Invincible home record continues as Pompey put 3 past Rotherham

Kenny Jackett fielded an un-changed side from their Saturday 3-0 win away at Rochdale, and in other team news, Andy Cannon is once again fit enough to be on the bench after his hamstring injury.

Ronan Curtis set the atmosphere at Fratton Park on the chilly Tuesday evening as he made a beautiful run down his favourable left side, before dropping the shoulder past the Rotherham defence, and finessing the ball into the back of the net inside the first 40 seconds of the game.

After the Irishman’s heroics, most of Portsmouth’s efforts continued down the left side.

Pompey gave away a free kick on the edge of the box in the 15th minute. The initial effort was saved by MacGillivray but he spilt the ball in front of Ladapo who takes the gift and taps in the equaliser for The Millers.

A clear-cut chance came for Pompey when Ellis Harrison knocked the ball down to Ben Close near the penalty spot however, the Pompey academy graduate fired the ball over the Milton End stands.

In the 37th minute a cross from Ronan Curtis was met by Ellis Harrison who fired a powerful header towards goal. Marquis managed to get a touch on it and diverted the ball even further away from the Rotherham keeper, giving Pompey the lead once again.

In the second half, Ellis Harrison thought he had made it 3 – 1 by putting his header away into the back of the net however, the referee deemed that the ball was firmly in the keeper’s grip first.

A moment of weakness from make-shift centre-back Oli Hawkins gives Rotherham the chance to make another comeback, this time from the penalty spot. Ladapo converted to get his and The Millers’ second of the night.

Ladapo, now onto a hat-trick with a shot sailing over the bar just moments after his penalty kick, Rotherham really felt they deserve something from this game after all.

Kenny Jackett’s side showed the determination that was much desired from Pompey supporters for much of this season, when Ben Close gave Pompey the lead for the third time with a beautiful volley into the bottom corner inside the box.

Close’s goal turned out to be the conclusion that Pompey deserved, and the 5 goal thriller swings towards the blue side as the referee blows the final whistle.

Final score

Portsmouth 3 – 2 Rotherham United