Tactical change works a treat as Pompey delight the bosses
Sunday, 24th Nov 2019 15:33

Pompey's players were saluted for a textbook away win at Rochdale.

They allowed the home team to have the majority of the possession but hit them when they attacked to run out 3-0 winners and make it three wins and two draws from their past five league games.

Assistant boss Joe Gallen was delighted by the result and the manner in which it was achieved. He said a change in the position in which John Marquis was used was key to the success.

He told www.portsmouthfc.co.uk: 'We’ve won away from, scored three goals — and could have got even more — and kept a clean sheet, so that’s all pleasing. It was a very good away-day for us and there were times where we had to sit in and defend against a side who were very offensive.

'But we felt that if we could catch them on the break, then we’d be able to create quite a few chances — and that’s the way it worked in the second half. The manager made a tactical change that helped. John Marquis had been playing behind Ellis Harrison and moved up beside him.

'It was only a 10 or 12-yard difference, but it helped us to intercept and break better, with more potency. All the boys have understood the work-rate that’s needed to represent this club. You have to play above yourselves.

'Thankfully, Ronan and the rest of the team have come up to that level we’ve been asking for. The attitude was fantastic and I’m looking forward to seeing the running stats.'

Pompey: MacGillivray; Haunstrup, Hawkins, Burgess, Brown; Walkes, Close; Williams, Marquis, Curtis (Harness 90+1); Harrison (Pitman 75). Subs not used: Bass, Bolton, Downing, Cannon, Evans

Referee: James Adcock

Attendance: 3,789 (993 Pompey fans)