Utaka scores on New Year’s Day - Mikel, Kanu, Aiyegbeni also victorious

02.01.2008

Michael Essien struggles for ball possession with a
Fulham player during Tuesday’s Premier League
match at Craven Cottage. Chelsea won 2 - 1

IT was a bright New Year Day for Nigerian striker John Utaka on Tuesday as he scored Portsmouth’s second goal in a 2-0 drubbing of home team, Reading in a Barclays English Premiership game.

Veteran Sol Campbell opened scoring in the 8th minute while Utaka’s assurance goal sealed victory for the visitors.

Portsmouth had ensured a five-game winless run before Campbell’s brave left foot effort and Utaka’s 62nd minute strike ensured that Pompey break their losing jinx.

However, Senegal’s Ibrahim Sonko, a possible campaigner at Ghana 2008 African Cup of Nations saw red in the match, forcing Reading to finish with ten men.

Mikel Obi and his Chelsea team-mates also began the New Year on a good note when the Blues defeated Fulham 2-1 at their Craven Cottage home ground.

Yakubu Aiyegbeni also celebrated the New Year in a big way when his team, Everton, secured a 2-0 victory over home side Middlesbrough.