Match Day Thread Fleetwood v Pompey

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It was only seven weeks ago that Pompey last made the long trip to the Fylde coast to take on Fleetwood.

They won 2-1 that day – courtesy of goals from James Bolton and John Marquis – to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup.

But now it is League One points on the line, as two teams in the hunt for promotion meet at Highbury Stadium.

The Cod Army are just two points – and the same number of places – behind the Blues in eighth position.

And Joey Barton’s men will enter the contest on the back of a four-match winning streak that includes the scalps of high-flying Wycombe and Peterborough.

That in turn followed a more concerning run of eight games that contained plenty of draws, but no victories.

Town are looking to secure Championship football for the first time, having been competing in the Northern Premier League as recently as 2008.

The sides will do battle again at Fratton Park in a little over a fortnight – a contest that was postponed by Fleetwood in November because of
international call-ups.

TEAM NEWS
Kenny Jackett is hoping to have Andy Cannon (glute) and Ellis Harrison (leg) available for selection this weekend.

But Bryn Morris is not yet ready for first team action, having recently returned to training following a long-term groin problem.

Fleetwood striker Ched Evans is currently serving a three-match ban after being sent for elbowing Wycombe’s Jason McCarthy.

The hosts will also be without Kyle Dempsey (back) and Jordan Rossiter (knee), who are both suffering with long-term injuries.

HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 5 wins
Exeter: 2 wins
0 draws

At Highbury Stadium
Pompey: 3 wins
Fleetwood: 1 win
0 draws

TICKETS
Pompey fans can pay on the day at the Fleetwood ticket office, with collections from the booth outside the club shop.

OFFICIALS
Referee: Matthew Donohue
Assistants: Nik Barnard and James Wilson
Fourth Official: Mark Cunliffe

BETTING
Pompey and Fleetwood are both available at 13/8 to win on Saturday with Sky Bet, with the draw at 21/10.

 

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They have just announced that Oli Hawkins is starting the match replacing Ellis Harrison who picked up an injury during the warm up. Gareth Evans is on the bench.

 

Match kicks off.

 

Storm Ellen causing problems, with Pompey playing into a very strong wind.

 

1-0 to Fleetwood, as Callum Connolly header from very close range to the bottom right corner. 12 minutes.

 

Attempt missed. Wes Burns (Fleetwood Town) right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Barrie McKay. 15 minutes.

 

Pompey nearly level as Ronan Curtis viciously whips in a free-kick from the left which comes back off the bar and away to safety. 18 minutes.

 

Attempt blocked. Harry Souttar (Fleetwood Town) header from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Paul Coutts with a cross. 28 minutes.

 

Attempt missed. Oliver Hawkins (Portsmouth) left footed shot from the centre of the box. 32 minutes.

 

Attempt saved. Paddy Madden (Fleetwood Town) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 38 minutes.

 

45 minutes up, 2 minutes added on.

 

Harry Souttar booked for throwing the ball into the stand after his heavy touch takes it out of play. 45 +1 minute

 

Half time whistle goes, and it's 1-0 to the Cod Army.

Second half Pompey will have the benefit of the strong wind behind them.

 

Half Time Match Stats:-

Home Team: Fleetwood ............Away Team: Portsmouth

Possession:

Home 52%
Away 48%

Shots:

Home 4
Away 1

Shots on Target:

Home 2
Away 0

Corners:

Home 2
Away 0

Fouls:

Home 5
Away 7

 

Second half kicks off.

 

Pompey bring on Ryan Williams and Ross McCrorie, replacing Oli Hawkins and James Bolton. 56 minutes.

 

Attempt missed. John Marquis (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Ronan Curtis with a headed pass.