Match Day Thread Pompey v Bradford City

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Pompey will put Wembley excitement to one side as they look to reignite their promotion challenge against Bradford on Saturday.

Kenny Jackett’s side have a Checkatrade Trophy final at the national stadium to look forward to at the end of the month.

But the more pressing matter is trying to close the five-point gap to Barnsley, who currently occupy second spot.

After five successive third tier stalemates, the Blues will want to return to winning ways against the struggling Bantams.

Their visitors are only being kept off the foot of the table by AFC Wimbledon, although are just three points adrift of safety.

City are currently under the caretaker charge of Martin Drury following David Hopkin’s decision to step down as manager on Monday.

He had only been appointed in September following the decision to sack Michael Collins just seven games into the season.

Bradford have a solitary victory since New Year’s Day and lost 3-2 at Walsall in their most recent outing, despite the hosts playing all but six minutes with 10 men.

Gareth Evans was on target when Pompey triumphed at Valley Parade back in November, although it was the Yorkshire outfit who triumphed 1-0 in last season’s Fratton contest.

TEAM NEWS
Christian Burgess (ankle) is set for a short spell on the sidelines, while Omar Bogle (hamstring), Andy Cannon (quad) and Jack Whatmough (knee) are all missing.

Lloyd Isgrove and Bryn Morris are both back in contention after being cup-tied against Bury on Tuesday evening.

Former Fratton loanee Eoin Doyle is likely to feature for the visitors, who will be without Jake Reeves (groin), Sean Scannell (back) and Calum Woods (hamstring).

HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 17 wins
Bradford: 18 wins
4 draws

At Fratton Park
Pompey: 12 wins
Bradford: 7 wins
1 draw

BETTING
Pompey are the 8/13 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 9/2.

 

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So, really good news that Christian Burgess is fit to play at centre half today, after what appeared to be a nasty ankle injury suffered Tuesday night at Bury. The initial swelling has gone quickly, so he is happily available.

Hopefully, confidence is high after the 3-0 win at Bury, where we had an excellent second half following Jamal Lowe's introduction at half time for Viv Solomon-Otabor.

 

One minutes applause marking the sad passing of former Pompey midfielder Bobby Doyle.

Referee Oliver Langford blows his whistle, and the match commences. Pompey attacking the Fratton End.

 

Good afternoon 3rd eye

 

Oli Hawkins hits a post with a header from a cross from Gareth Evans. 6th minute.

 

Penalty for Pompey for a push on Matty Clarke by Anthony O'Connor.

 

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1-0 to Pompey Gareth Evans with a well struck penalty. 23rd minute. He had Bradford's captain Paul Caddis snarling in his ear before he took the kick - didn't put him off though

 

Attempt missed. Ronan Curtis right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. 30 minutes.

 

Oli Hawkins header goes close, from a Lee Brown cross. 33rd minute.

 

Almost a second goal there with a shot from Ronan Curtis going close, and Jamal Lowe nearly reaching the rebound. 36th minute.

 

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2-0 now to Pompey Corner kick from Gareth Evans, Ronan Curtis first-time deflected effort comes off the underside of the bar cleared off the line, and Tom Naylor scores his third goal of the season from close range. 41 minutes.

 

Yellow card for Paul Caddis of Bradford, for dissent, in his first match as skipper. He seems to be losing his head in this half. 46 minutes.

 

2-0 at half time. Good first half for us. Keep it up lads.