x

Pompey 1 Walsall 1: All's fair at Fratton as Pitman strikes again

Pompey had no complaints afrer taking a point from Walsall's visit to Fratton Park.

The 1-1 draw, secured by Brett Pitman's second-half penalty, made it one win, one draw and one defeat for the Blues as they adjust to life in League One.

Jackett told The News: ‘I thought a draw was a fair result. I was disappointed with the goal against and Walsall gave us problems.

‘We didn’t fall away in the second half, though, which was good and the subs gave us a physical presence. ‘There’s a big difference between the leagues.

'But we’re pleased with the way we bounced back, posed a threat and lifted the crowd. ‘We battled back but we’re always looking to improve and get better. Overall, though, it was a fair result.’

After a very forgettable first half, in which the biggest talking point was yet another defensive injury blow for the Blues as Drew Talbot hobbled off, the visitors drew first blood in the opening minutes of the second half.

With Pompey's defence slow to react, James Wilson was played into space down the right and his cross into the box was converted close in by Luke Leahy.

Pompey carried few direct threats to Mark Gillespie's goal but the keeper brought his own end to his team's lead 16 minutes from time when he clumsily challenged sub Nicke Kabamba and the ref pointed to the spot.

Brett Pitman stepped up to add to his record of being Pompey's only league scorer so far by sending Gillespie the wrong way from 12 yards.

Pompey livened up having got back on level terms and Pitman twice went close to nabbing a winner in the final 10 minutes.

The Blues go to Wigan next Saturday.

Pompey: McGee; Talbot (Bennett 36), Burgess, Whatmough, Haunstrup; Rose, May; Evans, Naismith (Kabamba 65), Lalkovic (Main 65); Pitman. Subs not used: Bass, Davies, Close, Chaplin.

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:

Why sentiment had no room in Pompey's decisions over who stayed and who was released
It involved some tough decisions and probably lots of soul-searching, but Pompey insist deciding on this year's retained list was all about separating sentiment from the cold, hard reality of the need to be competitive in the Championship next season.
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.