Portsmouth (h); The Review

Random star performer

Srbeny first half was really lively and looked sharp given his relative lack of minutes. Cantwell was very much the creator in chief, though there is potentially a concern that he now has another 90 mins in his legs, even with less hair to carry around. We will need his contributions in the coming weeks with so many of his midfield colleagues unavailable.

An honourable mention for another very capable 90 minutes from both Zimmerman (German 4th fucking tier remember) and Godfrey. They barely put a foot wrong.

Finally, although this may be stretching the definition of ‘performer’, the Roy Walker look-a-like leading the oles from the Pompey fans at the end. No idea who you are old-timer but your joy was infectious even in defeat. Even when we lose, football is sometimes great.

Weekend Whinge

In a game we arguably didn’t need to win the substitutions could have been made a bit earlier (again) and this time Farke wasn’t proven right to leave it so late.

The Pompey fans also had a rather high opinion of themselves and misjudged how little we care about their poor unoriginal jibes.

Farke watch

He took the opportunity to play Hanley, not really his fault the Scottish giant didn’t last 20 minutes, his resulting ban and lack of match practice probably the one negative from today in the context of the season.

Farke made the right noises about wanting to win, but we applaud that we were bombing forward to either win or get caught out at the end, a replay was not on the agenda and the team was set up and played out the last 10 minutes to show that was understood all round.

Moment of the match

After Pitman missed his sitter of a header and Pompey’s best chance in the first half, the ample striker’s momentum took him into the arms of two Norwich fans on the front row of the Barclay, who then refused to release him for over 20 seconds despite his protestation. Err that was about it, apart from Cantwell sticking one of their defenders on his arse. Lovely.

Biggest positive

Again a swathe of changes to the team didn’t effect the tempo, patience, style or technique on show from those in Yellow today, similarly to the brief cup dalliance earlier this season.

With 10 men we were still composed and patient. These were valuable minutes in the bank for some ring rusty legs, the benefits of which will be felt in future weeks. Farke has built a very capable squad and the future remains very bright.

Atmosphere

Disappointing. With the team battling hard, and Pompey doing their best to wind the Barclay up, the singing section was almost mute from the moment Hanley exited stage left. Too many people wanting to be among the noise but unwilling to help make it is a familiar gripe of ours and it was evident here. Oh, by the way Pompey – EVERY club sings “Lets by having you”. You’re not the first so there’s really no need to look all smug about thinking it up.

Summary

We’re out and that’s sad but of all the games to lose… Enjoy it Pompey, most of us really don’t mind.