Pompey do not have fond memories of their meetings with Accrington during the 2020/21 campaign. Both matches took place during the final 12 days of the season, with John Marquis thinking he had struck a late winner at the Crown Ground. But the striker than inadvertently found his own net moments later to ensure a crazy contest finished 3-3. The encounter at Fratton Park proved even more disappointing, with Stanley’s 1-0 success denying the Blues a spot in the play-offs. Now Danny Cowley’s men will be hoping for a better outcome on their latest visit to Lancashire this weekend. They are currently sitting four points – and seven positions – behind their 10th-placed hosts in the League One standings. John Coleman’s side have won four of their five games on home soil, with their only setback a 4-1 defeat to Wigan last month. They also enjoyed a 3-2 away victory at Charlton earlier in the week – a result that led to Addicks boss Nigel Adkins losing his job. Pompey have won only once at Accrington since 1925, with Michael Doyle netting an absolute screamer in a 3-1 success in March 2016. TEAM NEWS Paul Downing (hamstring), Ellis Harrison (ankle) and skipper Clark Robertson (hip) are all still sidelined. Jayden Reid (knee) is a long-term absentee for Pompey, but Liam Vincent (shin) has returned to light training. Ross Sykes (thigh) is an injury doubt for Accrington, with striker Dion Charles currently out of favour after having his commitment to the club questioned. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 6 wins Accrington: 4 wins 7 draws At Accrington Pompey: 2 wins Accrington: 2 wins 5 draws TICKETS Pompey fans can buy tickets online here or from the Anson Road ticket office until 3pm on Friday or at the Crown Ground on the day of the game. OFFICIALS Referee: Geoff Eltringham Assistants: Shaun Hudson and Geoffrey Liddle Fourth Official: Martin Woods BETTING Pompey are the 13/8 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 9/5.
Accrington Stanley Line Up:- 40 Toby Savin 38 Yeboah Amankwah 12 Michael Nottingham 3 Sam Sherring 11 Sean McConville 28 Seamus Conneely 37 David Morgan 6 Matt Butcher 4 Ethan Hamilton 8 Harry Pell 9 Colby Bishop Substitutes 1 James Trafford 5 Ross Sykes 7 John O'Sullivan 18 Tommy Leigh 26 Lewis Mansell 35 Jack Nolan 41 Jovan Malcolm
On the Accrington Stanley substitutes bench today is 20 year old winger Jack Nolan, formerly of Pompey's academy. Also on the bench is 21 year old midfielder Tommy Leigh, again ex-Pompey academy, and signed by Stanley in the summer from Bognor Regis.
This next 2 hours will be a bit awkward. I'm at work, with the cricket radio commentary on the computer in the office, Final score on the TV in another room and the football and cricket scores on the screen of the PC at my desk. It's a hard life when the boss isn't here.....
please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Geoff Eltringham is today's referee for Accrington Stanley vs Pompey please log in to view this image Accrington's record with him in charge - P0 W0 D0 L0 please log in to view this image Pompey's record with him in charge - P5 W2 D1 L2
A lightning start from the Blues, with a header from Ronan Curtis deflected onto the roof of the net and a shot from Marcus Harness tipped over the bar. 3 minutes.
Attempt missed. Colby Bishop (Accrington Stanley) left footed shot from the left side of the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Sean McConville. 6 minutes.
Shaun Williams tests Toby Savin with a fierce strike from just inside the box, with the Stanley goalkeeper pushing the effort away from danger. 11 minutes.
Attempt missed. Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by John Marquis. 14 minutes.
Looks like we're up against a keeper in top form today, as Toby Savin blocks John Marquis' effort in the middle. 15 minutes.
0-1 to Pompey - Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Lee Brown.. 18 minutes.