It is the start of a new era for Pompey today, as Danny Cowley takes to the Fratton Park dug-out for the first time. His opening match in charge – flanked by younger brother Nicky – sees Ipswich visiting the south coast for a League One contest (1pm kick-off). And a quirk of the fixture scheduling fates means that there is plenty of interest in the man stalking the other technical area as well. The Tractor Boys also decided on a recent change of manager in an attempt to halt their slide down the table. They opted to replace Paul Lambert with Paul Cook, who, of course, memorably led Pompey to the 2016/17 League Two title. He has been in charge of four games so far, with one win, one draw and a couple of defeats to his name, while former Blues midfielder Gary Roberts has also joined their coaching team. It leaves Ipswich sitting seventh in the third tier standings, three places and two points above their hosts. They had seemed on course for promotion last term, but a dramatic downturn in form meant they were 11th when the season was cancelled due to Covid-19. Pompey have already enjoyed a pair of victories over their Suffolk opponents this season – with both coming at Portman Road. A controversial Sean Raggett goal in extra-time secured FA Cup progress, while Ryan Williams’ brace was enough to earn three points just before Christmas. TEAM NEWS Ellis Harrison is likely to miss the rest of the season after injuring his lateral knee ligaments, while Alex Bass (foot) is still sidelined. Pompey also have doubts over Michael Jacobs (hamstring), Callum Johnson (calf) and John Marquis (ankle). Ipswich will have to do without key duo Flynn Downes (hamstring) and James Norwood (back) at Fratton Park. Striker Oli Hawkins will not be able to feature against his former club, having only just returned to training following knee surgery. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 15 wins Ipswich: 19 wins 12 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 5 wins Ipswich: 10 wins 7 draws OFFICIALS Referee: Alan Young Assistants: Stuart Butler and Paul Evans Fourth Official: Sam Purkiss BETTING Pompey are the 23/20 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 14/5.
1-1 at half time. James Norwood gave the tractor boys the lead in the 32nd minute with a lovely goal, but Pompey equalised in the 41st minute with a powerful header from skipper Tom Naylor from a Ronan Curtis corner. Jack Whatmough was booked in the 19th minute for a foul on Andre Dozzell.
Half Time Match Stats:- Home Team: Portsmouth ..........Away Team: Ipswich Possession: Home 59% Away 41% Shots: Home 3 Away 4 Shots on Target: Home 2 Away 2 Corners: Home 1 Away 1 Fouls: Home 5 Away 8
Much better performance thus far. First half took a while to settle but second halfs been great. Attacking football on the floor, wing play, pressing, quick football. Haven't seen that for what feels like years! PUP
Final whistle. 2-1 to Pompey. Second half winning goal from Marcus Harness from a Ronan Curtis pass in the 72nd minute. His first goal since October ! Pompey brought on Ben Close for Andy Cannon, and Michael Jacobs for Jordy Hiwula. Three Pompey bookings for Ronan Curtis, Andy Cannon, and Michael Jacobs. Three Ipswich players also yellow carded. Michael Jacobs played superbly when he came on for Jordy Hiwula, who didn't really get into the game. We missed John Marquis up front. Three points for Danny and Nicky Cowley in their first match in charge, and real determination shown by Pompey's players.
New manager syndrome The same set of players who couldn't hit a barn door with Jacketts (pun intended) for goal posts and couldn't defend Fort Knox against the french army have suddenly decided they CAN play after-all
What a pleasant surprised! The shape and personnel seems to be what it was pre-Christmas. Good to see Close involved.
Final Match Stats:- Home Team: Portsmouth .........Away Team:.Ipswich Possession: Home 60% Away40% Shots: Home 7 Away 8 Shots on Target: Home 4 Away 2 Corners: Home 4 Away 3 Fouls: Home 13 Away 14
The race for the playoffs may well go down to the wire. There are only six points separating Charlton, in 6th and Fleetwood in 16th.
It's certainly going to be an interesting run in, especially as far as Pompey are concerned. If we carry on playing like we did today, I reckon we can secure a playoff place again.
We need at least 7 maybe 6 and a few draws to get to 75. Tall order but we have played all the teams above or around us.
I must say, all the positivity here and on social media is a breath of fresh air, I don't know how long it will last but before today at least, I'm relishing it. I am looking forward to getting back to the park at some point, but moreso now that there's a bit more positivity around. I wanted to go just because it had been so long, but under previous management there was a strong likelihood that it would have been a toxic atmosphere and despite not having been at the park in a while, it wouldn't be that enjoyable... that seems to have been averted for now.
