Match Reports

Pompey crash again

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It’s official, Pompey are riding the crest of a wave….on a turd.

Pompey got turned over once again, but it can not be put down to lack of effort, we knocked on the Everton door, but were denied access, both by Howard and a horrible cow called Lady luck.
If Pompey are to drop after 7 great years in the Premiership, I think I can pinpoint the moment it will be in the 51st minute of Today’s game, Ben Haim powerfully met a cross from O’Hara and the ball hit Howard’s shoulder and flew to safety, when your luck is out, it is out, and Pompey’s is on holiday in Tenerife right now.

Hart sprung a surprise by opting for Dindane in place of Piquionne who never even made the bench. Belhadj paid the price for one error too many, dropping to the benck in place of Ben Haim who moved over to be replaced in turn by Wilson.

As per usual Pompey started promisingly enough, we pushed forward and Dindane was looking like the quality we have been missing, twisting and turning and proving a handful, not unlike a forward of old who was sat on Everton’s bench.
Everton were relying on breakaways and free-kicks, it was from one such breakaway that James saved well from a Cahill volley.

Pompey’s chance of the half fell to Dindane, Smith played him in, and he struck his shot only for Howard to block brilliantly out for a corner, so close, but banana denied.

As half time approached, Pompey’s script writer pulled out last weeks effort again, Kaboul missed a header, Saha’s first touch was superb and the finish clinical, all Pompey and one down.

Pompey started the second period shakily, the goal obviously knocking them off their stride, but Ben haim had his chance, Howard stood firm and a gloden chance was gone.
Pienaar got the crowd fired up next, his leg came off worse with Mokoena’s head and he lay having treatment, as he went off to return again, he immeadiately collapsed agin for more treatment, much to the ire of the Fratton faithful. Fellaini relieved Pompey’s pressure by almost making it two, he met a cross well enough with his head, but James saved with an out stretched foot.

Pompey screamed for a penalty as both Smith and Boateng were felled in the area, but we don’t seem to get those.

Straight after Smith headed a O’Hara center back across goal and Mokoena met it, this time the bar denied us and another chance passed.
Smith then shot from the edge of the area, it flew up off of Yobo and he followed it up with a volley that went narrowly over.
Pompey were pressing for the equaliser but it was not to come, Yebeda met another cross, and this time Baines hacked his effort off the line, Everton parked a bus in front of the goal, and Pompey had no key.

Player Ratings

James
One great reflex save with his foot from a Fellaini header

Vanden Borre
Looking better, especially when he breaks from defence.

Kaboul
Been player of the season so far, but goal lies at his door.

Wilson
Slotted in well, could make the place his own.

Ben Haim
Looked a lot more comfortable in a full back position, even if he is right footed.

Mokoena
Not doing it for me, he seems the weakest of our midfield diamond, most of the crowd seem to agree.

Boateng
Looks a great signing, he seems involved in anything good.

O’Hara
Here to play football, and certainly doing his damndest.

Brown
Plenty of effort, caught in possesion a couple of times, but always ssemed to win it back.

Smith
Very industrious, can’t fault his attitude.

Dindane
A real handful, if he can go on a run who knows?

Manager Rating
He may not of been fired yet, but he can surely feel the nuzzle and smell the gun metal.
I feel sorry for the big man I really do, but he seems to have no luck about him at all.

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