There is mixed news for Pompey fans ahead of a hectic run of fixtures between now and the start of 2020. Six of the next seven games – which leads us up to Boxing Day – take place at Fratton Park, where no opposition team has managed to claim three points this term. But four of those fixtures are in League One and come against the sides currently occupying the top four places. Clashes with Peterborough, Ipswich and Wycombe follow in December after this evening’s visit from Rotherham. The Millers – who have former Fratton boss Richie Barker acting as manager Paul Warne’s assistant – have won four of their past five games. That run included a memorable triumph at MK Dons on Saturday, as United battled back from a two-goal deficit to claim the spoils. It leaves them sitting nicely in fourth spot, having claimed six more points than Pompey, albeit playing one match more. Rotherham were relegated from the Championship last term, but won both meetings with the Blues during the previous campaign. The hosts will have happier memories of their clash in April 2013, when a 3-2 success secured the Division One title. TEAM NEWS Pompey have no new injury concerns, with everyone coming through Saturday’s win at Rochdale unscathed. Sean Raggett (adductor) could return at the weekend, but Ross McCrorie (hamstring) and skipper Tom Naylor (hamstring) are still at least a week away. Jack Whatmough has returned to training following a serious knee problem, although needs a reserve game before being considered, while Bryn Morris (groin) is also out. Michael Smith could feature for the visitors against his former club, but ex-Fratton loanee Joe Mattock (back) is missing. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 11 wins Rotherham: 10 wins 10 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 8 wins Rotherham: 2 wins 5 draws TICKETS Pompey fans can secure seats 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: Antony Coggins Assistants: Richard Morris and Robert Dabbs Fourth Official: Oliver Jackson BETTING Pompey are the 21/20 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 12/5.
Must have been a thrilling game Woops - and the right result. Sounds like Pompey played more attacking football.
Was a very enjoyable game indeed ! Ronan Curtis' goal after 37 seconds was superb. That's his third goal in two matches, and seventh of the season. The cross from Ryan Williams on the right flank to Curtis on the left wing was magnificient, and his finish sublime. Seeing his goal was worth paying the entry fee alone !! Second goal from John Marquis was excellent, as was the winning goal from Ben Close. Well deserved the win and the three points which push us up to tenth place in the table leapfrogging Sunderland who were beaten at home by Burton. We are only two points off of a play-off position. The attendance was 16,355 including 204 away fans.
Final match stats:- Home Team: Portsmouth ............Away Team: Rotherham Possession: Home 55% Away 45% Shots: Home 16 Away 14 Shots on Target: Home 8 Away 5 Corners: Home 2 Away 6 Fouls: Home 18 Away 15
As It Stands:- ..Team ..........P GD Pts 1 Wycombe .........19 14 40 2 Ipswich .............17 15 35 3 Peterborough ...18 17 31 4 Rotherham .......18 12 30 5 Coventry ...........18 3 30 6 Oxford Utd ........17 18 29 7 Fleetwood .........16 9 29 8 Blackpool .........18 5 29 9 Bristol Rovers ..17 1 28 10 Portsmouth ....17 8 27 11 Sunderland .....17 5 26 12 Shrewsbury ....17 -3 24 13 Doncaster .......15 7 23 14 Burton ............16 3 23 15 Gillingham .....18 0 21 16 Rochdale .......19 -12 19 17 Accrington ....18 -4 18 18 Lincoln City ...17 -4 18 19 Wimbledon ....18 -7 16 20 Tranmere .......17 -11 16 21 MK Dons .......18 -14 13 22 Southend ......18 -35 5 23 Bolton ............15 -27 1
I can't believe we are now above Sunderland. Their fans are getting pretty restless. What a goal by Curtis.
