Clearly we didn’t take anything from Roots Hall, but Pompey can still learn – as should be the case from any game – from this defeat at Southend, which can, well, all being well, ultimately benefit the Blues going forward.
So, what can we take, perhaps learn – in the long-term – from it?
It is another step on the learning curve
Yes, defeat is disappointing. However, this is another step on the learning curve we’re going on, right?
It goes without saying a promotion push in League One this season would be something we wanted, maybe, albeit unlikely, it could still happen? But a top-10 finish would be acceptable – at least it should be – and ought to benefit the younger players developing into seasoned first team players, who can come back stronger off the back of a campaign at this level.
You cannot give away early goals
Ok, I think we all know this is basic and logical really isn’t it? Having often given away late goals this season, occasionally benefiting from this ourselves, a disappointing start, which saw Southend two-up just 12 minutes in, left us with too much to do.
Defensive lapses and soft goals conceded are costly, as Saturday again proved, especially if these goals come early, which gave us a mountain to climb.
Injuries hamper
No, I am not going to use injuries as an excuse, but in all fairness we have quite often been ‘down to the bare bones’ as Harry Redknapp, incorrectly, often used to claim. Yes, injuries are part and parcel of the game and those that come in are charged with filling the void, but I cannot recall a season like this one where so many injuries have been suffered – what’s more these injuries are to key players; which has clearly hampered us.
However, to go back to an early point, this season is something of a learning curve and the fact we’ll not make a play off spot – assuming we don’t – isn’t going to be a bad thing. Injuries will hopefully be kinder next season though…
Focus now turns to Fleetwood tonight.
PLAY UP POMPEY
Follow @VitalPortsmouth.
2017-18 Prediction League – February
Fleetwood (a) Tuesday 20th February 2018 – click here.
Blackpool (h) Saturday 24th February 2018 – click here.
