Sky Bet League One
Saturday 5th October 2019
It only took two chances for the visitors take all three points.
Some might say the South Coast side were ‘lucky’ and, though it’s hard to disagree with that particular viewpoint, in reflection Donny only have themselves to blame.
The hosts dominated possession, enjoyed a territorial advantage for long periods and dictated much of the play, but they couldn’t convert that dominance into proper goalscoring chances (e.g. attempts on target and testing the goalkeeper).
Had Kieran Sadlier been more accurate with his close-range effort from James Coppinger’s cross just past the half-hour mark; the only time in the first 45 minutes that Portsmouth’s defence were truly cut open, the likelihood is Rovers would have gone ahead. With that, the dimension of the game would have instantly changed and Pompey wouldn’t have been able to be as defensive.
However, Sadlier’s shot went agonisingly wide of the post and nothing came of a gilt-edged opening which should have resulted in a shot on target.
Pompey then sprung a classic counter-attack which ended with Gareth Evans opening the scoring and, despite Reece James levelling things up, a pinpoint cross and perfect header by Ellis Harrison in injury-time meant the visitors went home very happy.
The ‘bits and pieces’ in between the goals were mostly enjoyed by Rovers.
Yes, Alfie May and Ben Whiteman both rattled the upright with speculative pot shots, but in the final third, too often the final ball just wasn’t clinical or creative enough and when there was an opening, the forward-line just wasn’t ruthless enough.
That’s where today’s performance requires an improvement but on the same token, credit has to be given to the visitors for defending well, limiting the opponents and, crucially, being ruthless when they mustered up chances of their own.
There’s no reason for Rovers fans to be too negative, however, as there’s already been games this season where maybe a draw would have been a fair result, but instead they’ve pinched maximum points - quite often with a late goal!
These things do, ultimately, even themselves out over the passage of time.
Whilst this result will ease the pressure on Kenny Jackett, the discussion that’s materialised with regards to sacking him is quite frankly ridiculous!
If today’s result had reflected the balance of play (and Pompey had lost) then I’m sure the idiots would be circling, eager to put the boot in and some of their knee-jerk fans would be trotting out the ‘He has to go!’ bull sh*t cliches.
His decision to substitute John Marquis would be seen as the manager having lost the dressing room or not knowing his best XI, whereas because they won, it’ll now be seen by folk as a brave, bold move or a ‘tactical masterclass’ - depending on how reactive one is to results!
Ultimately, it’s all absolute b*llocks, and the reality is Jackett deserves much more respect, time, appreciation, understanding and patience than he’s received off some fans in recent weeks.
He’s succeeded in the past, succeeded last season in winning the EFL Trophy and guiding the club to the play-offs, and I’m sure he’ll succeed in the future, too. Having taken over 800 competitive games in management, he’s clearly not a plonker, and therefore shouldn’t be treated like one.
Although it was fortuitous, he will know just how much of an impact this victory could have in the longer-term, should his players now ‘kick on’ and use it as a springboard to get themselves up the Sky Bet League One table.
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