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Three didn’t do Blues justice

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Did Pompey deserve more than the three goals scored against Northampton on Saturday? In many ways it doesn’t matter with the most important thing being the three points secured – a return that helped take the Blues into a play off spot to end 2017.

Having failed to capitalise on an early chance, when Oli Hawkins failed to make the most of his first opportunity, Northampton took a surprise lead through Chris Long shortly past the half hour mark.

However, Pompey equalised soon after, Matty Kennedy finishing into the bottom corner after the on-loan Cardiff winger cut in from the left wing. Hawkins headed in Christian Burgess’ cross to put the Blues ahead on half time.

A 3-1 win was secured when Hawkins headed in his second from Kennedy’s second half delivery.

The attacking display pleased assistant Joe Gallen, who doesn’t think too many could complain about a lack of chances created.

Gallen told the News post-match: ‘It’s another three points for us and I’m very pleased and it helps us along with our tally. In particular, I’m very pleased with a very good attacking performance. Some of the games at home we haven’t created as many chances as we would have liked but I couldn’t say that today.’

A bigger winning margin wouldn’t have been flattering for the Blues but at the end of the day a wins a win, no matter how convincing only three points were on offer, admittedly we could have helped our goal difference.

‘We created numerous chances, especially in the second half, and maybe three hasn’t done us justice. But even if it was a narrow 1-0 victory we would still be very pleased,’ added Gallen.

There were some negatives though as Pompey lost both Danny Rose and Gareth Evans to injury.

Rose – who had been instrumental in midfield since his return to the starting XI, an improved run of form has coincided with his return, which proves his importance – has suffered a suspected leg fracture.

Gallen told portsmouthfc.co.uk: ‘Danny went to the hospital to have an x-ray and get confirmation, but the opinion of the physio is that it’s likely to be a fracture. That’s a huge disappointment for him and for the team because he’s performed very well in recent weeks.’

It is hoped he can ‘come back from reasonably quickly’ but it ‘just depends how bad it is.’

As for Evans, Gallen added: ‘Gareth went off with an injured hamstring, which is normal enough when you have so many games in a short space of time.’

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2017-18 Prediction League – January
Bristol Rovers (a) Saturday 1st January – click here.
Chelsea (h) Tuesday 9th January – click here.
Scunthorpe (a) Saturday 13th January – click here.
Rotherham (h) Saturday 20th January – click here.
Shrewsbury (h) Saturday 27th January – click here.

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