28/01/2012 Peterborough United 0-3 Portsmouth: It's No Norwegian Fairytale As Erik Lifts The Blues!

Picture of the Pompey fans at London Road at the end of the game.

Match notes
Two goals from Norwegian international Erik Huseklepp and one from Jason Pearce secured Pompey victory in this Championship encounter at London Road.

This was Pompey's second away win this season, the previous victory came against Burnley with a dramatic late winner scored by David Norris who was still sidelined for this match following his recent hernia operation.

With all of the bad financial news during the week leading up to this fixture, it was great to concentrate on football matters on-the-pitch.

Pompey made one change from the last minute 3-2 defeat to Cardiff City the previous week, Ricardo Rocha replacing Dave Kitson who dropped to the bench.

Huseklepp tucked in behind Hungarian striker Marko Futacs, Joel Ward played down the left wing and Kelvin Etuhu, in his second appearance, played down the right. Skipper Liam Lawrence took up a central position alongside Hayden Mullins.

Joel Ward fires in a cross during the first half.

Mullins effectively ran the game during the first period as Pompey took control against a lacklustre Posh side; such a contrasting performance to their Fratton Park visit earlier in the season when they snatched a last minute 3-2 win.

Pompey started very brightly attacking the end where there own fans were standing and took the lead in the fifth minute, following a good move down the right hand side involving Mullins and Etuhu.

The ball found its way in to the box and Futacs met the cross with a diving header that goalkeeper Joe Lewis failed to deal with. His fumble saw the ball fall at the feet of Huseklepp who tucked it in to the net at the second attempt. He tore away to celebrate in front of the joyous travelling Pompey faithful on the Moy's Terrace.

Huseklepp celebrates his first goal.

The second goal came five minutes before the break from a Liam Lawrence corner. Jason Pearce, the subject of a recent transfer window bid by Ipswich Town, found some space in the box to powerfully head the ball home. He reeled away towards the centre circle to celebrate as the rest of the team joined him. The onlooking Paul Jewell must have been impressed.

Jason Pearce about to put Pompey two up.

HT: Peterborough United 0-2 Portsmouth

After the break Darren Ferguson made three substitutions in quick succession in an attempt to shake things up a bit and get his team back in to the game.

For a while Peterborough did look brighter and Henderson was forced to make a couple of good saves as the home team pressed for a goal.

Pompey defend a corner in the second half.

However, Rocha and Pearce looked solid in the centre of defence, Tal Ben Haim had just a bit too much class for his opposite number and Greg Halford had a solid game, playing well in an unfamiliar right back position; Pompey never seriously looked in any trouble.

Lawrence was having a fine game alongside Mullins in midfield and Michael Appleton has uncovered a long-forgotten gem of a player in Kelvin Etuhu who worked tirelessly down the right and was always capable of causing the home defence problems.

Pompey's third goal came twelve minutes from the end as Huseklepp found himself on the left hand side of the penalty area, turned and passed the ball in to net past the diving Lewis.

The goal prompted another great celebration by the Pompey players in front of the South Stand and topped off a fantastic all round team performance.

Pompey celebrate Huseklepp's second goal.

The scoreline could have been worse for the home team as both Ward and Kitson spurned good chances before the final whistle.

At the end of the game the players and staff acknowledged the travelling fans - over 1,200 made the trip - with both Halford and Mullins throwing their shirts in to the crowd.

Lawrence and Halford acknowledge the travelling Pompey fans at the end of the game.

The victory pushed Pompey up in to 16th place in the Championship table on 34 points, one position and one point ahead of Peterborough.

FT: Peterborough United 0-3 Portsmouth

Portsmouth team against Peterborough: Stephen Henderson, Tal Ben Haim, Ricardo Rocha, Jason Pearce, Grag Halford, Kelvin Etuhu, Liam Lawrence (c), Hayden Mullins, Joel Ward, Erik Huseklepp, Marko Futacs (replaced by Dave Kitson in the 82nd minute). Substitutes not used: Jamie Ashdown, Adam Webster, Ryan Williams and Benjani

Attendance: 7,555 (including 1,276 Pompey fans who made the trip, an excellent turnout)

Source of team, attendance and goalscorer information: www.portsmouthfc.co.uk

Pompey MOTM: I'd give it to Jason Pearce, just ahead of Hayden Mullins and Kelvin Etuhu.

