Pompey Tie is For the Fans, says Martinez

Swansea City boss Roberto Martinez has said the FA Cup Fourth Round game at Portsmouth is one for the fans to enjoy.

After missing out on a trip to Anfield last season afterlosing out to non-league opposition, Martinez ensured there was no chance of history repeating itself at Histon.

Goals from Gorka Pintado and Guillem Bauza gave the Swans a comfortable 2-1 win, and set up a mouth watering clash with current cup holders Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

And the Spaniard said that the tie is no more than the Jack Army deserve. Speaking to the Evening Post, Martinez said:

‘We have waited a long time for a glamorous cup tie and they (the fans) deserve that.’

‘If we can go and play our football and dominate the game I will be delighted. But more than anything this game is for the fans.’

‘The players wanted to give them that and I think that showed in their performance against Histon.’

‘We have had so many games where we have been the team with everything to lose, so it’s going to be special going to test ourselves against a Premier League side who are playing in the Uefa Cup this season.’

‘I am not going to say we can beat them, but I would love it if we can go be ourselves at a very difficult place.’

Based on this season’s track record the Swans are more than capable of being themselves in a testing environment. And with Tony Adams under pressure Swansea could well succeed where Cardiff failed in last season’s final.