Deadbat
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Won't be a full report as still down south having been to the game yesterday, so away from my laptop. So, excuse the typos as doing on my phone!
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0-0 was about right as United and Pompey both had spells, and chances but both keepers made two key saves each. There were other opportunities and they missed a big chance at the end but a draw was about right.
United were a long way off their best but credit to Portsmouth as they competed hard and had a real go. Cooper had his busiest game since he has been here. We did get in good areas but no end product and our talisman Hamer had one of those days.
The game was whole hearted with two loud set of fans at a traditional stadium and despite the lack of quality and goals, was a better game than the 0-0 suggests.
The main negative was Matthew Donoghue, a referee we have seen before (Wrexham this year and Blackburn a few years ago). An absolute narcissist who wants it all to be about him.
Ratings:
Cooper 7.5/10 - He has been really solid so far but not been tested much before this game. Continued same level of competency with good handling, anticipating through balls and good distribution. However, today we saw a different aspect of his game. He made two excellent saves. One down low on a shot and then an excellent stop to help over a cross that nearly went in - right on half time. Little to do second half but another clean sheet; 4 in 5 now in an excellent start for the new keeper.
Gilchrist 6.5/10 - Decent enough defensively with some interceptions and tackles. Once or twice a bit slow to react and thought he offered very little going forward. Worrying he is going off in games. As Eggy and Roy pre game observed, he is constantly drinking water - something I had not noticed but did today as I watched out for it! Maybe that's why he keeps coming off - as he is cramping up, or maybe he needs the toilet!
Burrows 7/10 - Getter better and better. Gets up and down. Athletic and covers a lot of ground showing good pace. He was a good outlet and a few bits of good link play. Defensively he is improving too and made a number of clearances / headers. They seemed to play a lot of high ball towards him but he dealt with everything well.
Ahmedhodzic 7/10 - Steady game again. Mopped up and read things well but came out with the ball a few times. The defensive pairing must be as good as anything at this level surely?
Souttar 7.5/10 - Can make an argument for him or Cooper as our man of the match. Apart from one slip, he was imperious in his command of the back line. Did not lose a header all game and was first to every challenge he competed in.
Peck 6/10 - Not quite as good as he was last week. Not poor by any means but he was a bit short with a few passes and his set plays by contrast, were always overhit. He lost his shape a few times and we never had total control of the midfield. Still he is learning the game.
Souza 6.5/10 - Some good bits and busy throughout but his play on the ball was mixed too. Few silly fouls and then got involved unnecessarily at the end. His performances have been good though this season - a contrast to last season but of course the level is so much lower so he can physically stand out.
Rak Sayki 7.5/10 - His best game for us and after taking a while to get into it, he was a real threat. He got behind the full back a few times and only the final ball (not always his fault as a few times, he put it into a good area) was lacking. Did get to the line and beyond the defence. Thought he really worried them. Surprised he went off as he was the main player looking likely to create a chance.
Hamer 6/10 - Not his day at all. A few bits of link play but he gave it away more than normal and can't recall him really creating anything clear or having any efforts - outside of the header which he should have done better and gave the keeper a chance to save. Still felt when he got it, we might create something. Needs to be played inside more where he can be more effective.
O' Hare 4/10 - Think he has dropped off last few games and even in the recent wins, thought he did not carry the same threat. He got on the ball a few times but barely noticed him after the first 10 minutes. Just seemed to be anonymous and too often got knocked off or fell to the floor quite timidly looking for fouls. Love his energy and dribbling but not sure we've even seen those qualities the last few games.
Moore 5.5/10 - Get the defence of him in terms if the workmate, hold up stuff Wilder alluded to pre game but today not even sure he did those things. Ball didn't really stuck much at all and we created very little.
Subs
Brewster 6/10 - Was OK when he came on today even though its easy just to criticise. He was able to link a few times with Campbell. Came short and we were able to see a bit more of the ball higher up but the game had become more stretched.
Brooks 6/10 - Surprised Rak Sakyi came off at this point. Brooks showed some of his direct play but a weak dragged shot and a cross cleared was the sum of his attacking threats in the final third.
Campbell - Fairly quiet in his time on the pitch but did have one chance when Brewster played him in and the keeper made the save.
