Plymouth Argyle 1 Pompey 1
Pompey lost more ground when although they battled well to pick up a valuable point in Devon, Luton and Barnsley both had comfortable wins.
Kenny Jackett fielded the predictable side with Omar Bogle leading the line and Bryn Morris taking the suspended Tom Naylor’s place in midfield.
The first half was devoid of chances until Matt Clarke had a header comfortably saved right on the half-time whistle.
The second half was a livelier affair with both sides exchanging chances until Ronan Curtis cut inside and had his effort tipped over. From the corner, the ball dropped to Ben Close who rifled his shot home. After the game then swung back and forth and Bogle limped off with cramp on 67 minutes to be replaced by Oli Hawkins.
Argyle got their equaliser with twenty minutes left when Carey bent a twenty-five-yard free kick past Craig MacGillivray.
Both teams then tried for a winner with the home team probably having the better chances but the game ended all square.
Pompey now have a week off to rest their weary limbs before the Saturday lunchtime visit to Southend on Sky Sports.
Pompey (4-2-3-1): MacGillivray; Thompson, Burgess, Clarke, Brown; Morris, Close; Lowe, Evans (c), Curtis; Bogle (Hawkins 67)
Goals: Close 56
Booked: Evans, Thompson, Curtis
Subs not used:Bass, Walkes, Haunstrup, May, Solomon-Otabor, Vaughan
Referee: Ben Toner
Attendance: 12,052 (1,180 Pompey fans)
The Blues boss told the Official Website: “We want to be winning games and feel a little bit hard done by after going ahead and then having chances to increase our lead.
“I felt the decision to award the free-kick was slightly harsh, although Carey’s hit a fantastic effort with his left foot.
“It was always going to be a tight match and it’s frustrating that we couldn’t get three points because we defended well and restricted Plymouth to a few chances. We were able to get into some very threatening positions throughout and I thought our performance was encouraging. We got in behind them, got crosses in and got people into the box, while their keeper pulled off a couple of outstanding saves.
“Now we want to produce more displays like that and get a few more of our lads up to speed because I thought Bryn Morris played well. He looks to be over his ankle injury and formed a good midfield partnership with Ben Close. He was unlucky not to get in and score the winner at the end.
“We’re looking forward to a run of five games in 15 days from next week, starting with a televised match at Southend.”
Sad times
With the loss of Emiliano Sala and ten young lives at Flamengo in Brazil football has been through a tough time in recent weeks.
Thoughts go to those involved family, friends and fans at this time. The football family must draw together and help them through.
Spygate
The EFL undertook to investigate the complaint of Derby County relating to Leeds watching their training sessions. The EFL has issued the following statement –
“Following a comprehensive review of all available evidence, it was determined that there remain a number of areas that require further exploration and clarification and these investigations will take place at the earliest opportunity.
An update on this matter will be provided following receipt and analysis of those subsequent enquiries and until this point no further comment will be made.”
Not exactly sitting on the fence!
And finally… Bold
To Denmark for this week’s And finally… where Odense Boldklub hosted Helsingborg in a friendly. Anders Randrup brought the occasion to life with this truly remarkable own goal, beating his own keeper from 20-plus yards…
PUP
