Match Day Thread Pompey v Fleetwood Town

Went down again today.

What a mixed match that was!

First half was bloody awful - almost as bad as when we had different players every week in League 2.

Second to every ball, easily beaten - specially down our left. Just flat and generally ****

Fleetwood were clinical it has to be said. Their finishing was excellent but we were well off the pace .

Second half big turnaround!

We were much more aggressive and more positiive in our play. Looked forward and took more risks.

We were not threatened second half and were all over them.

Fleetwood can do one - I've never seen a team time waste that much at Fratton - it was an absolute joke. Really pathetic.

I counted 7 times they went down for "injury" or cramp.

Curtis, bless him, was shoeing them off the pitch when they kept doing it and helped them get rid of their "cramp" and actually sneakily pushed one of their players over when the whistle went once!

He was really good. His attitude, commitment, running and general quality was great!

Doesn't act like a grumpy lad now and seems much more assured of himself and acts like a man.

Raggatt is nails too.

Hackett was much better second half combining well with Curtis down the left.

So pleased Fleetwood blew it - their player Butterworth gave us a shush when they scored their second I think it was.

Looks like a right pratt now - the gobshite.

Comfortably the worst performance I've seen from Harness.

He tried but the amount of times he gave the ball away, was not on the wavelength of everyone else, plus he missed a great opportunity too. Really struggled to beat his man today.

Hopefully he can put that performance behind him.

The ref never got a grip of their timewasting or Harrison constantly waiting for Raggett to commit and then pushing him off balance when going up for a header and thus winning the ball. So infuriating - what annoyed me probably more was a bloke behind me imply to his mate that I didn't know what I was talking about and that its part of the game as two players go for the same ball!

Absolute nonsense

The sense of injustice did however spark the atmosphere into life which wasn't too bad actually - especially when the equaliser went it!

Another 5 minuties - which we should have been granted after all the timewasting - and I fancy we would have won it.

Still, lots to talk about, very entertatining but also a worrying first half.

Cowley needs to settle this team down.

PUP!

 

Why oh why does Nicky Cowley make so many changes to his starting 11 each game? Anyhow in the context of the game, relieved at the outcome.

 

I have to echo your sentiment Ides. with regard to the selection.
I was particularly disappointed to see Thompson omitted as he seemed to be growing in stature with every game. Also dropping Hurst for Walker defies the current form of the two players. Add to these Ogilve's recent omission having done nothing wrong for a prolonged spell.
Hackett I thought was lucky to be selected although I would expect him to play on Tuesday if Curtis is suspended.
I feel Hackett is still short of being the finished article although, having come from non league football and then had a season under Jackett with very little football, he has done quite well.
Coming back from three goals down is always going to be impressive but shouldn't blur comment on a very poor first half..

The visit of Shewsbury has also cast the spotlight the loan of Johnston to them. I thought Johnston was a good signing. At age 25 or there abouts I would think he fulfills Crowley's criteria of a good player with room for improvement. It has been disappointing to hear that Pompey have paid little attention to him since he has been on loan. Freeman maybe a slightly better player but with less potential and Romeo - as a loanee - has no potential. I will be surprised if Crowley can recruit better for next season but perhaps it all comes down to Johnson being on too much money.

Still undefeated for four games is good but we now have to play some better teams

PUP