Portsmouth continue to struggle on the pitch as they went down 2-0 to an impressive Coventry side.
Eastwood at the double to sink poor Pompey
Crisis-club Portsmouth continue to struggle on the pitch as they went down 2-0 to an impressive Coventry side which was spearheaded by the inspirational Freddy Eastwood.
A goal in each half from Eastwood saw the Sky Blues take all three points to get Aidy Boothroyd's reign at the Ricoh Arena off to the best possible start - which is in stark contrast to Pompey's promotion prospects.
The cash-strapped club saw their immediate future saved on Thursday after a challenge to their Company Voluntary Agreement by HM Revenue & Customs was dismissed by the High Court.
The ruling left the South Coast club free to fight another day as their administrators look to manage their existing debt and find new owners.
But they suffered at the hands of the Sky Blues - with Eastwood's first coming just four minutes into the match - to ensure they started the 2010/11 campaign with defeat.
Substitutes
The task faced by new Pompey boss Steve Cotterill was evident from the outset with his inability to send out a complete matchday 18, naming just four substitutes instead of the allocated seven.
Boothroyd handed debuts to summer signings Lee Carsley, Gary McSheffrey, Richard Keogh and Lukas Jutkiewicz while youngster Nathan Cameron was handed a surprise league debut in defence.
But it was Eastwood - signed from Wolves in 2008 - who handed Coventry a dream start and ensured Portsmouth's woes would not just be consigned to off-the-field matters.
McSheffrey saw his deep corner headed back across by fellow new boy Carsley and Eastwood was on hand to fire through the legs of keeper Jamie Ashdown, who could well have done better with the tame effort.
Interception
The hosts started the second half on the front foot and, after a quick break within seconds of the restart, McSheffrey saw his goalbound effort diverted wide by a well-timed interception from Hayden Mullins.
City, with Carsley using all his experience to marshal the midfield, were showing plenty of confidence and sealed all three points in the 70th minute courtesy of Eastwood's second.
David Bell sent over a cross from the right flank and the former Wales international was on hand to head into the top corner.
Portsmouth finished strongly and Marc Wilson saw his free-kick hit a post in injury time, but it was not to be their day.
