x

Pompey prepare for a final day to cherish

Pompey head into the final day with promotion wrapped up and with the League Two title still to play for - and with their would-be next owner watching on.

It should be quite an occasion at Fratton Park and having something to play for when the match begins will ensure it does not fizzle out, as these last-day games can do when there is little riding on them.

The Pompey camp have been talking up their chances of nicking the title - something that seemed impossible just a few weeks ago - but they still need both Doncaster and Plymouth to fail to win while they win their own game.

Cheltenham are safe from dropping into the National League though that does not necessarily mean they will be at Fratton just to make up the numbers.

Defender Matt Clarke, one of many contenders to pick up one of the numerous player of the year awards due to be given out before kick-off, is looking forward to a big Fratton occasion - and to next season.

He told the Pompey website: 'If you’d said at the start of February that we’d be in this position, I don’t think anyone would have believed you. All we can do now is win our game on Saturday and then hope that some other results can go our way.

'It’s been a great campaign and I’ve enjoyed playing in big matches week in, week out. There have been frustrations at times, but we’ve got to be pleased with how things have gone. The season has been a bit of a slog at times and you have to put your feet up when you get the chance.

'So we’ll enjoy some rest over the summer, but will keep ourselves ticking over, so we can come back firing. I’ve never played in League One and don’t know what to expect, but we’ll keep working hard to win as many games as we can.'

Blues boss Paul Cook, named April's League Two manager of the month, will be weighing up whether to give any of his fringe men a last run out for the season, but in truth is unlikely to make many changes from the side that won at Mansfield last week to keep the title dream alive.

Would-be buyer Michael Eisner and associates are likely to be present, and having impressed many at the Guildhall with their vision for the club, are likely to get a good reception.

Advertisement

Click here to sign up for an account and reserve your username! You can then post on the Forum and add your comments to articles

What to read next:

Lincoln City 0 - 2 Portsmouth - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
No Pompey parade - but Southsea Common will see plenty of celebration
Pompey have had some memorable celebrations on Southsea Common since the turn of the century - and more such memories will be made on Sunday afternoon.
Portsmouth 1 - 2 Wigan Athletic - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Pompey have new heroes in 2024 - and it takes me back to 1983, 2012 and many points in between
Sometimes I think about something I want to write about, get straight to it and end up rambling on for about 2,000 words. But this is different. I want to write 2,000 words about the League One champions and don’t know where or how to start.
Portsmouth 3 - 2 Barnsley - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Bolton Wanderers 1 - 1 Portsmouth - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Right Pompey approach can bring rewards at Bolton
It could be the under-statement of the season - Bolton v Pompey described as being as 'interesting contest'.
Our feet are still on ground: Pompey goal hero takes it a game at a time
Owen Moxon insists it's still 'feet on ground' time for Pompey as they try to edge closer to promotion when they host Shrewsbury on Saturday.
He's been exceptional - Kamara wins high praise for inspiring Pompey win at Wycombe
Jon Harley was quick to heap praise on Abu Kamara after the winger produced another top-class display to inspire Pompey to an Easter treat of a victory at Wycombe Wanderers.
Pompey chief on the moves that should protect English football and its clubs
Pompey's chief executive believes the new Football Governance Bill will help make the game more sustainable - and protect clubs from rogue owners.