Carr: We deserved to take all three points.

Byline: Andy Walker 

STAND-IN skipper Stephen Carr today insisted that Blues' lastgasp winner against Portsmouth was just reward for their energy-sapping performance.

Injury-hit Blues got off to winning ways on home soil last night with a 1-0 victory over Pompey.

The match looked on course to end goalless until James McFadden slotted home an injurytime penalty, after Seb Larsson had been bundled over by David James.

Carr, who was named captain after a formation change saw Lee Carsley drop to the bench, admitted that last weekend's encouraging performance at Old Trafford had taken its toll.

Despite being disappointed with the lack of goalscoring opportunities created, the experienced right-back was delighted to see Blues dig deep to secure their first win of the season.

"It didn't look like it was ever going to come," said Carr, who put in yet another sterling perform-ance. "It was a great result and a nice penalty by Faddy, that's what happens when you keep plugging away.

"You get that little bit of luck sometimes and we got it last night.

"I think it was deserved for our efforts."