Pompey had to work hard but given the chances we had a victory at the Valley was probably warranted against Charlton on Saturday.
Well, Kenny Jackett, stopping short of saying as much, feels Pompey showed the right character and did enough going forward, whilst defending resiliently too, to deserve the 1-0 win.
As it happens, such a scoreline was seen when the Blues played Charlton at the Valley in their first game back in their South London home 25 years earlier, 5th December 1992, the winners on that occasion being the Addicks though.
The boss was quoted by the News post-mathc as saying: ‘It was a big occasion and a terrific atmosphere between two well-supported clubs. With the squad they have and the players coming back it makes them a real force in this division. They had two starters from the Checkatrade Trophy game against us, so it shows the depth of their squad.’
Charlton goalkeeper Ben Amos had a good game, denying Gareth Evans and then brilliantly saving Brett Pitman’s penalty – coming after Josh Magennis’ own goal put Pompey ahead. However, the Blues needed a fine save from Luke McGee late on to keep out former Saints forward Leon Best’s header.
Jackett added: ‘It was a big day for them so we knew we had to work very hard to negate the positivity in the stadium. It was the same after the penalty save but we dealt with the pressure very well.’
We’ll take this all day long; we now have a free week where Jackett will hope to get a couple more back off the treatment table in time for the visit of Bury to Fratton Park on Saturday.
PLAY UP POMPEY
Follow @VitalPortsmouth.
2017-18 Prediction League – December
Bury (h) Saturday 16th December 2017 – click here.
Shrewsbury (a) Saturday 23rd December 2017 – click here.
Wimbledon (h) Tuesday 26th December 2017 – click here.
Northampton (h) Saturday 30th December 2017 – click here.