Next up for Pompey: Hull City at home on Saturday February 4th 2012, 3PM kick-off, in the Championship. As one of only two home matches before the winding-up petition brought by HMRC is heard on February 20th, all Pompey fans are being urged to #PackThePark.

Some more pictures

Pompey attack in the first half.

Lawrence and Huseklkepp defend a Posh free kick in the first half.

Peterborough line up a free kick in the second half - I

Peterborough line up a free kick in the second half - II

Pompey fans celebrating goals
As requested by @PMRyderEsq :-D

Pompey fans celebrating the first goal.

Pompey fans celebrating the third goal.

And here's a close-up of that third goal celebration.

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28/01/2012 Peterborough United 0-3 Portsmouth: Pictures Of London Road

Introductory notes
Here are some pictures I took during my visit to London Road, Peterborough, surely one of only a few grounds in the country that has a view of a cathedral! See below.

I'd describe London Road, with its capacity of just under 14,700, as a ground in transition; it is a mixture of old and new, with plans for development so I was really pleased I made this trip - another new ground for me and a chance to see it before it changes.

It has two old style terraces - unusual in the Championship - behind each goal, one for home fans (London Road Terrace) and one for away fans (Moy's End Terrace).

The ground also has a modern stand with 'corporate' box facilities (The N&P South Stand). The final stand (The North Stand) is also of an older construction with some very solid wooden seating! As an aside, it made a pleasant change to be able to purchase a seat at an away game and actually be able to use it!

There is some car parking at the ground but it's not available to the public, restricted due to the ongoing demolition and redevelopment works. See below.

The stewards I spoke to were very helpful and very friendly, it's a club that still has a nice local, community feel to it.

There is lots of unused land in the vicinity and the club clearly has some big plans. You can find out more about the planned redevelopment of London Road by clicking on the link here ==> London Road redevelopment

Travel, parking and a bit of railway history!
After some deliberation I decided to drive up to Cambridgeshire which took about 3 hours (A3, M25, A1); I'm glad I did as some Pompey fans were severely delayed by an incident on the railway line which was my other option.

Following the signs to 'football car parks' on arrival - not that straightforward as they seemed to disappear once I'd followed the first one - I eventually found my way to the Railworld car park, convenient and just a short walk from the ground through a subway.

The two attendants on duty were very friendly and helpful (I may have got there a bit early as I am now the owner of car parking ticket number 1 for the day! LOL!).

I had a brief discussion with one attendant about the history of the RTV31 hover train, which is at Railworld on display. See below.

For those who remember such things from Tomorrow's World and the like, you can watch an ITN video from the early 1970s about the RTV31 in the YouTube video below:



Pictures of London Road

My first view of the ground after I'd walked from the Railworld car park.

Yep! It was my first visit!

Map of the London Road ground.

The entrance to the David Seaman Suite.

The view down towards the David Seaman Suite and Ticket Office counters.

2010-11 season League One Play-Off victory images.

The Peterborough football programme exchange shop - what a great idea!

The floodlight pylon on the corner of the London Road Terrace.

The entrances to the London Road Terrace, for home supporters.

The POSH flag on the top of the N&P South Family Stand. It's not possible to walk around the ground, I took this picture from the street. This Stand is 'boxed in' by housing.

This is the view of the modern N&P South Family Stand.

This is the back of the Moy's End Terrace, used by away fans.

Shoot for points! I love this! It was painted on to the side of the Moy's End Terrace, the sort of thing I recall from the school playground in the 1970s! I wonder if it used?

The floodlight pylon on the corner of the Moy's End Terrace, by the entrance for away supporters (see below).

The entrance to the Moy's End Terrace East, with a gaggle of stewards.

The Burger Stall on the corner of the Main North Stand.

The entrance to the Main North Stand for away fans - for seats.

The entrance to the Peterborough Youth and Community Office.

The Posh Shop!

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From Falmouth To Wembley: Owls Have A Hoot!

