Pompey slipped to consecutive defeats yesterday for the first time this season. Two down at the interval, sub Brett Pitman pulled one back but they lacked the teeth to threaten their hosts lead.
Jackett made three changes leaving out Dion Donohue, Pitman and Andre Green – who has returned to Villa and bringing back Lee Brown, David Wheeler and Andy Cannon. Jamal Lowe played as the front man. New arrival Bryn Morris had to be content with a place on the bench.
Pompey found themselves two down at the interval. Firstly Cameron Brannagan was allowed room to hit a twenty-five yard shot passed MacGillivray and on the stroke of half time, Jamie Mackie and James Henry were given an eternity in the box for the latter to fire home number two.
Jackett did change things on the hour sending on Pitman and Louis Dennis for Gareth Evans and David Wheeler and the two subs combined to allow Pitman to net with a superb overhead kick.
That gave Dennis an assist on his long overdue league debut but Pompey huffed and puffed and achieved nothing in the remaining thirty minutes.
With Luton thumping Peterborough the lead is now just one point.
Pompey (4-2-3-1): MacGillivray; Walkes, Whatmough, Clarke, Brown; Cannon (Donohue 76), Naylor; Wheeler (Pitman 59), Evans (c) (Dennis 59), Curtis; Lowe
Goals: Pitman 64
Booked: Lowe, Whatmough, Naylor
Subs not used: Bass, Burgess, Haunstrup, Morris
Referee: Christopher Sarginson
Attendance: 8,202 (1,803 Pompey fans)
PUP
