Pompey took plenty of credit – if no points – from their trip to Oxford at the weekend. Now the challenge is to register a first League One victory of 2022 when Burton visit Fratton Park this evening (7.45pm kick-off). Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s side are one place higher in 12th spot, with a Blues win enough to leapfrog their opponents. The Brewers have won their past two games on the road at Gillingham and Lincoln, although that does represent 50 per cent of their total away successes. And they were beaten 2-0 on home soil by Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, with former Fratton loanee George Byers among the scorers. Among their January arrivals was striker Gassan Ahadme, who was recalled from Pompey by Norwich so he could make a permanent switch to the Pirelli Stadium. It was Albion who came out on top when the sides met in Staffordshire earlier in the season, with Reeco Hackett’s free-kick proving no more than a consolation. They won by the same scoreline at Fratton Park last term and the Blues have yet to taste success in any of their five south coast clashes with Burton. TEAM NEWS Pompey are waiting to learn the outcome of an appeal over Joe Morrell’s harsh red card at the Kassam Stadium. Kieron Freeman (concussion) and Shaun Williams (back) have joined Jay Mingi (shoulder), Jayden Reid (knee) and Liam Vincent (shin) on the sidelines, while Mahlon Romeo (ankle) is a doubt. The visitors are without Ryan Leak (face), while John Brayford, Sam Hughes and Dei Oshlilaja are all carrying knocks. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 3 wins Burton: 3 wins 4 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 0 wins Burton: 1 win 4 draws OFFICIALS Referee: Craig Hicks Assistants: Darren Blunden and Damith Bandara Fourth Official: Sunny Gill TICKETS Pompey fans can secure a seat for tonight's contest online here or by visiting the Anson Road ticket office. Supporters coming to the ground this evening can also purchase tickets from the booth behind the Fratton End. Fratton Park is now a cashless stadium, with contactless payments will be required in all food kiosks and hospitality areas, as well as for the purchase of tickets. MATCH COVERAGE Supporters at home and abroad can watch the contest live by purchasing an iFollow match pass and visiting the match centre. Domestic iFollow subscribers can also enjoy audio commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham as usual, but will need to purchase a match pass if they want to watch the game. 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. Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent. BETTING Pompey are the 87/100 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 29/10.
Half time score is a pleasing 2-0 to Pompey. Goals in the 33rd minute with a header from Sean Raggett courtesy of a corner by Michael Jacobs. Second goal from Michael Jacobs in the 42nd minute, putting the ball in the Burton net following a mistake by a Burton defender. Yellow cards for Mancienne for a foul on Louis Thompson in the 17th minute, and Powell in the 29th minute for deliberate hand ball. Sean Raggett in the 5th minute, and Ronan Curtis in the 34th minute, were booked for fouls. Michael Jacobs has been by far our best player in the first half. Hope it continues for the second half.
Half Time Match Stats:- Home Team: Portsmouth ..............Away Team: Burton Possession: Home 48% Away 52% Shots: Home 12 Away 6 Shots on Target: Home 3 Away 2 Corners: Home 5 Away 2 Fouls: Home 7 Away 8
Just seen the result and that is a relief. More of the same on Saturday and for the rest of the season as I would like the Cowleys to restore their reputation as successful managers, as well as improving Pompey's fortunes.
Final whistle. 2-1 home win, and three valuable points. Ex Pompey loanee Gassan Ahadme pulled a goal back for Burton in the 50th minute. Pompey made three substitutions - Ryan Tunnicliffe for Louis Thompson (72 mins), Reeco Hackett for Denver Hume (79 mins) and Clark Robertson for Michael Jacobs (85 mins). Yellow cards for Burton players Taylor for a foul on Louis Thompson, Chapman for fouling Tyler Walker, and their gobby manager Jimmy Floyd Bottlebank for bad language !
Final Match Stats:- Home Team: Portsmouth ................. Away Team: Burton Possession: Home 48% Away 52% Shots: Home 22 Away 10 Shots on Target: Home 6 Away 4 Corners: Home 9 Away 4 Fouls: Home 12 Away 20
First win of the year! Kudos to the 96 Burton fans who made the trip on a work night. So we are now 12 points adrift of the playoffs and also 12 points above the drop zone. The next few weeks will either confirm mid-table mediocracy or change the club's direction.
