So the men in amber had another attractive home game when Portsmouth were the visitors to the Abbey Stadium. Yes it’s March, the days are longer but it was still another cold day with the wind blowing in from the north. United had the same starting 11 on the pitch for the 5th successive game and met a pompey team full of confidence after a couple of strong performances packed with goals. In fact just what we need. A crowd of 6667 including 1400 from the south coast were ready for the game. United as always in amber, pompey in an odd light blue away strip.
Pompey kicked off towards the NRE with their noisy fans in great voice. United made a good start and the first real chance fell to Jack Lankester, following good work by Sam Smith, fired in an effort straight at keeper Mackey, it was a decent chance. The U’s were moving the ball around nicely and the highly fancied visitors were having to defend before young Liam Bennett headed wide following a good cross from James Brophy. Full back Bennett also had a shot blocked after being fed by Conor McGrandles. Following a McGrandles corner, former Pompey blue, Michael Morrison headed just over. The U’s were playing well and taking the game to the visitors.
Sam Smith had another effort blocked before a number of fouls interrupted play. Referee Kitchen had had a good game so far but seemed hesitant to give Joe Ironside any decision, just like every home game he was manhandled by visiting defenders with no protection at all. It was ironic that home player Lankaster was first in the book following a soft foul on Dale. The home crowd howled in protest after the previous treatment of Ironside. Conor McGrandles had a chance from the edge of the box but fired wide. These chances were mounting up. Then 5 minutes before half time, the U’s looked certain to score as Lankaster fed Smith who drew keeper Mackey but from 10 yards out fired wide. It was a golden chance which Sam should have taken.
The half finished in controversial manner when as the ball was being ushered out, Dale of Portsmouth deliberately pushed a defender over the pitch advertising cover. This could have caused injury but all it did was invite handbags at 10 paces with several players involved. Dale wondered off without a care in the world after causing such a melee. The referee called him back, the player arguing all the time, but can count himself very lucky the card was yellow and not red. Had the referee seen the incident clearly, the petulant Dale would have been off. I wonder what the main stand assistant said to the referee. Half time came at 0-0. The men in amber could have been leading by 2 or 3 goals.
United started the second half well and Joe Ironside held the ball up well but under-hit his shot from 12 yards which was saved by keeper Macey. Jack Lankester then marauded forward laying the ball off to the always impressive Liam Bennett, who lashed a volley just wide from the edge of the box. Following a rare Pompey attack, Colby Bishop had an effort blocked. For the visitors Lowery replaced Jacobs. The Pompey substitute appeared to inject pace into the visiting side who came into the game more. Scarlett of Portsmouth had a further effort blocked before Sam Smith had a tame header saved. Pompey were certainly now playing up and Dale fired in a close range effort well saved by Mitov. Those of us who have followed the U’s for some time knew that danger was not far away after squandering so many chances.
Moments later Dale crossed into the box for Bishop to head home from about 8 yards for 0-1. I was disappointed to concede such a goal with 3 strong centre halves playing plus I thought Mitov should have come for the free kick. Moments later we thought we were back in the game as Liam Bennet played in Lankester who lifted the ball over Macey in to the net, but before we could cheer I saw the assistants flag up for offside. It must have been very close. Moments later Liam O’Neil replaced the unlucky Lankaster. The impressive Lloyd Jones headed just wide following a McGrandles free kick. To be fair the U’s tried hard to get back into the game but were being punished for missing so many chances.
Lloyd Jones powered in another effort following another McGrandles cross. United then replaced Digby and Brophy with Shilow Tracey and Steve Seddon. Both men tried to make an early impression but the visiting defence stood firm. For Pompey, Hackett-Fairchild replaced Scarlett. Sam Smith had another header saved when he could have done better. My how we have missed chances today. Smith fired in another effort moments later which smacked Tracey full in the face. It could only happen to us. Happily he could continue after a short delay. At the far post following a header from Ironside, Seddon fired in an effort which was scrambled away for a corner. Liam O’Neil then blasted one shot into orbit with a shot from outside the box. Ex U Joe Piggott replaced the fortunate Dale. 6 minutes were shown as additional time which were fairly end to end. Lloyd Jones then gained possession back for the U’s, he hit a glorious pass for Smith to run onto, with the goal at his mercy he miskicked and the chance was gone.
Moments later the game finished as a 0-1 home defeat. It was tough to take following a decent performance where the U’s looked solid except in front of goal. We really must take our chances as it appears we had 17 of them today. Despite the sad news that we won’t see George Thomas again this season because of injury, we are getting men back in a season ruined by so many injuries. This week it’s Morecambe on Tuesday and MK Dons away on Saturday. We need 6 points nothing else will do. We have the players, we make the chances….
Richard Stephen