Pompey and Bristol Rovers were both left with an unwanted break from football last weekend. The freezing temperatures meant that Kenny Jackett’s side did not even set off on their long journey to Crewe Their next opponents, meanwhile, saw their scheduled home clash with Swindon postponed a few hours before kick-off. Tonight’s clash at the Memorial Stadium is a result of another cancellation, with an outbreak of Covid-19 in the Blues squad putting paid to the fixture just after Christmas. So the teams will be especially eager to take to the pitch, with both requiring points for different reasons. Other results went Pompey’s way on Saturday and Sunday, ensuring they remain in fourth position and are a single point adrift of the automatic promotion spots. But the Pirates are only outside of the League One drop zone on goal difference, having failed to taste victory since their opening match of 2021. It means that they are only a couple of points above bottom club Burton and are searching for a new manager following the dismissal of Paul Tisdale last week. He had only replaced previous boss Ben Garner in November, with head of recruitment Tommy Widdrington taking temporary charge. The sides drew 2-2 in last season’s corresponding fixture, with the Blues unable to hold on after goals from Gareth Evans and Ronan Curtis had given them the lead. TEAM NEWS Jack Whatmough is available again after completing a three-match ban, while Rasmus Nicolaisen could also return following the birth of his child. Paul Downing is back in training after a hamstring injury, although Alex Bass (leg) and Michael Jacobs (hamstring) are still sidelined. Bristol Rovers are likely to have a fully fit squad to select from, with Ed Upson returning from a hamstring problem. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 23 wins Bristol Rovers: 11 wins 10 draws At Bristol Rovers Pompey: 8 wins Bristol Rovers: 9 wins 6 draws OFFICIALS Referee: Christopher Sarginson Assistants: Kevin Howick and James Vallance Fourth Official: Ravel Cheosiaua BETTING Pompey are the 17/20 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 10/3.
Half-time. 2-1 to Bristol Rovers. We scored first with a goal from John Marquis in the 26th minute from a right wing cross. Minutes earlier he saw his shot hit a post. Rovers equalised in the 34th minute with a well taken goal from Jonah Ayunga (ex Havant & Waterlooville). They then went 2-1 ahead in the 44th minute with a second goal from Jonah Ayunga, who has looked very impressive.
Half-time Match Stats:- Home Team: Bristol Rovers .........Away Team: Portsmouth Possession: Home 36% Away 64% Shots: Home 7 Away 8 Shots on Target: Home 5 Away 2 Corners: Home 0 Away 2 Fouls: Home 9 Away 6
Heard the commentators from Radio Solent say that Joey Barton is the hot favourite to be Bristol Rovers new manager to replace the sacked Paul Tisdale ! Really can't believe they would be so reckless as to appoint that thug !!
Not good so far. Hope Pompey can turn things around in the second half. These fixtures are never easy.
Kenny hasn't hung about with three substitutions at the start of the second half. Let's hope it has the desired effect.
Just come back from walking the dogs to find out Pompey lost to an inspired Bristol Rivers side, or were.there a few on the Pompey side who did not fancy a cold Tuesday night in Bristol? Reading between the lines week in and week out, this side is actually not as good as the current league position suggests. I look forward, though, to more informed comment from you Woopert's, Devon, Down Under, 1898, Lapras, and anyone else. The knives will be out again tonight for KJ.
Final whistle goes, and it's 3-1 to Rovers. Penalty by Leahy in the 70th minute, after a foul in the box by Sean Raggett (who has had a poor game) on Leahy. We were awarded a penalty in the 95th minute for a foul on John Marquis by Kilgour. Guess what ? Marquis had his penalty saved by Day !! As Ides said above we made three half-time substitutions with Marcus Harness replacing Ronan Curtis, Rasmus Nicolaisen on for James Bolton, and Lee Brown on for Charlie Daniels. We also brought on Ellis Harrison for Andy Cannon in the 64th minute, and Harvey White for Ryan Williams in the 83rd minute. Poor performance from Pompey tonight, credit to Bristol Rovers for wanting the three points more than us. Must say though, George Byers on his full debut did have a good match, with some incisive passing, including a terrific shot on goal which their keeper tipped over the bar, near the end of the match.
Final Match Stats:- Home Team: Bristol Rovers ..........Away Team: Portsmouth Possession: Home 33% Away 67% Shots: Home 9 Away 16 Shots on Target: Home 6 Away 5 Corners: Home 2 Away 6 Fouls: Home 15 Away 15
