Match Day Thread Pompey v Southend Utd.

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There will be a trio of familiar faces returning to Fratton Park this evening for Pompey’s League One meeting with Southend.

Sol Campbell – who skippered the Blues to the FA Cup in 2008 – was appointed manager of the Essex outfit last month.

His assistant Hermann Hreidarsson is another member of that famous Wembley side, while coach Andy Cole spent a year on the south coast.

They coincidentally replaced another ex-Pompey bunch, with Kevin Bond, Gary Waddock and Svetoslav Todorov all departing Roots Hall following a poor start to the season.

The Shrimpers have secured just one league win – September’s 1-0 success at MK Dons – all season and only a 12-point deduction for Bolton is keeping them off the foot of the table.

Campbell oversaw a 7-1 home defeat to Doncaster before properly taking charge for much closer losses to Ipswich and, on Saturday, Sunderland.

The new man in charge has a big job on his hands, with Southend already eight points adrift of safety.

Pompey won 2-0 in last season’s corresponding fixture, but will be keen to forget the most recent meeting between the pair on United territory.

Goals from Bryn Morris, Ben Close and Oli Hawkins gave them a commanding lead back in February, only for Simon Cox’s treble to ensure the spoils were shared.

TEAM NEWS
Brett Pitman is back in contention for Pompey after returning to training following a groin injury that has kept him out for three weeks.

Oli Hawkins (foot), Bryn Morris (groin) and Jack Whatmough (knee) are all still sidelined for the Blues.

Southend will be without Stephen Humphrys (thigh), Charlie Kelman (ankle), Sam Mantom (hamstring) and John White (arm).

Ethan Hamilton and Stephen McLaughlin are both serving the final game of three-match bans following their red cards against Doncaster.

HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 18 wins
Southend: 11 wins
9 draws

At Fratton Park
Pompey: 13 wins
Southend: 2 wins
4 draws

TICKETS
Pompey fans can secure seats online here 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: Lee Swabey
Assistants: Conor Farrell and Ollie Williams
Fourth Official: Samuel Allison

BETTING
Pompey are the 1/4 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 10/1.

 

Just off to the game. Here's hoping for three points

 

Thanks for continuing the thread 3rd eye

We played well, especially in the second half when we ran the show. Ellis Harrison was named man of the match for his two goals, but I thought that Ronan Curtis was superb tonight. Marcus Harness was also brilliant when he came on for a tiring Ryan Williams. His goal was excellent. Brandon Haunstrup played well after replacing injured right back Ross McCrorie who pulled a hamstring.

You can see why Southend are near the bottom of the table, and I fear that even Sol Campbell will struggle to keep them up. Interesting to see both Sol and Hermann Hreiðarsson at the ground. Also good to see Svetoslav Todorov come onto the pitch at half time to rapturous applause !

 

Final match stats:-

Home Team: Portsmouth ...........Away Team: Southend

Possession:

Home 57%
Away 43%

Shots:

Home 25
Away 13

Shots on Target:

Home 8
Away 3

Corners:

Home 8
Away 2

Fouls:

Home 10
Away 16

 

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Tonight's Attendance: 16,995 (incl. circa 315 away fans)

 

Match Highlights:-

http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/1007467206?-11209:804