Match Day Thread Pompey v Lincoln City

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Pompey are back under the lights and searching for a return to winning ways when they host Lincoln tonight.

It will be the first meeting between the sides since the last time they shared this division back in the 1982/83 season.

That campaign finished with the Blues claiming the title, while their opponents saw their own promotion challenge fade.

Not helping the Imps’ cause was two defeats to Pompey, including a 4-1 midweek reverse at Fratton Park, with Alan Biley hitting a hat-trick.

Lincoln have enjoyed two promotions in the space of just three seasons to get back to this level, guided by Danny Cowley and his brother Nicky.

But their departure to Huddersfield last month created an opening that was filled by former Blues boss Michael Appleton.

He watched from the stands as his new side were thrashed 6-0 at home to Oxford, but has since steadied the ship.

A home victory over Sunderland helped boost confidence, while the 12th-placed Imps played out a goalless draw with Shrewsbury on Friday night.

TEAM NEWS
Brett Pitman is a major doubt for the hosts with a groin strain, while Oli Hawkins (foot), Bryn Morris (groin) and Jack Whatmough (knee) are definitely out.

Michael Bostwick (calf) is missing for Lincoln, while fellow defender Cian Bolger serves a three-match ban after being sent off against Shrewsbury.

Imps striker John Akinde could feature against the club where he failed to score in 11 appearances during the 2012/13 campaign.

HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 8 wins
Lincoln: 5 wins
5 draws

At Fratton Park
Pompey: 5 wins
Lincoln: 2 wins
3 draws

TICKETS
Pompey fans can secure seats online or by visiting the Anson Road ticket office.

From 5.30pm this evening, they can also be bought from the ticket office in Frogmore Road.

OFFICIALS
Referee: Tom Nield
Assistants: Gregory Read and Kevin Howick
Fourth Official: Michael Webb

BETTING
Pompey are the 17/20 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 3/1.

 

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Match kicks off.

 

Attempt saved. Ryan Williams (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Gareth Evans with a cross. 2nd minute.

 

Attempt missed. John Marquis (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Ryan Williams with a headed pass. 4th minute.

 

Attempt missed. Callum Connolly (Lincoln City) header from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Michael O'Connor following a set piece situation. 7 minutes.

 

Attempt missed. Callum Connolly (Lincoln City) header from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Michael O'Connor following a set piece situation. 7 minutes.

 

Attempt blocked. John Marquis (Portsmouth) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Ryan Williams. 12 minutes.

 

Shot from former Pompey triallist Bruno Andrade turned round the post by Craig MacGillivray. 20 minutes.

 

Attempt saved. John Akinde (Lincoln City) with an attempt from very close range is saved. 21st minute.

 

Attempt missed. John Marquis (Portsmouth) left footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses the top left corner. Assisted by Ben Close. 22 minutes.

 

Gareth Evans cross, and John Marquis shot just wide of the target. 25 minutes.

 

GOAL FOR POMPEY !!!!!!!!!!!

 

1-0 to Pompey. Towering header from Christian Burgess from a free kick, the Imps keeper couldn't hold the ball, and John Marquis taps the ball in. 28 minutes

 

45 minutes up. 1 minute added on.

 

Half time whistle goes, and it's 1-0 to Pompey.

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Half-time match stats:-

Home Team: Portsmouth .........Away Team: Lincoln City

Possession:

Home 54%
Away 46%

Shots:

Home 8
Away 9

Shots on Target:

Home 4
Away 5

Corners:

Home 1
Away 2

Fouls:

Home 6
Away 9