Unbeaten run ended by MK Dons

The Saturday afternoon clash against The Dons was Fratton Park’s first curtain raiser of the new year. The home side started the afternoon with a 10 match unbeaten league record.

The first half started positively, with the home side dominating possession, and registering shots on target from Ogilvie, Hirst and Curtis in the first 20 minutes.

The 20 minute mark is where the green spells ended for Pompey. Reeco Hackett’s pass was intercepted in midfield which gave Mo Eisa the space needed to comfortably slot past Bazunu and open the scoring for the visitors.

The home side continued to create chances however, mostly off-target. Harness and Curtis registered two more shots before the break however, neither able to convert.

The start of the second half showed promise for Pompey, with Joe Morrell and Shaun Williams being important pillars in midfield making the play tick in Pompey’s favour in every aspect apart from the most crucial.

The Dons doubled their lead after another Portsmouth error. Kieron Freeman sliced the ball towards Bazunu’s goal and subsequently allowed Scott Twine to latch on to the loose ball and take a shot at goal. The original effort was blocked by Connor Ogilvie however, the rebound fell perfectly for a late-arriving Theo Corbeanu who struck the ball in off the bar to double the lead.

With minutes to spare, Pompey thought they had done the impossible and equalised, if not for the raised flag of the linesman. Harness’ knock-down to Marquis who slotted home was chalked off after the number 9 was found to be marginally offside.

Late moments of brilliance from Gavin Bazunu prevented the margin from expanding to 3 or 4 in the late stages of the contest.

Full time score: Portsmouth 1 – 2 MK Dons

Below 2020 Media Pompey MOTM: Joe Morrell