Match Reports

Flat Pompey Seen Off By Blackpool

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Pompey 0 Blackpool 1

Pompey slipped up yesterday afternoon when a flat performance allowed an average Blackpool side to leave Fratton Park with the three points.

Kenny decided to replace the now departed Ben Thompson with Andre Green, allowing Gareth Evans to play alongside Tom Naylor.

This was a game which is very difficult to report as there was very little to write about. The first half was instantly forgettable and the second period was little better. Pompey simply missed Oli Hawkins against a powerful defence. Pompey’s attacking game is centred round Oli winning the ball and bringing Curtis and Lowe into the game. Bret Pitman worked but could only flick balls on and the wingers were starved of the ball and well shepherded by the Blackpool full backs.

Green only flitted in and out of the match and the regular full backs Nathan Thompson and Lee Brown were missed for their work going forward. Ben Thompson’s non-stop running was not replaced by Evans who tried hard but could make much of an impression of a resolute Seasiders backline – interestingly Ben was an unused sub for Millwall when they lost to Blackburn last evening.

The first change in the game involved referee Kevin Johnson who after consulting both team captains limped off to be replaced by 4th official Graham Kane ten minutes after the break – sadly some around me thought Kane was not a proper referee. One question to the Fratton End is when Johnson limped off why did you not break into ‘you’re not fit to referee?’

Pompey only managed two shots on target and they both came after Long had put the visitors in front after 75 minutes. Pitman headed straight at the keeper and Clarke who finished the game playing up front had an effort turned aside.

Andy Cannon looked lively when he came on for Green on 64 minutes and it another Jackett find. Unsure yet where he will fit into the side though.

Was it a bad day at the office, a sign of tiredness or the need for new signings? That is for Kenny to resolve. The only saving grace was the fact that Sunderland and Luton drew 1-1 at the Stadium of Light and both had a player sent off too.

Pompey (4-2-3-1): MacGillivray; Walkes, Whatmough, Clarke, Donohue; Evans (Wheeler 75), Naylor; Lowe, Green (Cannon 64), Curtis; Pitman (c)
Subs not used: Bass, Burgess, Haunstrup, May, Dennis
Referee: Kevin Johnson (Graham Kane 55)

Attendance: 18,403 (247 away fans)

PUP

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'Sunday Chimes Editor'