It's time to catch up with my look at the 2011-12 FA Cup competition with the latest match summary from the Third round.

Those of you who have been following this from the start will know that back in the Summer I started to follow this season's FA Cup with Falmouth Town.

The baton was passed from Falmouth Town AFC to Bodmin Town to Godalming Town to Maidenhead United to Aldershot Town and is currently held by Sheffield Wednesday.

The simple notion here is that eventually one club will get to Wembley and you'll be able to look right back to the start of the Competition to see where it all started.

You can see links to the match reports from the previous rounds at the end of this article.

FA Cup Third Round
Sunday 8th January 2012
Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 West Ham United



Source: Uploaded on YouTube by thefacup on 8th January 2012

Gary Megson the manager of Sheffield Wednesday was quoted after the match as saying: "It was a wonderful afternoon and a tremendous performance from Nicky but we've got a few good players here."

Sam Allardyce the manager of West Ham United was quoted after the match as saying: "We did everything right apart from not finishing our chances off and making one basic error Nicky Weaver's a fantastic goalkeeper whose experience showed, but our finishing has got to get better – it's cost us the tie."

Goalscorer: Chris O'Grady on 88 minutes
Match played at: Hillsborough
Attendance: 17,916
Sheffield Wednesday team: Nicky Weaver, Jon Otsemobor, Danny Batth, Rob Jones, Julian Bennett (replaced by Ryan Lowe on 87 minutes), Josè Semedo, James Tavernier (replaced by Daniel Jones on 72 minutes), Chris Lines, Reda Johnson (replaced by Clinton Morrison on 59 minutes), Chris O'Grady, Jermaine Johnson.
West Ham United team: Ruud Boffin, Daniel Potts, George McCartney, Joey O'Brien, Winston Reid, Henri Lansbury, Gary O'Neil (replaced by Brian Montenegro, on 78 minutes), Freddie Sears (replaced by Robert Hall on 72 minutes), Jack Collison, Sam Baldock, John Carew (replaced by Frank Nouble on 65 minutes)
Next up in the FA Cup for Sheffield Wednesday: Blackpool (away)
Interesting fact: Both Sheffield Wednesday and West Ham United have won the FA Cup three times

References
Sheffield Wednesday's Chris O'Grady calls time on second-string West Ham by Louise Taylor
Sheffield Wednesday versus West Ham United Match Facts

Previous Rounds
You can read the match report from the Extra Preliminary Qualifying Round by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Falmouth Town AFC

and the match report from the Preliminary Qualifying Round can be found by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Bodmin Town FC

and the match report from the First Qualifying Round can be found by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Bodmin Town The Journey Continues In To Uncharted Territory

and the match reports from the Second Qualifying Round can be found by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Bodmin Town – The Giant Killing Continues As The First Round Proper Gets Tantalisingly Close

and the match reports from the Third Qualifying Round can be found by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Bodmin Town Pass The Baton To Godalming Town After A Replay

and the match report from the Fourth Qualifying Round can be found by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Give Me Five! The Gs Lose Heavily At Home To The Magpies

and a summary of the matches from the First and Second Rounds can be found by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Time To Catch Up! The baton is passed from Maidenhead United to Aldershot Town and to Sheffield Wednesday.

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22/01/2012 Marko Futacs Interview In Football League Paper

Journey's Over For Ace Futacs - Hungry Hungarian Happy At Pompey by Craig Chisnall

In case you missed it, here is a picture of the interview / article.

Summary
England is the fourth country where he's played football

Previous countries / clubs:
Hungary / Ferencvaros
France / AS Nancy
Germany / Werder Breman (where he played with Mesut Ozil and Diego) and FC Ingolstadt

Futacs speaks four languages

He's 6 foot 5 inches tall

A selection of quotes from Marko in the article:
"It's fantastic playing in England and I always believed I would end up here with people telling me my style would suit the game"

"...I want to make a name for myself with Portsmouth...it's a fantastic club and playing in packed stadiums every week is brilliant - our fans are amazing..."

"The people of the city have been incredible..."

"...I've had to learn quickly...I've worked really hard in training and the results are coming..."

