Pompey ended 2011 on a decent note with a point at Leicester this afternoon.
Marko Futacs marked his first start with a goal to give Pompey the lead but David Nugent denied us victory again, as he had in the reverse at Fratton.
It was intereting to listen to match commentary, Don Goodman was very complimentery to Pompey’s display, as was Gary McAllister, Pompey were the better side for long periods, although perhaps a bit lucky with the late Leicester penalty shout!
Pompey went into the first half not afraid to attack, Kitson was enjoying having someone to share the workload up front, Futacs putting himself about well.
The first 20 minutes were as much of a stalemate as you could get, neither ‘keeper had much action, then Pompey struck.
Norris crossed from the left, Futacs got his little bit of luck when the ball dropped nicely, the rest though was quality, we have heard about the power in his left boot, it was his right though that kicked the pigskin off the ball and into the net.
The lead lasted little more than 4 minutes, a free-kick was placed right onto Nugent’s forehead, Halford was at fault in his positioning and parity was restored.
Pompey almost regained the lead once more, a deep Joel Ward cross was misjudged by Schmeichel, Halford nodding against the post.
Lawrence then caught out the young ‘keeper again, nodding over him only for the ball to be scrambled away before Futacs could get to it.
Joel Ward was next to try his luck, shifting the ball onto his right foot and driving for the corner of the goal, this time Schmeichel got his angles right.
As the half closed out, Pompey were grateful for Henderson, Abe had a blast that he parried, then he smothered Wellens follow up.
Pompey started the second half in the same vein, Lawrence warmed the gloves once more, then Norris fired wide.
The second half had a flurry of bookings though to ruin the day, Ward and Halford both picking up 5th yellow cards to put them out of tomorrows game against Watford.
Pompey had a great 20 minute period where the played keep ball and Leicester chased shadows, the home crowd were getting anxious and nervy.
As the game drew to a close, Pompey decided a point was enough and dropped deeper, this almost cost them though as Beckford went down under a challenge from Mattock, another day it would of been a spot-kick.
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