Pompey didn’t score against Bristol, but came mighty close! Another clean sheet shows the defence is going in the right direction, also a 6 minute cameo from Erik the Viking had the Pompey fans wanting more.
Cotterill sprang one surprise of sorts, Kanu starting a 3rd consecutive on the trot, seemed a bit strang to then say after the game to say Pompey couldn’t keep up the tempo after 3 games in a week!
The first half was almost a non-event, chances were at a premium and neither ‘keeper really tested to the limit.
The main talking point of the first half was probably the ko of Luke Varney, fans have seen his willingness to go in for an aerial challenge, this time he came worse off and spark out for a few moments, all was good however and he was free to carry on.
Halford dragged a shot well wide for Pompey in the first half, Kilkenny looking most likely for the hosts, Ashdown smothering one effort and another sailed over the crossbar.
Second half and Pompey were a lot more enterprising, Varney and Kanu linked to play in Kitson, his shot however took a deflection and went wide.
Lawrence was next to offer, Halford’s blocked free-kick was floated back in and landed right on the captain’s noggin, he could only find the hands of Gerkin in the Bristol goal.
Kilkenny did find the net with a “headed” effort, his Dixie Dean challenge was ruled out however.
Varney was to come the closest all afternoon, from the edge of the area he moved the ball onto his right foot and curled in a 25 yarder that crashed away off the upright with Gerkin well beaten.
Kitson had a turn and shot go over and the Erik came on to see how he could link with Benjani, he floated one lovely ball over and the flying Benji was inches away from connecting, no winner there though.
So 2 played away and 2 undefeated, not too bad a start on the road, Erik gave the fans hope of something still to come and Benjani got another run out in his quaest for full fitness.
Pompey now have a week on the training ground to further integrate their new recruits, what next against Cardiff?
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