"...I'm enjoying working with the manager. He's shown a lot of belief in me..."

Source: The Football League Paper Sunday January 22nd 2012 page 4.
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14/01/2012 Portsmouth 0-1 West Ham United: You're Kevin Friend!

Notes and pre-match pictures

The West Ham fans filled out the Milton End on Saturday which made for another good atmosphere.

Former Pompey player Gary O'Neil warming up before the match. Another former player, Papa Bouba Diop, played the whole match for the Hammers. Of course Hayden Mullins, a former Hammer, played for Pompey. O'Neil got a trickle of applause as the teams were read out before the match from the home fans gathered. Mullins got a good reception from the West Ham fans. Papa Bouba Diop got little reaction.

There were two key moments in this Championship encounter between Pompey and high flying West Ham United.

The first was the decision to award a penalty to the visitors - Tal Ben Haim adjudged to have fouled Winston Reid in the penalty box. The second was the straight red card shown to David Norris.

Both decisions incensed the home fans in Fratton Park.

Based on the TV replays I've seen since the game I can see why the referee (Mr Friend) gave both decisions.

However, I've also seen incidents like those in plenty of other games this season and decisions not be given.

It's the inconsistency that's the disappointing and frustrating thing and in the case of the sending off the haste with which the red card was shown. There was no time taken to take a breath and consider whether it was a challenge that warranted a red card or not.

Personally, I hate it when players of any side get sent off, it ruins the game as a spectacle - as it did here - I want to see footballers play football not sitting on the bench or in the stand serving a ban.

Pompey can ill afford to have players suspended with such a small squad of players.

Of course Pompey have some 'previous' with Mr Friend.

For example, his decision to send off Ricardo Rocha at Reading last season and incorrectly award a penalty.

For example, his half-time altercation with Avram Grant against Sunderland (actually I seem to recall that Avram stormed on to the pitch and gave him a public b*llocking but that's a story for another day).

Kevin Friend has never endeared himself to the Pompey fans in the past and to be frank has been very poor at times. He did nothing to change that here.

No disrespect to West Ham - they got the goal, they held their lead and closed out the game to secure three valuable points in a very professional manner.

It's not always pretty - beautiful eel pie with a big dollop of thick northern gravy would be one way to describe it - but it's effective and in this division that's what counts.

Good luck to them, they'll surely be going back to The Premier League at the end of the season under the astute stewardship of Sam Allardyce. If they pass Blackburn Rovers on their way then I'm sure many football fans will have a wry smile on their faces.

Pompey had chances in both halves but were unable to convert them.

Greg Halford found himself unmarked in the penalty area but put his header, from a Liam Lawrence cross, over the cross bar.

David Norris had a shot go wide.

Liam Lawrence forced a good save from Robert Green with a rasping drive across goal but nobody was able to follow up.

And Jason Pearce had a deft header at the near post brilliantly saved by Green.

Pompey had plenty of pressure just before the half time break with a series of corners in quick succession but were unable to make the breakthrough.

In the second half Pompey's best chances came towards the end when they had Kitson, Futacs and Benjani up front supported by Lawrence and Huseklepp. Michael Appleton really went for it at the end, he had nothing to lose really.

The hardworking Futacs had a really powerful left footed drive from distance that just went over the bar.

And Lawrence (who shot in to the wall) and Huseklepp (whose shot was deflected over) had free kicks that came to nothing.

You're Kevin Friend

The officials leave the pitch at half-time, having a chuckle about the penalty kick perhaps.

Anyway, with apologies to Queen and the songwriter John Deacon (is there some irony in there somewhere?!) here is a song that any Pompey fan could have written, loosely based on the lyrics of "You're My Best Friend".

Enjoy "You're Kevin Friend".

Ooh you make me livid!
Ev-ery-time you ref Pom-pey!
It's you, you're all I see!
Ooh you make me livid now. Pen-alty?!
Ooh you make me livid!

Ooh you're Kevin Friend and you're really bad!
I've put up with you such a long time!
We're playing West Ham and I want you to know
That my feelings are true!
I really don't like you!
Oh you're Kevin Friend!

Ooh you make me livid!

