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Sloppy defending costs Pompey dear at Sunderland and Jackett is not happy
Saturday, 17th Aug 2019 18:27 by pompey-fans.com staff

Conceding an equaliser from a corner was the key moment that turned Pompey's game at Sunderland against them after a bright start.

That was the verdict of a frustrated Kenny Jackett as he surveyed a 2-1 defeat that has left the Blues with three points from three games and in the bottom half of the table.

Marcus Harness fired in the opening goal after he and John Marquis combined to put the Sunderland defence under pressure on 22 minutes.

But it was all square five minutes and in simple fashion for the Black Cats when Jordan Willis headed in a Grant Leadbitter corner after his run was not picked up by Pompey's defence.

Jackett felt that brought the crowd to life, and it was Sunderland who got the next - and what proved the winner - when Aiden McGeady got the better of Anton Walkes and squared perfectly for Chris Maguire, who scored.

Pompey had one or two chances to equalise in the second half but few of them were clear cut and Sunderland held on for the win - their second in a row against Pompey after a run of games where the Blues had got the better of them.

Jackett told the Pompey website: 'It was frustrating because we started well and were on top in both halves, getting the important first goal. But then we conceded from a corner and that brought the crowd into play. Those set-pieces are so vital and it was poor from our point of view.

'The second one was a quality goal after picking up a second ball — they have those flashes from the likes of McGeady, McNulty and Maguire. But they were the only real two shots they had in the game and they made us pay, while we had the majority of the play.

'There were three really big chances for us in the second period, with Marquis and Evans both going close. Then there was a defensive header from Leadbitter that the keeper’s done well to keep out and prevent an own-goal.

'Sunderland defended their lead well, although we put too many balls into his hands, not giving our attackers enough of a chance.'

Pompey hope for better when they host Coventry on Tuesday night.

Pompey: MacGillivray; Walkes (McCrorie 73), Downing, Burgess, Brown; Close, Naylor (c), Cannon (Evans 62); Harness, Marquis, Curtis (Harrison 62). Subs not used: Bass, Raggett, Haunstrup, Pitman

Referee: Michael Salisbury

Attendance: 29,140 (874 Pompey fans)

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