Seriki - Wilder clearly has a lot of faith in him. Saw a few of those runs as his fresh legs/pace gave us another threat. Got scythed down at the end but player survived a booking as Donohoe decided to just end it!
Wilder 6/10 - I think he should have let Rak Sakyi on. I also think he should have maybe got Hamer inside. The Brewster and Campbell combo did OK to be fair in terms of his other changes. We just looked a bit flat though and even 2nd half not sure we saw a response. Still it's a draw away and we keep the streak going.
United - Frustrating afternoon. I thought once again we defended quite well with the back 4 really solid with Souttar and Cooper the stand outs. We had spells where we had a lot of the ball but when we got in their final third, we created very little despite some good play by Rak Sayki. I felt we looked hesistant when we got in good positions and Hamer and O' Hare were miles off it. We saw that our lack of proper game changing options off the bench as despite chucking a number of subs on, we only had one chance through Campbell.
They had a few spells where they pinned us in a bit and a number of long throws and corners we had to repel. Cooper made two important saves and at the end they could have won it with a free header.
In the end, I was glad to just get a point and get out if there but we have to be much better attacking wise and with the ball, if we are serious about promotion. I think a few maybe thought it would be easy and it wasn't. We got caught on the ball a fair bit and we missed Arblaster and the control he gives us in the middle of the park.
We remain unbeaten and have two home games and would look to try and get 4 to 6 points and push towards the top. I still worry about our lack of depth and forward options but the defence has been excellent.
Portsmouth - Had not won a game and you always worry that they are 'due.' They were better than I anticipated in that they defended well, showed good energy and actually put a fair bit of pressure on us and arguably shaded the chances. They had lots of territory in our half and so many corners (15-9). They gave it a good go and felt they at times competed harder than us. We maybe showed a bit more quality on the ball but both teams got in good areas but were shot shy or unable to create many clear cut chances.
The crowd got behind them and I think they will have enough to stay up despite a tough start in terms of results. They have played us, WBA, Boro, Burnley and Leeds in a really challenging schedule.
Referee - Matt Donghue. An absolutely dreadful referee. We may have never have lost under him but every game he has been so fussy. He blows his whistle so often it's like being in a warehouse rave. The booking for one of the Pompey players was almost as if to say, I'm here! Then he generally just lost control and the way he ended both halves as each side had a chance (corner/free kick) just showed his complete lack of awareness of things. The melee at the end, he finally needed to get involved and just stood there.
Day out/stadium/fans - We spent the weekend down south as stayed at Oxford Friday and Saturday night (loads staying in our hotel as had been evacuated due to the floods round here which seem really bad) to break up the drive but had a full-ish day in Portsmouth on match day. Me and the lad went to the game but the wife was meeting family down here so didn't attend with us. We arrived around 10ish and left the car in Cosham. Got the train in and spent a few hours near Gunwharf Quays - near Spinnaker Tower and had a pint watching people abseil down it. Really sunny so enjoyed our drinks by the water. We saw HMS Prince of Wales depart which was cool. You had to pay to go and see the shipyard but with HMS Victory and we were pressed for time so didn't go in.
Met up with Roy, Eggy and Bladespod (and his brother) and had a few pints in the Docklands and Guildhall Village. Got a cab to the ground.
My first visit to Fratton Park. Proper old school ground, with houses/factories hemmed in on the stands. Love the old entrance with the tutor house. The away end facilities are appalling and dangerous with inadequate toilets and space to even move. It was quite dangerous. It was like an open air Loftus Park in terms of the absurdity of trying to get about. The view inside was OK with safe standing. The ground creates a decent atmosphere. The Pompey chimes and bell contribute, although the latter a bit annoying!
United fans sold out and did their best but there was little to get excited about. A long way to travel for a 0-0! Got away OK and managed to get on a train at Fratton and back to Cosham by 17.45pm.
Stopped off at Abingdon for tea. Lovely town and then in the big pub we ate in, ended up sort of gatecrashing a wedding. One of wedding party sidled up to me at the urinal and asked if I'd enjoyed the day. Said 'not really. 300 miles for a 0-0 pal.' He then looked confused as thought I'd been at the wedding. He then thought I was a Burnley fan. As they drew 0-0 at Oxford. Very odd chat!
