Pompey 1 Luton 0: Burgess heads Blues to winning 2017 start
Monday, 2nd Jan 2017 20:25 by pompey-fans.com staff

Pompey moved ever closer to the top three spot they covet as they held on against a spirited Luton fightback to seal a 1-0 home victory to open 2017 on a positive note.

Christian Burgess's first-half header from a corner was the difference between the sides as the Blues kept their fourth clean sheet in five games and completed an important double over one of the sides also in the running for at least a play-off spot.

Gary Roberts missed a stoppage-time penalty that would have made it safe but thankfully his Harry Kane-esque effort over the bar didn't matter.

Paul Cook brought Kyle Bennett back into the starting line-up in place of Noel Hunt and the Blues were quickly on to the attack, with Michael Smith and Kal Naismith involved in most of the attacking play.

There was a lengthy hold-up while Luton's Cameron McGeehan was treated and then taken off on a stretcher after what looked a 50/50 tackle with Michael Doyle. It later emerged it was a suspected broken leg - the player having attracted a fair bit of attention and some abuse from some sections of the crowd for the way he reacted to the injury.

After play restarted Gareth Evans and Carl Baker had efforts at goal which didn't hit the target.

Burgess headed the Blues into the lead when Baker swung in a perfect free kick for him from the left touchline after Bennett was fouled.

Pompey's tails were up and they looked the most likely to get the game's second goal. Evans was denied and Burgess headed a corner wide in seven minutes added on at the end of extra-time.

The Blues were not able to dominate the second half as they had the first. Danny Hylton lobbed David Forde after capitalising on a Burgess error in dealing with a through ball but saw his effort come back off the bar before being scrambled to safety.

Jonathan Smith missed a couple of half chances and Cook responded by bringing on Gary Roberts for Bennett with 22 minutes to go.

Smith, Naismith and Baker all had shots blocked - while Roberts blazed his penalty over after Olly Lee had tripped sub Hunt a couple of minutes into four added on.

Luton were unable to muster any late forays to unnerve Pompey and the points were in the bag - setting up the Blues nicely for the trip to Doncaster on Thursday.

Pompey: Forde; Evans, Burgess, Clarke, Stevens; Rose (Linganzi 84), Doyle; Baker (Hunt 80), Naismith, Bennett (Roberts 68); Smith. Subs not used: O’Brien, Whatmough, Lalkovic, Chaplin

Referee: Tim Robinson

Attendance: 17,402 (1,547 away fans)