Saturday’s point at Fratton Park represented a large stride forward for John Mousinho’s team.
Despite the winless start to the campaign now being extended to seven games, there is plenty of reason the feel upbeat heading into the midweek clash at Stoke City.
The Blues recorded a much needed second clean sheet of the season, shutting out a Sheffield United side, boasting the attacking talents of Gustavo Hamer & the talented Rak-Sakyi.
In their last two outings, Portsmouth have looked much harder to beat, less susceptible in transition and conceding far fewer chances. Ultimately, a couple of poor individual decisions would cost them at Turf Moor. This time round, Pompey sustained a solid performance defensively for the ninety plus minutes.
Of course, there were chances for the away side, most notably the headed chance for Hamer in the first half. But playing top sides, it is near on impossible to limit the action in the eighteen yard box to nought, as top players will always produce moments of quality.
An excellent team performance was also littered with fantastic individual showings. Zack Swanson was flawless when defending one v one, whilst also offering an outlet with his aerial prowess when competing with Harrison Burrows.
Regan Poole has slotted back into the fold seamlessly. It’s remarkable to think he has missed ten months of action, as he has taken to life in The Championship like a duck to water. Commanding, comfortable on the ball and a wonderful reader of the game.
On-loan West Ham youngster Freddie Potts has now given the manager some much needed bite in the centre of the park. Potts and Pack have the potential to form a potent partnership. We have seen Potts snap into tackles, offer greater energy and drive in midfield than we had seen previously from Andre Dozzell. Despite being dependable up to this point, Dozzell and Pack offer similar attributes, so the introduction of Potts is timely.
Mousinho’s men had their own promising moments over the course of the game. A good chance for Paddy Lane at the Fratton End, as well as Marlon Pack’s cross come shot that produced a top stop. Debutant Jacob Farrell would have Pompey’s best chance at the death. It wasn’t to be on this occasion and the Australian voiced his disappointment post game to have not found the net.
It was a great debut from Farrell deputising for the missing Connor Ogilvie. He had his hands full up against Rak-Sakyi who offered a constant threat, but overall it was a promising start to his Fratton Park career. It’s evident that he has a huge part to play this season and his ventures forward to support Josh Murphy will have greatly encouraged the manager.
Of course, The Blues will need to add more offensively and increase their chance creation. Expect that to improve against teams outside of the top six. Hopefully, we are able to see Mark O’Mahony in and around the opposition penalty area a bit more than we did do at PO4. The young Irishman did lead the line very well, being a constant presence and executing the press to a good standard.
Pompey’s horrible opening seven fixtures have now been negotiated in return for four points. Each point hard earned, whilst losing points from promising positions along the way.
Now the season really has to start with the next seven days presenting the opportunity to secure six points against far less fancied opposition. Of course, there are no easy games in this division, but the excuse of a tough start can no longer be put forward.
Jake Smith will have full reaction to Saturday's goalless draw with The Blades when The Football Hour returns on Monday (September 30th) evening from 6pm!
Pompey Live returns on Wednesday (October 2nd) night from 7pm as the Blues take on Stoke City away from home - Kick-off: 7:45pm.
