Scunthorpe United 2 Pompey 0
Pompey despite having the majority of the possession slipped to defeat in North Lincolnshire yesterday afternoon. After a poor first half which left them 2-0 they improved after the break but were unable to break down their hosts defence. Scunny have conceded just three goal all season!
Kenny made two changes one enforced with Dion Donohue at left back and Ollie Hawkins replacing Conor Chaplin up front. Scunthorpe are a real handful on their own patch and a woeful start and with goals from Lee Novak and Duane Holmes giving the hosts a more than useful lead.
After the break Pompey had chances but the home defence gave them little chance of testing keeper Gilks. To add to the Blues problems Matt Clarke ended with a bandaged head making it three with head wounds – along with Pitman and Hawkins.
Two home games now this week with four points a minimum return to get the season back on track.
Pompey (4-2-3-1): McGee; Thompson, Burgess, Clarke, Donohue; O`Keefe, Close; Lowe, Pitman (c), Kennedy (Naismith 73); Hawkins (Chaplin 68)
Subs not used: Bass, Talbot, Haunstrup, May, Evans
Referee: Anthony Backhouse
Attendance: 4,685
Been around too long
During the week, I was reminded that it has been ten years since I first started writing on Vital Pompey. The initial series was started by you the readers and VP members who asked me questions on Pompey history. Rug who had just taken over as Editor entitled the series Challenge Dave`. The first was my attempt to trace the history off Pompey`s record signing over the years from 1898 to 2007. In fact it had to be split into two parts due to the length and certainly it due a response which encouraged me to keep going. There were twenty four comments made by readers and most of those I have met over the years or have become FB friends. These days comments seem something that you the reader don`t make any more but believe me they are very welcome.
So much has happened over those ten years with the FA Cup win, playing in Europe, countless administrations and winning League Two.
If you want to back and have a look at that article you can read it here.
Trust AGM
Sadly, I missed the PST AGM on Thursday but I must thank Ashley Brown for all his efforts over the years in what has been a very difficult period. When I have run into him out and about in the city Ashley always found time to talk to fans, a number of who were only too keen to criticise the efforts of the board. A thankless task and very special thanks to Ash for his role over the years for turning what I played a very small part in starting into reality and saving our great club.
I believe Ashley intends to remain Chair of Supporters Direct a body that advises fans groups across the country.
NKOTB
During the week Kenny completed the make-up of his back room team decimated when Cookie left for pastures new.
Bobby Becic joined as Head Physiotherapist to lead a new-look medical department. Along with First Team Physio Jack Hughes, Head of Sports Science Jeff Lewis and Sports Therapist Steven Robinson.
Meanwhile, Ben Spong and Will Harlow-Triggs have been appointed as Academy Strength & Conditioning Coach and Academy Physiotherapist respectively.
Another new arrival at Fratton Park is Phil Boardman, who has joined the club as Head of Recruitment after leaving Wolves.
I will look at the now staff in detail when I get the chance.
Next week
Bristol Rovers come to town on Tuesday evening for the first floodlit league game at Fratton Park this season. curiously the only other midweek home game is against the other Rovers , Blackburn in February.
Pompey have a 53% win rate against the Gas heads who have only twice at Fratton Park in 1960 and 1975. Pompey have won the last eight at home in all competitions.
On Saturday, it is Oldham`s turn to visit god`s green acre. They come with a poor record this season having conceived 23 goals in 9 nine matches with at least 2 in every game! Pompey`s record with the Latics is somewhat worse that Rovers with only a 29% win rate.
The last Pompey player to score a winner against Oldham was Paul Hall twenty years ago.
PUP
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