Match Day Thread AFC Wimbledon v Pompey

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Pompey will aim to stretch their unbeaten run to four league matches when they visit AFC Wimbledon this weekend.

The word ‘struggling’ would likely have preceded the name of the hosts before their recent revival, although they still sit just inside the drop zone.

A dreadful opening saw the opening 11 fixtures fail to yield a single victory – 13 if you include games in all competitions.

But they head into Saturday’s Kingsmeadow contest on the back of successive League One victories over Rochdale and Southend.

Sandwiched between them was another triumph against Leyton Orient in the Leasing.com Trophy that keeps alive hopes of reaching the knockout stages.

That is despite manager Wally Downes being suspended after being charged with – and admitting to – betting on matches.

He has since been banned from all football-related activity until the middle of next month, with assistant Glyn Hodges running things in his absence.

Pompey came out on top in last season’s corresponding fixture, with Tom Naylor and Gareth Evans on target in a 2-1 victory.

TEAM NEWS
Brett Pitman is a major doubt with a groin injury, while Oli Hawkins (foot), Bryn Morris (groin) and Jack Whatmough (knee) are definitely out.

Pompey can call upon the services of Craig MacGillivray and Ross McCrorie following their return from international duty.

Will Nightingale (hip) and Callum Reilly (groin) could miss out for the hosts, who currently have Rod McDonald (knee), Luke O’Neill (calf) and Adam Roscrow (thigh) sidelined.

HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 6 wins
AFC Wimbledon: 4 wins
1 draw

At Kingsmeadow
Pompey: 3 wins
AFC Wimbledon: 2 wins
0 draws

TICKETS
Pompey fans have snapped up their entire allocation of tickets and no more will be made available.

Supporters collecting tickets at Kingsmeadow should visit the ticket office window next to the entrance for players and officials.


OFFICIALS
Referee: Sam Purkiss
Assistants: Paul Yates and Nicholas Cooper
Fourth Official: Andrew Aylott

BETTING
Pompey are the 19/20 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 13/5.

 

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Gareth Evans making his 200th Pompey appearance today

 

Referee Sam Purkiss blows his whistle, and the match is underway.

 

Wimbledon's manager Wally Downes is currently banned by the FA for betting offences !

 

Attempt blocked. Sean Raggett (Portsmouth) header from very close range is blocked. Assisted by Gareth Evans with a cross. 2nd minute.

 

Attempt missed. Marcus Harness (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the top left corner following a corner. 2nd minute.

 

Attempt blocked. Marcus Forss (AFC Wimbledon) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Joe Pigott. 7th minute.

 

Attempt missed. John Marquis (Portsmouth) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Gareth Evans with a cross. 8th minute.

 

Attempt blocked. Marcus Forss (AFC Wimbledon) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked by Lee Brown. Assisted by Mitchell Pinnock. 12 minutes.

 

Attempt saved. Marcus Harness (Portsmouth) left footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. 15th minute.

 

Attempt missed. John Marquis (Portsmouth) left footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Marcus Harness following a fast break. 18 minutes.

 

Attempt saved. Ryan Williams (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by John Marquis. 21 minutes.

 

Ryan Williams jinks his way past Osew but his cross his cut out at the front post. Then James Bolton whips in a dangerous cross that Tom Naylor heads over. 25th minute.

 

Christian Burgess (Portsmouth) hits the bar with a header from the centre of the box. Assisted by Lee Brown with a cross following a set piece situation. 27 minutes.

 

Attempt saved. Sean Raggett (Portsmouth) header from the centre of the box is saved in the top right corner. 27th minute.

All Pompey at the moment !!