Fratton February Round-Up

February has been a real mixed bag for Pompey fans. It seems the boys have really lost their hold on the league slipping to 4th now 11 points off top spot, and with Luton and Barnsley holding strong a playoff scrap is looking likely. More bad news came in the FA Cup as we crashed out in a 2-0 fourth-round defeat to QPR. Thankfully the boys gave us something to smile about, goals from Evans, Hawkins and Curtis saw off Bury comfortably taking us into this years Checkatrade Trophy at Wembley.

Portsmouth (1 – 1) Doncaster Rovers

2nd February 2019

Fratton Park (17,800)

The first fixture in feb saw us facing up to fellow promotion chancers Doncaster Rovers. The match saw Omar Bogle get his first start after agreeing a loan deal from cardiff city until the end of the season. The first half saw pompey control the play but complacent from our back line allowed Mallik Wilks to strike and put Doncaster ahead on the half hour mark. More pressure came from doncaster and our side looked grateful when the break finally came. With few clear cut chances there were doubts flying around regarding bogle especially when having Pitman a backup for hawkins who’s often found the end from super sub appearances. Bogle silenced his Fratton doubters no less than 10 minutes into the second half firing home from close range. The boys tried to push on but knowing a point would end their three game losing streak in the league with 10 to go the boys shut up shop after a solid performance.

Queens Park Rangers (2-0) Portsmouth

5th February 2019

Loftus Road (13,115)

The next fixture took us to Loftus Road in the FA Cup fourth round. After a strong performance earning a replay over 3,000 of the Fratton faithful made their way West London. Very much like the first tie the first 45 was scrappy and it wasn’t until the the 70th that QPR had a worked corner which dropped to wells to break the deadlock. With nothing to lose our boys pressed hard to find a leveller but a strong QPR counter lead to a foul. A nice position allowed the hoops to deliver well perfect for Smith’s bullet header in the 77th. From there QPR defended their lead well. After a disappointing performance an onus was placed on the boys to improve league form and go again against a struggling Plymouth side the Saturday coming.

Plymouth Argyle (1-1) Portsmouth

9th February 2019

Home Park (12,052)

A draw away to Plymouth was not good enough in the eyes of the Fratton faithful who made the long trip down. The boys looked complacent throughout and with the likes of Doncaster, Barnsley and Luton still grinding result the feeling was next game was a must win to keep Pompey in contention. After a nervy 90′ mins supporters walked about disappointed but positive their fortune would turn the following week against a struggling Southend side.