Ooh I've been wond-er-ing why
Do the Football League keep appointing you?
In rain or shine
You've been crap every time!
We're losing at home, losing at home and
You're Kevin Friend!

Ooh you make me livid!
Whenever you try and ref-er-ree!
Not you! God help me forgive!
Ooh you make me livid now! Red, really?!
Ooh you make me livid!

Oh you're the worst one and
When things turn out bad
You know I'll always be booing
and I'm not the only one!
I don't love the things,
I really don't love the things that you do!
Oh, you're Kevin Friend!

Ooh you make me livid!

I'm not happy, not happy at all!
You're Kevin Friend!
Oh you're Kevin Friend!
Ooh you make me livid!
Oh you're Kevin Friend!


You can see the original Queen video of "You're My Best Friend" here - watch and sing-a-long!



Match action pictures
Here are some pictures I took during the game.

Former West Ham player Tal Ben Haim and David Norris swap passes in front of the fans on the North Terrace.

First half action I - Jason Pearce and Carlton Cole tussle on the edge of the penalty area as other players look on.

First half action II - the Pompey wall lines up to defend a free kick.

Aaron Mokoena leaves the pitch injured after half an hour. Just prior to kick off both Mokoena and Halford did some extra warming up. It transpired that Mokoena was carrying an injury (hamstring I believe) which was obviously a risk too far. Halford had been up all the previous night with a sickness bug. He didn't look very well, lacked energy and was also eventually substituted having given his all.

Adam Webster from Chichester, only just 17 years of age, comes on as a substitute to make his Pompey debut. He didn't have a huge amount to do but when he did get the ball he wasn't afraid to venture forward down the right hand side to try and get the ball in to the box. Ah! The innocence of an exuberant youth! Great to see!

Free kick action - Liam Lawrence fires in a shot towards the end of the match (he hit the wall). Erik Huseklepp took a free kick from a similar position moments later but his shot was deflected for a croner which was signalled but the referee blew the final whistle to call time on proceedings before it could be taken.

Portsmouth versus West Ham United: Stephen Henderson, Tal Ben Haim, Aaron Mokoena (replaced by Erik Huseklepp on 33 minutes), Jason Pearce, Greg Halford (replaced by Adam Webster on 75 minutes), Liam Lawrence (c), David Norris, Hayden Mullins (replaced by Benjani on 83 minutes), Joel Ward, Dave Kitson, Marko Futacs. Substitutes not used: Jamie Ashdown and Ryan Williams.

Attendance: 18,492

Pompey MOTM: the official award went to Jason Pearce

Next up for Pompey: Cardiff City away on Saturday 21st January at 3PM.

Pompey FA Cup Parade 2008 - The Hermanator!

Hermann Hreidarsson moved from Pompey to Coventry City today. I thought you might like this picture!

One of my favourite Herman Hreidarsson moments! I love the way the chap in the suit has hold of his leg! The look on Richard Hughes' face is 'very Queen Victoria'!

Thank-you for some great memories Hermann!

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08/01/2012 Chelsea 4-0 Portsmouth: Four-get The Result But Not The Performance

Notes
Four second half goals saw Chelsea through to the fourth round of the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge following a goalless first period.

The first goal came quickly after the break through Mata after good work by Malouda down the left hand side. Attacking Aaron Mokoena, playing out of position at right back, was a tactic the home team had clearly worked on but it has to be said Mata was poorly marked and found himself free yet 'surrounded' by Pompey defenders.

The last three goals came in the final nine minutes of play as Pompey's hold out play finally caved in. Brazillian Ramires scored twice before the 90 minutes were up and Frank Lampard added a flattering fourth goal in the third minute of added time.

The history books will say 4-0 but the 3,000 vocal Pompey fans who were there will know that there was so much more to this story.

Pompey saw Joel Ward return to the starting line up, following his suspension, replacing Erik Huseklepp. Greg Halford also returned from suspension replacing Joe Mattock who had returned to WBA following his loan spell. Ricardo Rocha returmed fom injury and former Chelsea player Tal Ben Haim dropped to a seven man bench which included Pompey youngsters Adam Webster and Ryan Williams.

