Pompey provided an encouraging response to Saturday's Oxford horror-show against AFC Bournemouth - despite being knocked out of the Capital One Cup, following a narrow 1-0 defeat.

The visitors packed into the Goldsands Stadium, with 1,354 travelling fans hoping to see their side makes amends - and take out frustrations on the Cherries in the first-round clash.

New boy Bondz N'Gala was handed his debut, while Phil Smith, Romain Padovani, Ricky Holmes, Danny East and Tom Craddock made up the six changes from Saturday's starting side.

And it took Pompey just ten seconds to try and take control of the game - some good footwork from Patrick Agyemang opened the door for the striker, shooting wide in the opening exchanges.

However, Bournemouth weren't without chances of their own, as the attacking trio of Donal McDermott, Ryan Fraser and ex-Pompey forward Wes Thomas all looked to threaten Smith's goal.

And the best chance of the first half fell to Thomas, who wriggled free of Sonny Bradley on the edge of the area, only to be halted by an outstretched N'Gala at the last moment.

The Blues offered a pound-for-pound response to Bournemouth throughout the first half - a resolute and commanding defensive display that wasn't at all present at the weekend.

The only questionable display of the half, however, remained with the referee - who booked a number of Pompey players with little known reason.

Sonny Bradley took to Twitter, following the side's 4-1 defeat by the U's, stating that Pompey were excellent for 35 minutes - but you can't win a match in 35 minutes.

Quite right, the ex-Hull City man. Thankfully, Pompey's defensive display was much more reassuring yesterday evening - a back four which saw Joe Devera and Dan Butler occupying the full-back places.

However, one mistake from Butler allowed Fraser to pick out Eunan O'Kane's run across Pompey's box - firing home past a helpless Smith.

An unfortunate mistake by Butler, who had shown some good movements, on and off the ball, throughout the first half

Shades of a protective approach from Guy Whittingham, who brought off Butler shortly after the goal - moving Danny East into the left-back slot, allowing Simon Ferry to add a spark of creativity to Pompey's midfield.

And disappointing for Smith also, who had produced an immaculate display between the sticks until O'Kane's effort put the hosts into the driving seat.

Pompey then looked to go for broke at the Goldsands - adding Ryan Bird and Andy Barcham in an attempt to claw back an equaliser; the latter, of course, who scored after a mesmerising solo-run during the friendly fixture between the sides just a fortnight ago.

However, the hosts remained in control of the match - once again using their passing attributes to full effect, tiring and frustrating the visitors throughout the closing stages of the match.

A frustrating evening for many of the Blues' forward-thinking players, including Jed Wallace and Holmes, who were given little time or space to run at the Cherries' back four - largely thanks to a resilient display from former-Pompey midfielder Richard Hughes

However, the game was another good opportunity for Padovani to show his cultured approach, while standing in for the suspended Johnny Ertl. It was an accomplished display from the ex-Monaco man.

Plenty more positives than negatives from this tie - as Pompey show a side sitting two divisions above them that they mean business.

Roll on Accrington Stanley. Who are they? Exactly.

Photo: Action Images

weneedricardo added 11:23 - Aug 7 Nice effort again Dan, but "makes amends"? With this and "Butler Gate" from the last article, it's clear that your articles aren't being proof read or copy edited. Give the hyphens a rest as well lad!
0

Portsmouth Polls