Mousinho’s Blues were far from their best at Fratton Park Saturday, but at this stage of the season, all that matters is winning games.
Pompey were able to get off to the perfect start, putting Shrewsbury on the back foot during the early exchanges. It was a sign of attacking intent to see Connor Shaughnessey come so high forward to receive from a throw in, before delivery a teasing cross that forces the error from Dunkley to blast into his own net.
Following that bright start, Pompey never really capitalise or built any momentum to keep The shareware on the back foot.
Paul Hirst’s side had come to PO4 with their League One status still to be confirmed for next season. As Hirst had mentioned in his pre match interviews, they were coming to look to frustrate Pompey and the home faithful. Conceding early did not deter them from that plan, with the three attacking midfielders playing extremely narrow without the ball, looking to cut off the supply to Pack and Moxon.
Whilst Pompey looked comfortable in possession, they were unable to break down the visitors. Whilst building from the back, there was fluidity in the movement, with Swanson inverting to make a back three at times and also the skipper coming deeper to receive the ball alongside his centre back colleagues. Anytime that Pack would drop into the backline, it was recognised by Swanson who would take a higher inverted position, keeping a passing lane open for the in-form Kamara on the right hand side.
But Pompey were never able to break that first line of Shrewsbury pressure, which largely looked down to a lack of tempo. Any space that had been created from some slicks moves, quickly evaporated. This allowed the Shropshire side to settle into the game, with tension growing throughout the stadium due to the under par performance from table toppers.
The boss and his staff will have been disappointed to see their side concede so poorly. With a turnover of possession around halfway, Shrewsbury were able to get beyond Pompey’s defence down the left hand side, resulting in an unchallenged strike on goal from the edge of the 18 yard box. It was the fourth time in eight days that we have conceded goals so quickly when conceding the ball, which I’m sure will be something the coaching team are looking into.
As has been the case so often through the season, this team respond to adversity magnificently, finding a way to get back in front before the interval.
Good beat inside pass to Kamara from Ogilvie gets in behind the Shrewsbury defence. The visitors should deal with the cross better, but Kesini Yengi is alive to loose ball, jinking in the box to win a penalty. The decision is a controversial one and should be filed in the ‘seen them given category’.
Given Colby Bishop’s recent troubles from 13 yards, a case could have been made for Yengi to step up. But Bishop has been The Blues No.1 marksman throughout the season and would slot home Calmly from the spot. Saturday’s brace and all round performance showed all of Bishop’s qualities.
The second period was devoid of any real quality for large periods. Pompey were unable to secure the ball well enough, thus not being able to command any control in the game. It seemed The Blues may have been carrying some tired legs and minds following Tuesday evenings top of the table tussle.
During the run-in, with the ultimate goal looming large, there are no easy games and there was always bound to be nervy moments.
Will Norris would come to the fore to save his team from being pegged back once more. Some loose passes and poor communication meant that the Pompey stopper had to be at his best to deny The Shrews and equaliser. Norris has been a superb signing for The Blues, enjoying an excellent first season on the south coast. A goalkeeper in a successful side can sometimes fall under the radar, but his performances have been the backbone of the success enjoyed this season.
The introduction of Christian Saydee from the bench would be influential, with John Mousinho getting his changes right once more. The big, strong number 10 was able to help Pompey get a foothold in the game by securing the ball higher up the pitch with more regularity. He would also lay on a deft assist for Bishop to fire in his 20th goal of the season to seal the victory.
There was still time for the visitors to carve one more opening, but this time it was the immovable Sean Raggett who threw himself at the strike. ‘Raggs’ performances of late have been nothing short of superb and he is getting the recognition he deserves as he continues to play a significant part in this promotion charge.
Another notable performance was that of Owen Moxon, who followed up his strike versus Derby with an excellent display in centre midfield. Playing a number of eye catching forward passes, as well as driving the team forward, the deadline day signing is proving to be a pivotal piece of business.
Pompey once again get the job done. At this stage of the season, it’s not performances that matter, it’s all about getting points on the board. Pompey stand just three more away from The Championship.
