Pompey have certainly racked up the motorway miles over the past fortnight – and now have their fourth away game in five fixtures. But after treks to Cambridge, Barnsley and Accrington, it is a relatively short journey to Bristol Rovers on Saturday (3pm kick-off). Their opponents are currently sitting comfortably in 14th position – nine points behind the Blues after 36 fixtures. Joey Barton’s side were also in action earlier in the week, with a three-match unbeaten run ended by a 2-0 defeat to Wycombe at the Memorial Stadium. It stretched their winless home run to six games in all competitions, although there have been respectable draws with Ipswich and Barnsley in that period. The Pirates are playing at this level after dramatically securing the final League Two automatic promotion spot on the final day of last season. They had to win by five more goals than Northampton – and did exactly that, courtesy of a 7-0 rout of Scunthorpe. It finished 3-1 to Pompey when the sides met at Fratton Park back in August, with Connor Ogilvie, Joe Pigott and Owen Dale all on target. TEAM NEWS With Jay Mingi and Clark Robertson both returning to fitness, it leaves Ronan Curtis (knee), Marlon Pack (knee), Jayden Reid (knee) and Zak Swanson (groin) as the only injured players. But Joe Pigott will now begin a three-match ban after the club opted not to appeal his red card at Accrington. Paul Coutts (knee) and Sim Finley (illness) are both missing for the hosts, who have stripped Aaron Collins of the captaincy. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 25 wins Bristol Rovers: 12 wins 10 draws On the road Pompey: 8 wins Bristol Rovers: 10 wins 6 draws TICKETS Pompey have sold their full allocation of tickets for the game and none will be available to buy on the day. Click here for a guide to visiting the Memorial Stadium that has been produced by the home club. OFFICIALS Referee: James Bell Assistants: Ian Cooper and Daniel Leach Fourth Official: Alan Young MATCH COVERAGE Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from around 2pm on Saturday. Overseas subscribers and match pass holders can watch all the action live, with accompanying commentary. Click here for more information about using iFollow on a matchday and click here for information on downloading the app, so you can access content on your mobile device. We will have updates throughout the game on Twitter and the match centre. You can also see behind-the-scenes content on our Instagram story. There will be post-match reaction on the website and our official YouTube channel, with highlights to follow on Sunday. Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either BBC Radio Solent or Express FM (not available online).
0-1 to the blues, with a lovely finish from Colby Bishop, after beating the offside trap. 18 minutes. Sean Raggett and Ryan Tunnicliffe combine to send Bishop through and the striker's low angled finish hits both posts before crossing the line. That sad character Joey Barton complains vociferously with the 4th official, and at least two members of the coaching staff get booked as well as Rovers substitute Glenn Whelan (whose challenge broke Louis Thompson's leg earlier in the season) was also booked for dissent !!
Attempt saved. Reeco Hackett (Portsmouth) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Joe Morrell. 26 minutes.
Half time Match Stats:- Home Team: Bristol Rovers ............Away Team: Portsmouth Possession: Home 47% Away 53% Shots: Home 5 Away 2 Shots on Target: Home 2 Away 2 Corners: Home 2 Away 1 Fouls: Home 5 Away 8
Second half kicks off. No Pompey changes, but Rovers have taken John Marquis and Lewis Gordon off, replaced by Scott Sinclair and Callum MacDonald.
Penalty to Pompey, with a foul in the box on Paddy Lane. 67 minutes. Conor Ogilvie collects the ball on the left and drives forward, cutting the ball back for Paddy Lane, who is clearly being tugged by Callum Macdonald.
