Pompey promotion hopes in danger as late goal leaves Blues empty handed
2 min read
Kenny Jackett, albeit from the sidelines whilst recovering from an operation, presented two changes in Pompey’s lineup from their disappointing display at Bristol Rovers in midweek. Marcus Harness and Rasmus Nicolaisen replaced George Byers and James Bolton respectively. The latter supposedly out with a knock, with Jack Whatmough replacing him on the bench.
Early action gave Pompey fans hope for a good shift from the forwards, as Curtis chased a deep cross inside the box in the first few minutes of the game. The Irishman was knocked off-course by the opposition keeper but not enough for the linesman, who was close to the action, to flag a foul and recommend a spot-kick.
Portsmouth enjoyed the majority of the possession in the first half, with a handful of shots and chances coming their way. Midtjylland loanee Rasmus Nicolaisen rose highest to meet with a Charlie Daniels corner, but steered just wide of the goal.
Moments later, Pompey created the best chance of the game, also after a set piece. Ronan Curtis whipped in a low cross from a free-kick just outside the box, making its way to Marcus Harness at the far post, who struck at goal. The wingers initial effort was blocked and fell into the path of Rasmus Nicolaisen. The Dane swung at the ball to register his second shot of the game, but was denied on the goal-line by Blackpool centre-half James Husband. The Blue’s lobbied for a penalty right away, but referee Sam Allison dismissed shouts from captain Tom Naylor and co.
The Tangerines had several chances at goal and posed threats with 4 of their 7 shots on target, despite having less possession.
The momentum finally swung in the side of the northerners in the 82nd minute when Jerry Yates caught Nicolaisen out of position at the half-way line and left the centre-half in the dust whilst gunning at goal down the right flank. Sean Raggett the final obstace in Yates’ way inside the box, couldn’t prevent the Blackpool striker from switching the ball to his right foot and taking a low shot into the far corner.
Craig MacGillivray managed to get a hand to it but the ball fell into the net, as have Pompey’s chances at a successful season with the current run of form.
The game finished in disappointing fashion, with a 1 – 0 loss to visitors Blackpool.
