I tend to look at U's performances through 'Rose Tinted Spectacles' after my pre-match ritual in the Bricklayers Arms. I wonder what is John Ward's excuse given that Michael Rose proved to be both hero and villain?
The rare on-time arrival of 'Pompey John', whose appearance suggests he is perhaps the love child of Screaming Lord Sutch and the Devil, hinted that a special night was perhaps in store, and all credit to the Portsmouth fans for helping to create a superb atmosphere. Both North and South stands sang their hearts out as two teams that wanted to play good on the floor football locked together in what I deem to be the best football match ever seen at WHCS.
The U's started the brighter and I felt confident of a victory. But a call of nature interfered and I confess that I missed the Pompey opener. But as I stood adjacent to a colleague at the urinal, and heard the South Stand sighs, we simultaneously said "Rose". Confirmation that he had indeed got out of position and played Rogers on side was no consolation.
The ball then sped from end to end at break neck pace, as both teams stepped up a gear. U's pressure led to three consecutive corners but the Pompey defence held. Largely reliant on breakaways, the Pompey wide men gave loyal U's fans many heart in the mouth moments as they tormented Rose and Wilson, who both have the merit of getting forward, but seem to lack the pace to get back when caught. However, it was from such an advance foray that Rose had his moment, and he blasted an unforgettable 30 yard net-buster that tops any goal I have seen in years, and at any level. HT 1 -1 and a score justified by the balance of play.
I sampled one of the new burgers, was excellent (but had already run out of cheese). Settled back into my seat and nervously watched a barrage of attacks on Cousins goal. Cousins again performed magnificently parrying a scorcher from McLeod, but was stranded by the follow up that fortunately smashed into a post. But where again was Rose to deal with that threat?
The balance of play then switched, with the U's in the ascendency, but punctuated by trouble down the flanks from Mcleod and Dumbuya. The U's as an overall unit now look strong, but do seem very vulnerable at left full back. Despite his earlier wonder strike, the crowd's frustration eventually boiled over at Rose with chants of "Johnny White White White" echoing from the South Stand.
More U's pressure and a succession of corners led to a toe poke from Magnus on 82 minutes. It's 2-1 and elation for the U's faithful. Surely this was three points in the bag? But within seconds of the restart, Rodgers hits the post and Obita made no mistake with the rebound , so 2-2 with echoes of the earlier incident. Where again was Rose? Too far up the pitch and once again caught out. If Michael Rose wants to be a midfielder, let's play him there where he does have distinct ability. However, his positional play as a defender isn't satisfactory (Joe Dunne to please address this when coaching)
In summary, a cracking game, although I felt Morrison was again too isolated and still looks a fraction of the pace. We welcome back Gavin Massey to soon pair with Sears, John Ward perhaps having the same perceptions as me (despite saying "no further signings"). On balance, a fair result, and talking to Pompey fans walking down Stadium Way that was mutually agreed.