Match Reports

Promising signs

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The new regime kicked off at Fratton, and the signs are positive, Pompey gave a very good account of themselves this afternoon, I feel it was only a slight lack of fitness that cost them in the end, Bournemouth had a good pre-season to fall back on, Pompey of course only started to be formed on wednesday!

There was a debut for Pompey today, in fact by the end of the match there had been 12, such is the infancy of the newly assembled squad.

One thing is for sure though, there are enough new faces for new heroes to formed, whether it was the cavalier runs of Dumbuya, the wing play of Compton or the rock solid defence of Long that took your fancy, the signs were there, and after the close season, we know that these players want to be here!

Pompey opened the game as bright as the weather, you wouldn’t of thought the players were strangers just a few weeks ago, the football was fluent and composed, Jon Harley shining early on, and Connolly sent a header narrowly over from a corner.

Bournemouth were on the back foot but very nearly took the lead, a Pompey attack broke down and counter was swift, Pugh played in Thomas and his shot cannoned back off the post to safety.

Pompey’s luck seemed further in moments later, McLeod hit a speculative shot from distance, Jalal looked to field it but the ball squirmed through his legs and into a grateful Fratton end, the big crowd erupting in appreciation.

Compton saw a well struck shot held, then Rodgers’ lunge could not quite connect with Dumbuya’s lovely cross.

Bournemouth still threatened on the break though, Thomas heading over when well placed.

Jalal nearly gifted another, he spilled another routine shot but this time McLeod could only blaze over the bar when he really should of doubled the advantage.

Half-time came with Pompey flying, the fans had plenty to talk about at the interval, a nice change from finance!

Pompey had a couple of good chances quickly in the new half, McLeod had them both, shooting tamely and then collecting a lovely lobbed pass from Rodgers he could only fail in trying to lift the ball over the on rushing Jalal.

The fluency was waining in this half though, Bournemouth were getting more than a footing in the game now, Pompey’s lack of pre-season was starting to show, Grabban should of scored after Andersen’s parry fell to him, he though passed the ball over the net and not into it.

The pressure was building though Andersen pulling off a fine save from a deflected shot before Barnard headed home completely unmarked.

Pompey were looking tired but sub Ashley Harris nearly won it in the last moments, he collected a pass, shifted the ball and smashed a shot against the inside of the post with Jalal well beaten.

The whistle blew and Pompey had a first point, it is likely to be the first of a 10 point deficit soon, but it was also a point that had the fans delighted with the effort and enterprise.

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Easy on the eye