dominance yet never really looked like extending their lead, with young midfielder Billy Clifford perhaps a bit too eager to impress as he wasted some good chances, and Fernando Torres also failing to work the Portsmouth goalkeeper with a back-post header.
Daniel Sturridge was handed an opportunity to play alongside Torres in place of Didier Drogba, and he almost showed new boss Villas Boas just what he can do as his free-kick had Stephen Henderson at full stretch.
Chelsea goalkeeper Ross Turnbull had been untested, but caused panic in the backline on the stroke of half time, as he rushed to the edge of his box, but eventually made amends with a fine save from Portsmouth new boy Luke Varney.
Villas Boas rang the changes at the break, with Lampard, Drogba and Anelka all being introduced for the second 45 minutes.
Chelsea had complete control in the early stages of the second half, until the 62nd minute when Hilario made a rash challenge in the box on Luke Varney. The former Blackpool man made the most of the challenge but a penalty was awarded and the Chelsea 'keeper received a yellow card for the foul.
Varney brushed himself off to take the penalty himself but justice was done as Hilario sprawled to his left hand side to deny him an equaliser and ensure victory for the visitors.
The visitors began the game with a mix of youth and experience, with Billy Clifford and Tomas Kalas both in the starting line-up.
A frantic start at Fratton Park saw both teams come close in the opening five minutes, with Florent Malouda and Dave Kitson both squandering chances.
The deadlock was soon broken however, as Chelsea old boy Ben Haim handed his old side the lead after he planted his header past Portsmouth goalkeeper Stephen Henderson in the seventh minute.
Chelsea continued to assert their dominance yet never really looked like extending their lead, with young midfielder Billy Clifford perhaps a bit too eager to impress as he wasted some good chances, and Fernando Torres also failing to work the Portsmouth goalkeeper with a back-post header.
Chelsea goalkeeper Ross Turnbull had been untested, but caused panic in the backline on the stroke of half time, as he rushed to the edge of his box, but eventually made amends with a fine save from Portsmouth new boy Luke Varney.
Villas Boas rang the changes at the break, with Lampard, Drogba and Anelka all being introduced for the second 45 minutes.
Chelsea had complete control in the early stages of the second half, until the 62nd minute when Hilario made a rash challenge in the box on Luke Varney. The former Blackpool man made the most of the challenge but a penalty was awarded and the Chelsea 'keeper received a yellow card for the foul.
Varney brushed himself off to take the penalty himself but justice was done as Hilario sprawled to his left hand side to deny him an equaliser and ensure victory for the visitors.
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