A poor start to 2018 continued on Saturday when Pompey drew with Doncaster – at least salvaged a draw though having twice been behind at Fratton Park.
It couldn’t have been a worse start as James Coppinger beat the returning Stephen Henderson within minutes. The second debutant – also signed earlier in the week – Anton Walkes did get Pompey level fifteen minutes later though.
Pompey, by all accounts, I wasn’t able to follow the game as I was working, were dominating the game but this didn’t prevent Doncaster from restoring the lead in the second half when former Blues forward John Marquis headed past Henderson.
Brett Pitman was the saviour for Pompey, netting his 14th of the season in the final 10 minutes. However, we had to hold on in the end as injury forced off Henderson, leading to Kal Naismith going in goal as all three subs had been used – Christian Burgess was then sent off in added time.
The part the Fratton faithful played on the afternoon was praised by Kenny Jackett.
He was quoted by the News: ‘The fans were excellent at the end and really drove the players on.
As for the game, Jackett was ‘slightly frustrated’ and was left in little doubt the goals given away were poor.
Jackett added: ‘The players did well to keep the majority of the ball away from Naismith. They ran their hearts out, so I’m really pleased with them from that situation. But up to then there was a winning situation for us, so I’m slightly frustrated. They are poor goals that we’re giving away and the final ball at times wasn’t there. So that is disappointing from a game we had as much control of as any for a while.’
Thankfully Pitman was able to rescue us a point, but we’ve got to start collecting wins soon as the form in recent weeks has been poor, with the performances not too great at times too.
A setback to Henderson, you still have to question if he was actually needed, further adds to the miserable luck we’ve had with injuries this season, which has seen so many of those brought in struck down.
PLAY UP POMPEY
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2017-18 Prediction League – February
MK Dons (a) Saturday 10th February 2018 – click here.
Blackburn (h) Tuesday 13th February 2018 – click here.
Southend (a) Saturday 17th February 2018 – click here.
Fleetwood (a) Tuesday 20th February 2018 – click here.
Blackpool (h) Saturday 24th February 2018 – click here.
