Match Day Thread Fleetwood Town v Pompey

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Pompey will look to end a positive 2018 on a high by collecting all three points at Fleetwood this weekend.

Kenny Jackett’s side are also aiming to bounce back from their first away defeat of the season against Gillingham on Boxing Day.

But they face a Cod Army outfit who are sure to be in confident mood after easing to a 3-0 victory over promotion hopefuls Doncaster.

It leaves Joey Barton’s side sitting 10th in the third tier standings, albeit eight points adrift of the play-off places.

They are a difficult side to beat at Highbury, with six victories and just two defeats on their patch in the league.

AFC Wimbledon – on the opening day of the season – and Barnsley are the only sides to have escaped with a maximum haul.

Like Pompey, they also have an FA Cup third round tie to look forward to the following weekend and will be keen to gain some revenge when they host the Dons.

It was the Blues who came out on top at Fratton Park earlier in the campaign, with Oli Hawkins scoring the only goal before Nathan Sheron was dismissed late on.

TEAM NEWS
Pompey will be without Nathan Thompson (hamstring) and Luke McGee (wrist), but otherwise have a full squad to choose from.

Fleetwood are also close to having a clean bill of health, with defender James Husband (hamstring) the only absentee.

HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 3 wins
Fleetwood: 2 wins
0 draws

At Highbury
Pompey: 1 win
Fleetwood: 1 win
0 draws

BETTING
Pompey are the 19/20 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 14/5.

 

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A general view of Highbury Stadium. Picture: Barrington Coombs

 

Match is underway. Pompey in their all black kit today.

 

Craig MacGillivray makes a good save from Ched Evans, in the opening minutes.

 

Ben Close shot well saved by keeper Cairns. 6th minute.

 

From the Pompey corner, Cairns saves brilliantly from Matt Clarke's shot. 7th minute.

 

Lee Brown goes off with a possible hamstring injury, to be replaced by Brandon Haunstrup. 19th minute.

 

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0-1 to Pompey Superb goal from Ben Thompson, assisted by Brandon Haunstrup. 26th minute.

 

Yellow card for Dean Marney for a bad foul on Ronan Curtis. 33 minutes.

 

Both Sunderland and Luton trail 1-0 to Shrewsbury and Wallsall respectively.

 

1-1 now with a goal by Paddy Madden. 39th minute.

 

Yellow card for Madden for a nasty foul on Jamal Lowe. 40 minutes.

 

Penalty to the home side, after Matt Clarke fouls Madden. 43rd minute.

 

Ched Evans penalty in the back of the net. 2-1 to the Cod Army. 43rd minute.