Should be a tight game, both teams desperate for the points, I'd be happy for you to taste victory on this occasion though, a kick in the teeth for Joey goes down well in the land of the Mackem.
Pompey are in desperate need of points to keep their play-off hopes alive with four fixtures remaining. They host bottom club Bristol Rovers on Saturday (1pm kick-off), looking to end a four-match winless run. Meanwhile, the visitors know that anything less than victory on the south coast would see their relegation confirmed before all the day’s other games have even kicked-off. Even three points would not be enough to escape their fate should Wigan avoid defeat against Burton later in the afternoon. Joey Barton has guided the club to just three wins since taking charge at the Memorial Stadium back in February. He is the third permanent boss of The Gas this season, following in the footsteps of Ben Garner and Paul Tisdale. They were beaten 2-0 on home soil by MK Dons earlier in the week and have suffered seven losses in the past nine matches. Head of recruitment Tommy Widdrington was in caretaker charge when Rovers beat Pompey 3-1 earlier in the campaign. There was no Fratton meeting last term because of Covid-19, with the most recent Portsea Island contest finishing 1-1 in February 2019. TEAM NEWS Alex Bass (foot), Ben Close (groin), Ellis Harrison (knee), Jordy Hiwula (ankle) and Michael Jacobs (knee) are all still sidelined. Jack Whatmough serves the second of a four-game ban, while there is a doubt over Lee Brown (hamstring) and Andy Cannon continues to be nursed through a troublesome back complaint. Ed Upson is suspended for the visitors, while manager Joey Barton could make changes after criticising his team earlier in the week HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 23 wins Bristol Rovers: 12 wins 10 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 15 wins Bristol Rovers: 2 wins 4 draws OFFICIALS Referee: Thomas Bramall Assistants: Christopher Wade and Greg Read Fourth Official: Kevin Johnson BETTING Pompey are the 11/20 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 11/2.
Half time, and it's 1-0 to Pompey, with a lovely goal from Ronan Curtis from a George Byers pass in the 27th minute. We have played much better today, probably down to Charlie Daniels being quite rightly dropped to the bench, with Ryan Williams playing as a left wing back. Rasmus Nicolaisen has had an excellent first half, with good defending, long throw ins, and accurate passing. Rovers are a typical Joey Barton team, quite aggressive in their tackling and challenges. Hopefully we can continue in the same vein in the second half, and score a few more goals.
Half Time Match Stats:- Home Team: Portsmouth ...........Away Team: Bristol Rovers Possession: Home 56% Away 44% Shots: Home 3 Away 3 Shots on Target: Home 1 Away 1 Corners: Home 0 Away 3 Fouls: Home 9 Away 10
Final whistle. 1-0 to Pompey. Three points plus a clean sheet. Currently up to sixth in the table ! We made four second half substitutions: Andy Cannon for Ben Close in the 62nd minute, Harvey White for George Byers in the 70th minute, and then a double change in the 78th minute, with James Bolton and Charlie Daniels on for Marcus Harness and Ryan Williams. Unfortunately, I believe defeat means that Bristol Rovers are relegated. to Division Two.
Final Match Stats:- Home Team: Portsmouth ..............Away Team: Bristol Rovers Possession: Home 53% Away 47% Shots: Home 5 Away 8 Shots on Target: Home 1 Away 4 Corners: Home 0 Away 4 Fouls: Home 17 Away 17