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0-0 was about right as United and Pompey both had spells, and chances but both keepers made two key saves each. There were other opportunities and they missed a big chance at the end but a draw was about right.
United were a long way off their best but credit to Portsmouth as they competed hard and had a real go. Cooper had his busiest game since he has been here. We did get in good areas but no end product and our talisman Hamer had one of those days.
The game was whole hearted with two loud set of fans at a traditional stadium and despite the lack of quality and goals, was a better game than the 0-0 suggests.
The main negative was Matthew Donoghue, a referee we have seen before (Wrexham this year and Blackburn a few years ago). An absolute narcissist who wants it all to be about him.
Ratings:
Cooper 7.5/10 - He has been really solid so far but not been tested much before this game. Continued same level of competency with good handling, anticipating through balls and good distribution. However, today we saw a different aspect of his game. He made two excellent saves. One down low on a shot and then an excellent stop to help over a cross that nearly went in - right on half time. Little to do second half but another clean sheet; 4 in 5 now in an excellent start for the new keeper.
Gilchrist 6.5/10 - Decent enough defensively with some interceptions and tackles. Once or twice a bit slow to react and thought he offered very little going forward. Worrying he is going off in games. As Eggy and Roy pre game observed, he is constantly drinking water - something I had not noticed but did today as I watched out for it! Maybe that's why he keeps coming off - as he is cramping up, or maybe he needs the toilet!
Burrows 7/10 - Getter better and better. Gets up and down. Athletic and covers a lot of ground showing good pace. He was a good outlet and a few bits of good link play. Defensively he is improving too and made a number of clearances / headers. They seemed to play a lot of high ball towards him but he dealt with everything well.
Ahmedhodzic 7/10 - Steady game again. Mopped up and read things well but came out with the ball a few times. The defensive pairing must be as good as anything at this level surely?
Souttar 7.5/10 - Can make an argument for him or Cooper as our man of the match. Apart from one slip, he was imperious in his command of the back line. Did not lose a header all game and was first to every challenge he competed in.
Peck 6/10 - Not quite as good as he was last week. Not poor by any means but he was a bit short with a few passes and his set plays by contrast, were always overhit. He lost his shape a few times and we never had total control of the midfield. Still he is learning the game.
Souza 6.5/10 - Some good bits and busy throughout but his play on the ball was mixed too. Few silly fouls and then got involved unnecessarily at the end. His performances have been good though this season - a contrast to last season but of course the level is so much lower so he can physically stand out.
Rak Sayki 7.5/10 - His best game for us and after taking a while to get into it, he was a real threat. He got behind the full back a few times and only the final ball (not always his fault as a few times, he put it into a good area) was lacking. Did get to the line and beyond the defence. Thought he really worried them. Surprised he went off as he was the main player looking likely to create a chance.
Hamer 6/10 - Not his day at all. A few bits of link play but he gave it away more than normal and can't recall him really creating anything clear or having any efforts - outside of the header which he should have done better and gave the keeper a chance to save. Still felt when he got it, we might create something. Needs to be played inside more where he can be more effective.
O' Hare 4/10 - Think he has dropped off last few games and even in the recent wins, thought he did not carry the same threat. He got on the ball a few times but barely noticed him after the first 10 minutes. Just seemed to be anonymous and too often got knocked off or fell to the floor quite timidly looking for fouls. Love his energy and dribbling but not sure we've even seen those qualities the last few games.
Moore 5.5/10 - Get the defence of him in terms if the workmate, hold up stuff Wilder alluded to pre game but today not even sure he did those things. Ball didn't really stuck much at all and we created very little.
Subs
Brewster 6/10 - Was OK when he came on today even though its easy just to criticise. He was able to link a few times with Campbell. Came short and we were able to see a bit more of the ball higher up but the game had become more stretched.
Brooks 6/10 - Surprised Rak Sakyi came off at this point. Brooks showed some of his direct play but a weak dragged shot and a cross cleared was the sum of his attacking threats in the final third.
Campbell - Fairly quiet in his time on the pitch but did have one chance when Brewster played him in and the keeper made the save.
