It was the same old story at Glanford Park on Saturday as defensive errors and failure to take a great chance proved Pompey’s undoing against Scunthorpe.
A first half double – sandwiched between that miss – saw the Iron to a 2-0 win.
Having already hit the woodwork Lee Novak put Scunthorpe into an early lead. Oliver Hawkins had a great chance to draw Pompey level from a Jamal Lowe cross, with half an hour played, but the forward headed wide of the target.
The Blues, despite plenty of possession and a decent amount of attempts at goal, were made to pay for that miss when Duane Holmes was quickest to react as he volleyed in the second a few minutes later.
I wasn’t at the game but by all account it wasn’t ever a lead the home side looked like losing and cruised to another win at Glanford Park, where they have now kept five clean sheets from six League One games.
Kenny Jackett, which seems something of a reoccurring theme again said Pompey have been taught things we need to learn about – and quickly. The problem is we do not seem to be doing this.
A failure to capitalise when on top was also crucial.
‘We have to learn – and learn quickly. They were ruthless in their football and look adjusted to this division. They made very few mistakes and their knowledge of each other was high. They are things we have to learn from,’ Jackett was quoted by the News.
Adding: ‘It was a key period around 35 minutes when we went head-to-head and there were key chances. But through mistakes from ourselves they got in front, and despite having all the ball we didn’t look like getting it back.’
We’re back in action again on Tuesday when Bristol Rovers start a Fratton Park double header when many would be looking to collect all six points from the Pirates and Oldham to follow… well, at least four.
PLAY UP POMPEY
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2017-18 Prediction League – September
Bristol Rovers (h) – Tuesday 26th September 2017 – click here.
Oldham (h) – Saturday 30th September 2017 – click here.
