Richie Barker has rung the changes for this afternoonâs match against Bristol Rovers. The Blues boss has brought in six players for the Memorial Stadium clash. Marcos Painter and Bondz NâGala come into the defence, while skipper Johnny Ertl, Jed Wallace and Simon Ferry all return in midfield. There is also a start for Ryan Bird alongside Patrick Agyemang up front. Yassin Moutaouakil, Joe Devera, Thery Racon, Ricky Holmes and David Connolly all drop to the bench, while Dan Potts is not involved in the squad. Pompey: Carson; Cooper, NâGala, Bradley, Painter; Wallace, Ertl (c), Ferry, Barcham; Agyemang, Bird Subs: Sullivan, Moutaouakil, Devera, Padovani, Racon, Holmes, Connolly
Who's going to score first? We've had chances but............ Agyemang doing well so far though. Bird hitting straight to the keeper
I did wonder why David Connolly started on the bench, as he is our 'natural' goalscorer. Romain Padovani deserves a chance. Whenever I have seen him play, he looks comfortable on the ball, and appears to read the game well.
Pompey substitutions at last..... David Connolly on for Ryan Bird. Rickie Holmes on for Andy Barcham. PUP
I'd like to see the back of N'Gala - he was lucky not to get a yellow earlier otherwise we'd be down to 10 men now after this second foul.
Final whistle - 2-0 to Bristol Rovers. Not good enough Pompey, by any means. Only two points now above the relegation zone - oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.......
I don't envy Richie Barker his job - we shall now see how good he is at man management (or miracles). Can't do much worse than bring in a few of the kids, to see what they can do. Bring back Adam Webster from his loan period at Aldershot for a start. Shame Dan Butler is injured.
It was never going to be easy after being saved by the fans. Lots of lows will test the faithful. My better half was brought up gas head and also played for the ladies team, so my house was a little noisy today.
We have had lots of lows already Possum. I am just hoping our new manager can sort the players out - he needs to be ruthless with them, and I think he will be. How do you reckon Saints will do tomorrow against a managerless Tottenham ? Should be an interesting game.