Seriki - Wilder clearly has a lot of faith in him. Saw a few of those runs as his fresh legs/pace gave us another threat. Got scythed down at the end but player survived a booking as Donohoe decided to just end it!
Wilder 6/10 - I think he should have let Rak Sakyi on. I also think he should have maybe got Hamer inside. The Brewster and Campbell combo did OK to be fair in terms of his other changes. We just looked a bit flat though and even 2nd half not sure we saw a response. Still it's a draw away and we keep the streak going.
United - Frustrating afternoon. I thought once again we defended quite well with the back 4 really solid with Souttar and Cooper the stand outs. We had spells where we had a lot of the ball but when we got in their final third, we created very little despite some good play by Rak Sayki. I felt we looked hesistant when we got in good positions and Hamer and O' Hare were miles off it. We saw that our lack of proper game changing options off the bench as despite chucking a number of subs on, we only had one chance through Campbell.
They had a few spells where they pinned us in a bit and a number of long throws and corners we had to repel. Cooper made two important saves and at the end they could have won it with a free header.
In the end, I was glad to just get a point and get out if there but we have to be much better attacking wise and with the ball, if we are serious about promotion. I think a few maybe thought it would be easy and it wasn't. We got caught on the ball a fair bit and we missed Arblaster and the control he gives us in the middle of the park.
We remain unbeaten and have two home games and would look to try and get 4 to 6 points and push towards the top. I still worry about our lack of depth and forward options but the defence has been excellent.
Portsmouth - Had not won a game and you always worry that they are 'due.' They were better than I anticipated in that they defended well, showed good energy and actually put a fair bit of pressure on us and arguably shaded the chances. They had lots of territory in our half and so many corners (15-9). They gave it a good go and felt they at times competed harder than us. We maybe showed a bit more quality on the ball but both teams got in good areas but were shot shy or unable to create many clear cut chances.
The crowd got behind them and I think they will have enough to stay up despite a tough start in terms of results. They have played us, WBA, Boro, Burnley and Leeds in a really challenging schedule.
Referee - Matt Donghue. An absolutely dreadful referee. We may have never have lost under him but every game he has been so fussy. He blows his whistle so often it's like being in a warehouse rave. The booking for one of the Pompey players was almost as if to say, I'm here! Then he generally just lost control and the way he ended both halves as each side had a chance (corner/free kick) just showed his complete lack of awareness of things. The melee at the end, he finally needed to get involved and just stood there.
Day out/stadium/fans - We spent the weekend down south as stayed at Oxford Friday and Saturday night (loads staying in our hotel as had been evacuated due to the floods round here which seem really bad) to break up the drive but had a full-ish day in Portsmouth on match day. Me and the lad went to the game but the wife was meeting family down here so didn't attend with us. We arrived around 10ish and left the car in Cosham. Got the train in and spent a few hours near Gunwharf Quays - near Spinnaker Tower and had a pint watching people abseil down it. Really sunny so enjoyed our drinks by the water. We saw HMS Prince of Wales depart which was cool. You had to pay to go and see the shipyard but with HMS Victory and we were pressed for time so didn't go in.
Met up with Roy, Eggy and Bladespod (and his brother) and had a few pints in the Docklands and Guildhall Village. Got a cab to the ground.
My first visit to Fratton Park. Proper old school ground, with houses/factories hemmed in on the stands. Love the old entrance with the tutor house. The away end facilities are appalling and dangerous with inadequate toilets and space to even move. It was quite dangerous. It was like an open air Loftus Park in terms of the absurdity of trying to get about. The view inside was OK with safe standing. The ground creates a decent atmosphere. The Pompey chimes and bell contribute, although the latter a bit annoying!
United fans sold out and did their best but there was little to get excited about. A long way to travel for a 0-0! Got away OK and managed to get on a train at Fratton and back to Cosham by 17.45pm.
Stopped off at Abingdon for tea. Lovely town and then in the big pub we ate in, ended up sort of gatecrashing a wedding. One of wedding party sidled up to me at the urinal and asked if I'd enjoyed the day. Said 'not really. 300 miles for a 0-0 pal.' He then looked confused as thought I'd been at the wedding. He then thought I was a Burnley fan. As they drew 0-0 at Oxford. Very odd chat!
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