After a disappointing defeat away at Bristol Rovers on Boxing Day, attention now turns to the final match of 2023. Exeter City await at St James Park as the Blues bid to get back to winning ways and end the year in style.
Pompey were victorious by 1 goal to nil in the reverse fixture at home to The Grecians back in August, thanks to a 70th minute goal from none other than Colby Bishop.
Last time out between these 2 sides on Exeter’s home turf, a goalless draw was played out on Boxing Day last year.
Let’s look into them in a bit more detail now, starting with the gaffer…
MANAGER
41-year-old Gary Caldwell is currently the manager of Exeter City.
The former Coventry City, Celtic and Wigan Athletic centre-half took charge of the side last October and led them to a 14th place finish in League One.
Since then, Caldwell has overseen 63 competitive matches, 19 of which have been victories with 13 draws and 31 defeats in there too.
The Scotsman turned his hand to management in 2015 after retiring from playing and has so far had roles in the dugout for former side Wigan, as well as Chesterfield and Partick Thistle.
ONE TO WATCH
Scottish winger Jack Aitchison has burst into this Exeter side this season and has been tagged as our ‘One To Watch’ on this occasion.
The 23-year-old, who has represented Scotland at youth level all the way from Under-15s to Under-19s, will be the player in red and white wearing the number 29 shirt.
Aitchison has played over 12 hundred minutes in the league this season across 17 appearances, scoring 1 goal.
TOP SCORER
Midfielder Ryan Trevitt is currently Exeter’s leading league scorer, having bagged 3 goals since the start of the campaign.
The 20-year-old arrived on loan from Premier League outfit Brentford in July and, as well as his 3 league strikes, also scored twice in the Carabao Cup Round of 16 defeat to Middlesbrough on Halloween.
Trevitt is rated highly in West London and that was confirmed at the end of last season when he was given the Mary Halder Award following a promising season with the Young Bees. That award is handed to the player in the B Team who displays a fantastic attitude and shows professionalism, whilst adhering to the club’s values and of course performing well on the pitch too.
The youngster did not feature on Boxing Day though as he was withdrawn due to injury in the 13th minute against Cambridge United last Friday night.
CURRENT FORM
The Grecians occupy 20th position in League One and are 3 points clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand on Reading in 21st.
Last time out on Boxing Day, Gary Caldwell’s side managed a 1-0 win at home to Wycombe Wanderers - Exeter’s first league victory since the 16th of September!
That win over The Robins 15 league matches ago had taken Exeter to the top of the table at the time.
The Grecians have collected 5 points from their last 5 league matches having secured that sole victory, as well as seeing out 2 draws and suffering 2 defeats.
Can the Blues see out the year with a victory when they take on Exeter at St James Park for the final game of 2023?
Tune in and catch all of the unmissable action as Portsmouth take on Exeter City away from home this Friday evening (December 29th) from 7pm - Robbie James, Jake Smith and Kirsty Roxanne will be on hand to provide full coverage of this League One fixture.
Kick-off: 7:45pm!
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