Pompey did the exact opposite of what was expected of them today, they won!
All the talk in the tabloids is of meltdown Pompey, well the 11 who took the field this afternoon against a Rangers side (who were a bit below strength to be fair)certainly put up a fight.
The starman was our new loanee, winner of last years lead boot in France, Fredric Piquionne, 2 goals in any match is a good start, but to put a dampener on it, Bopp scored twice on his debut!
Pompey fielded a reasonably strong side considering recent departures, Kaboul was on the right side of defence, with Marc Wilson slotting in alongside Distin.
Rangers were the first to threaten, Belhadj was caught in possesion, but Boyd’s shot was blocked out and then Papac shot at James who saved easily.
Pompey were next up, Utaka going on a run and squaring to Mullins who came over all Quashie and aimed for the skies, literally.
Kranjcar was looking lively and had a couple of pokes fielded by McGregor.
On the half hour and Pompey broke the deadlock, Kaboul excelling in his right-back role once more, sent over a perfect cross for Piquionne to flick home with his head, a rare moment of happiness in a grim summer.
Wilson and Distin were looking like a fine pairing and thwarted whatever Rangers could muster.
6 minutes into the second half and Piquionne was at it again, he beat David Weir in the air then skinned McGregor and rolled into an empty net, Pompey were looking good. A hat-trick almost followed but our new hero made a hash of tucking in another cross and the chance went begging, this was to be his last contribution and he left the field to raptuous applause.
Pompey still pushed though, and Kaboul fired in another cross-shot which thundered into a post and away to safety.
Kranjcar cleared the bar with another effort, and that was about it as Pompey finally settled for pre-season cruise mode.
Player Ratings
James
Kaboul
Distin
Wilson
Belhadj
Mullins
Diop
Mokoena
Piquionne
Kranjcar
Utaka
Any bit of joy is welcomed at Fratton from whatever source, but in true Pompey style this has been dampened by news breaking out that the proposed takeover may well have collapsed, more on this as it un-folds…..