Pompey had a chance to shock their hosts as early as the first minute as Mark Futacs flicked a pass on with his head to Dave Kitson who should have hit the target. Unfortunately, his left footed shot wasn't hit cleanly and Peter Cech watched as the ball drifted just wide of the post.

Pompey's other good opportunity in the first half came just before the interval as David Norris found himself some space and fired a low shot just wide of the same post.

Chelsea's best moment of the first half came through Fernando Torres who saw his header well saved by Stephen Henderson, palming the ball away to safety.

HT: Chelsea 0-0 Portsmouth

Chelsea's opening goal came following a moment of controversy with Pompey players appealing for handball against Ashley Cole. With the players appealing to the referee Malouda made an excellent run down the left and along the dead ball line to cut back sharply for the unmarked Spaniard, Mata, to fire home.

The old adage of 'play to the whistle' was never more apt.

Pompey almost levelled seven minutes later. Dave Kitson did well to win the ball of David Luiz to set up a move that saw Cech and Terry make good saves from Futacs, Ward and Norris. Terry went down injured following this passage of play and received lengthy treatment on the pitch.

Going down one-nil was never on Michael Appleton's agenda and he made two changes, one enforced, in an attempt to change the shape of the game. Hayden Mullins was replaced by Erik Huseklepp and Australian winger Ryan Williams replaced the injured Ricardo Rocha who limped off the pitch.

Chances fell to Halford, who headed over from a corner won by Williams and Liam Lawrence fired a shot well wide of the upright and in to the Pompey fans behind the goal after Marko Futacs had put him clear.

Futacs and Lawrence also had free kicks during the second half in good positions around the penalty box, neither troubled the 'keeper.

Pompey were finally made to pay for their brave, open stance as Chelsea found space to punish them with the three late goals.

Overall, this was a brave and disciplined Pompey performance against a strong Chelsea team. The FA Cup is over for another season but there were plenty of positives to take from this game in to the remainder of the league campaign.

FT: Chelsea 0-0 Portsmouth

Portsmouth versus Chelsea: Stephen Henderson, Aaron Mokoena, Ricardo Rocha (replaced by Ryan Williams on 70 minutes), Jason Pearce, Greg Halford, Joel Ward, Hayden Mullins (replaced by Erik Huseklepp on 67 minutes), David Norris, Liam Lawrence (c), Dave Kitson and Marko Futacs. Substitutes not used: Jamie Ashdown, Tal Ben Haim, Adam Webster, Hermann Hriedarsson and Benjani.
Attendance: 41,529
Source: www.portsmouthfc.co.uk
Pompey MOTM: not an easy one to pick, I thought David Norris and Marko Futacs had good games and Jason Pearce did very well marking Torres. What do you think, who was Pompey's stand-out player? Let me know: @PompeyChicken at Twitter.com
Next up for Pompey: West Ham United in the Championship on Saturday 14th January at Fratton Park 3PM kick-off

Pictures of the Stamford Bridge crowd before the players arrive

The West Stand

The Matthew Harding Stand

The East Stand

Pompey fans before the match

The Pompey fruit bowl with a postbox and a whoopee cushion, LOL.

Welcome! Play up Pompey!

Chelsea Banners

Chelsea FC fans' banner I - One Life, One Love, One Club

Chelsea FC fans' banner II - Pride Of London

Before The Match

The players of the two teams 'meet and greet' before kick-off.

Various match action pictures

Frank Lampard (blue #8) closed down by Hayden Mullins (red/black #8)

Joel Ward (red/black #2) closes down Frank Lampard with the ball cutting inside

Aaron Mokoena (red/black #4) throws the ball down the line during the first half.

Jason Pearce (red/black #5) closes down Fernando Torres.

Malouda beats Aaron Mokoena during the first half.

Action in front of the East Stand.

Malouda prepares to receive the ball closely shadowed by Ward and Mokoena.

Pompey defend a Chelsea free kick I.

Pompey defend a Chelsea free kick II.

Chelsea defend a Pompey set piece during the second half.

Pompey fans towards the end of the match

Pompey fans still singing despite the scoreline.

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