David Nugent managed to lob Speroni in the Palace goal via the turf tonight, no mean feat in itself, but the strike was justice in the long haul as Pompey managed to miss a hatful of chances once more, the 3 points all count though, however the goal may come!
Pompey made the one change again, predictable one again also, Lawrence was injured, so Hogg came straight back into the side.
Hogg was to show why he is valued in the centre in the first couple of minutes, crunching into a tackle, but injurying himself in the process, after treatment he was ok to continue.
If the Barnsley game was all huff and puff, the three points had given Pompey the chance to throw off the shackles a bit, Cotterill in particular was to the fore in all the early attacking moves, I’ve got to say it’s great to have an out and out winger in the side again.
Joel Ward was bombing forward whenever he could, volleying well wide, then getting clattered as he challenged Speroni for a high ball.
Gardner had the first chance for Palace, but he headed wide when well placed, then it was all Pompey.
On 20 odd minutes it should of been 1-0, Nugent harried Speroni and the ball broke to Cotterill, with the ‘keeper grounded though, a coller finish would of seen the ball nestle in the net rather rest amongst the Palace fans.
Pompey continued to push without really testing Speroni, Nugent lifted one cross over the heads of all gathered in the six yard box when a better effort would of again seen the dead lock broken.
Second half and the traffic continued to flow one way, Nugent heading over and Speroni again the only ‘keeper in any real action.
Halford had a blast at a free kick, it was straight enough but again Speroni deflected the ball away.
Just when it seemed Pompey were to endure another barren night in front of the Fratton fans, Halford launched in an exocet, Kitson glanced on and Nugent performed his up and over lob, lucky, but well deserved.
Palace had their one golden chance minutes later, McCarthy heading wide from Ambrose’s cross, the effort had all the wastefulness of some of Pompey’s offerings.
Vaughan who was the tormentor in chief at Selhurst, cut a frustrated figure, an early air shot had done little to bhoy him, a scuffle with Hreiedarsson was an ill choice, only one winner this time, Freedman decided to sub the on-loan Everton man much the the crowds delight.
So a double hat-trick, 3 points for the third tiome on the bounce, and another clean sheet, time for the laundry business I reckon!
Share this article
