Pompey's unbeaten run of six matches came to an end at Ashton Gate against Bristol City. Defeat also saw the end of Pompey's run of clean sheets although not before Jamie Ashdown was able to break a post-war Pompey league record for not conceding held by Peter Mellor.
Prior to the match the area around Ashton Gate had suffered a power-cut and on arrival much of the area was in darkness including the ground itself. Fortunately, power was restored to ensure play went ahead.
Football can be a cruel and ironic game at times as Pompey played some of the best football seen by their fans for quite some time and yet ended up losing. They haven't always played well during the six game unbeaten streak but seemed to be able to grind out the wins.
Pompey went in to the game unchanged from the team that narrowly beat Sheffield United 1-0 the previous Saturday.
The Ashton Park pitch is on a slope, not disimilar to the Havant & Waterlooville ground; the away fans are located at the bottom of the slope. The pitch was in excellent condition, ideal for good, slick, passing football.
There was a clear contrast in styles between the two teams in the first half.
Pompey were willing to get the ball down and pass it through their midfield - Jonathan Hogg in particular looked lively - and out to the flanks, Cotterill, Nuigent, De Laet all looked lively.
Bristol on the other hand looked strong on the break, playing effective, counter attacking football.
The home team employed the multi-ball system to help them in their endeavours but has there ever been a tactic less likely to maintain the flow of the game than this especially when it's poorly executed? Play was often interrupted with two balls on the field of play, it's a nightmare.
Despite two or three good long range opportunities for the home team to shoot on goal during the first 40 minutes - all shots going over the bar - Pompey looked solid at the back.
Unfortunately, Pompey's downfall came following the breakdown of a move where Ricard Rocha had edged forward in to the Bristol half to win a lose ball, won it but then lost it again almost immediately, was out of position and the heart of Pompey's defence was exposed. Bristol were able to take advantage and Albert Adomah found himself one-on-one with Jamie Ashdown from where he shot over and past the advancing 'keeper to give the home team the lead.
It was harsh luck on Pompey who had most of the first half possession and looked the more accomplished team. Fitball, eh? Bloody 'ell.
A few minutes later Pompey had a great opportunity to immediately strike back but although David Nugent was able to find Joel Ward the Emsworth youngster headed over when it looked easier to hit the target.
HT Bristol City 1-0 Portsmouth
Pompey were attacking towards their own fans in the second half and before the restart former Pompey favourite David James got a good reception on taking up his position in goal.
Both Joel Ward and Ritchie de Laet had opportunities to level matters during the early exchanges but Ward's effort went over the bar from a tight angle and de Laet's shot was well blocked.
Unfortunately, despite having much of the possession Pompey found themselves two down, the goal again coming from a breakaway move, Greg Halford diverted Nicky Maynard's cross from the right in to his own net.
Pompey continued to press although with less fluidity to their play compared to the first half and Dave Kitson had a number of good chances but was unable to take any of them. Kitson often played wide of centre during this match and although he linked up play well as a striker it would have been better to see him in the box causing a bit more trouble in the penalty box and leave the crossing to Cotterill, De Laet and Nugent.
With time running out and Pompey looking likely to draw a blank, Steve Cotterill sent on Kanu for a shorter than normal cameo appearance.
The King - in less than 5 minutes - was able to cause problems for the Bristol defence and it would have been interesting to see him join the play earlier. Maybe he was being saved for Saturday's match.
As it was, following some good play by Kanu where he weaved his way in to the penalty box, Pompey drew a goal back in added time, Kitson eventually getting on to the scoresheet deflecting a Carl Dickinson shot in to the goal past James. Despite a final flurry of activity where Pompey again had the ball in the danger area they were unable to get the last-gasp equaliser that they overall play had warranted.
Overall, Pompey's play in this game warranted a better result. They played some good, possession, passing football, especially during the first half, making the most of the playing conditions at Ashton Gate.
Bristol City looked quick on the break and did stretch Pompey down the flanks, especially the right hand side.
On another night Pompey would have been awarded a penalty kick for handball - they had two or three really good looking claims all of which were denied by referee Mr Hooper. There was a hint of offside in the build up for Bristol's second goal.
So, disappointed - yes. Downhearted - defintely not. A win on Saturday against a Middlesbrough team that has struggled all season will get Pompey back on track for a top 10 Championship finish the minimum they should be striving for after building-up such good momentum over the last six games.
FT Bristol City 2-1 Portsmouth
Portsmouth versus Bristol City: Jamie Ashdown, Ritchie de Laet, Greg Halford, Ricardo Rocha, Hermann Hreidarsson, Jonathan Hogg, Hayden Mullins, David Cotterill, Joel Ward, David Nugent, Dave Kitson. Substitutes: Daryll Flahavan, Aaron Mokoena, Carl Dickinson, Tom Kilbey and Kanu
Attendance: 13,886 including over 1,200 Pompey fans who made great noise throughout most of the match, Ashton Gate is conducive the that with it's covered away end.
MOTM: Joel Ward and Jonathan Hogg both played well in this match, I'd give it to Hogg.
Next up: Middlesbrough at Fratton Park on 12/03/2011 at 3PM
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