Leeds coming to Fratton was always going to be a tough game, although it was a game that was winnable and one that we could have done with winning.
Had it not been for a ‘nailed-on’ penalty being denied us in the 1st half perhaps we would have?
Appy thought it was ‘blatant’ before seeing replays, these just confirmed it: ‘I felt it was a blatant penalty and looking back at it told me what I thought was right.’
Overall though he was happy with what he saw from his side and thought we were worthy of a win – although a draw is what we got and getting ready for the games ahead is now essential: ‘the attitude was right and we deserved to be ahead at half-time.
‘Apart from a three or four minute spell in the second-half I thought we were reasonably comfortable.
‘But we’ve got to move on quickly now.
‘Next week is the start of eight crucial games in a month. There’s a lot of points to play for.’
You could argue that the clearer-cut chances feel to Leeds but I do agree that apart from a short spell at the start of the 2nd half we were more than a match for the visitors, although our problem once again was creating a final product…
The penalty was without a shadow of a doubt a penalty, I honestly do not think I have seen a more blatant handball than that – for neither the referee, or the linesman, to give this was shocking, truly shocking!
That said we got a let off of our own in the 2nd half as Leeds had a goal disallowed. This disallowed goal was right although it was the shot before this that we got fortunate with. From where I sat this was clearly over the line before it bounced out to be followed up.
Swings and roundabout I guess.
Although had we got the penalty we should have first maybe things would have been totally different, assuming we had scored it of course…
Yep the game was winnable, and we could have won it although a point would not have been a point we would have refused before the game really would we?
The problem is this good point is tainted by all the other results today, the vast majority of which went against us that now leave us 5pts adrift of safety!
Boro most definitely does start a run of ‘crucial games’ that we need some serious points from…
PLAY UP POMPEY!
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