I went home Saturday thinking that was a great performance by all the players, and a great win against a very decent team. Of course now I have had a read of the zone, I realise I obviously wasn't paying any attention to the game.
So here's my view on it all.....For a start lets clear one thing up, Pompey had a very good mid-field.....One of the best I have seen this season. They were strong, moved the ball quickly, could pass and looked dangerous going forward. So some of the players who had an 'off' day actually were playing well to contain Pompey.
Some of you won't like this but CP had obviously given them some thought in his own team selection. He obviously didn't fancy McG to do anywhere near the job McL did down our Right. Even in the 91stminute at Bury McG gave the ball away stupidly just outside our box and we could easily have lost that match.
I know some of you pre match were looking to swap things around but with mid field players and Wright not yet match fit, Harrison on left was the best option. No he is not a winger, as in a traditional wide man, but that's not the only option for left and right mid field. For start you still have to defend, you need to be in the game for a possible 90+ minutes and you have to have an end product.
Another great early start at RH. I was critical of Freddie at Bury for his heading but a good jump and a well placed header and up pops Harrison right down the middle....Good first and second touch which caused their guy to slide, in a desperate effort and it sails in the top left. Own goal yes but thanks to the new kids on the block.
Second goal McL lays a lovely weighted and inviting ball for Demy. Swept firmly in the far corner with the confidence of a man who takes and score penalties.
Anton was challenging and winning every header at this stage with the confidence of knowing Turner can sweep. In the second half late on under pressure Turner took over and won every header. Outstanding partnership between them. Yes a couple of times some very god footballers skipped past a challenge from them but that's what good players like Jack Payne or Dru are more than capable of doing. But more importantly the young Pompey fans, walking through the car park after, were looking for a reason for Pittman not being in the game. There were of course two main reasons....Anton and Turner. That's why some fans from places like Portsmouth and Millwall resort to racist or family abuse and some of you should remember that when you hear some idiot claiming its their 'right' as paying fan to abuse him. When Anton dives down the tunnel that's a shame on us all.
Back to game....At 2-0 we looked comfortable at the back but were wasteful going forward. Call it complacency as we have been in this safe 2-0 zone a few times recently but with good options players went for 30+ yard shots rather than look to finish the match. Suddenly at 2-1 they came back into it and for the first time I thought 2 goals weren't going to be enough.
The sending off came at a vital time for us, as their mid-field were really starting to tick. The challenge was definitely studs over the top but Coker's late reaction meant the 3,000 12th men in the East were a little slow to do our job but we got there in the end. Just after that the man who can't pass (Timlin) puts the cross of the day onto an unmarked and slightly stretching Harrison but he glanced it wide.....Still that will teach him he should have been out on the left touchline rather than finding space in the middle of the penalty area.
Dru was looking for birthday glory on his first two runs, much to the annoyance of CP. The key moment was his 3rd run. For those of you who are being to critical, lets remember on his 18th birthday he clearly learnt a lesson Jack Payne never did at RH......Once you have drawn all the defenders toward you if you lay a perfectly weighted ball into space....Is almost impossible to defend.
Of course you might need someone to burst a gut to get there.....So step, or rather sprint forward my MOM Jason Demetriou As we were reminded last Tuesday, all the effort and good play in the world never counts if you don't score. Two superbly finished goals in a season when far to many simple chances have been missed.
Oldham away and then Walsall at home. With plenty of the season left, lets not study league tables for to long, just make sure you get yourself down to the Hall and bring a friend or two. If your a Shrimper its always best to enjoy it why you can.
