Notes
Referee Carl Berry controversially sent off two players in this League One encounter between Pompey and the Latics.
On-loan Jordan Obita, making his first start, saw red for Pompey and Cliff Byrne for the visitors, both decisions looked poor the latter almost certainly a case of mistaken identity after the referee consulted the fourth official. Expect both red cards to be appealed.
The only goal of the game came after the break, Johnny Ertl making his debut in the centre of defence, deflected a Johnny Grounds' cross past Mikkel Andersen in the Pompey goal in front of the delighted travelling Oldham fans on the Milton End.
As well as giving a debut to Ertl who replaced the suspended Kevin Long, Pompey's starting line-up also saw a first start for the experienced Darl Russel in the midfield alongside skipper Brian Howard.
Unfortunately, Pompey were unable to give a debut to former Celtic central defender Josh Thompson apparently due to some behind the scenes paperwork issues, as alluded to by Michael Appleton in his post-match interviews. The Pompey manager was not best pleased.
There have been some positive signs during the first four League One matches of the season: the first half performance against AFC Bournemouth, on the opening day of the season when Fratton Park was rocking and the players were clearly pumped up; and the overall performance against Colchester United, especially the way the team got the ball down and passed it.
Unfortunately at Brunton Park against Carlisle United, Pompey had a wake-up call and didn't really start playing until it was far too late. That hangover continued in to this match and the performance of some of Pompey's players was poor at times although there were some positives to take away.
Right back Mustapha Dumbuya, whose energy and willingness to run and attack was exciting to watch, and second half substitute Ashley Harris who had a lively cameo, were the two stand-outs on the day.
The experienced Russell added some extra bite in the midfield and with Lee Williamson to return from injury expect Brian Howard's influence on games to increase as the season progresses and the three get to play more alongside each other. Howard cut a frustrated, slightly isolated figure in this match - one good effort on goal from a free kick aside - and he eventually found himself in the referee's notebook. He is however an impressive player at this level who has the ability to make Pompey tick.
This was Pompey's second consecutive defeat which left some fans openly expressing disappointment and concern. For those fans a reality check and a reset of expectations may be in order, this is going to be a difficult season and the team will need all the support and positive vibes it can get.
Perhaps they should consider all the
'uncertainty factors' hovering over the Club and then reflect on the
impact they must be having when combined: it's a horrible, complex,
mess and often difficult to understand and fully appreciate.
Some will say that's just making excuses. But anyone who has ever worked in or with a 'distressed organisation', which Pompey clearly is, will understand that having any football to watch is nothing short of a miracle.
There will be plenty of lows along the way, this match was one of them, but as the Club slowly emerges from its troubles and gets itself on the road to recovery there will be plenty of highs to enjoy as well.
Some will say that's just making excuses. But anyone who has ever worked in or with a 'distressed organisation', which Pompey clearly is, will understand that having any football to watch is nothing short of a miracle.
There will be plenty of lows along the way, this match was one of them, but as the Club slowly emerges from its troubles and gets itself on the road to recovery there will be plenty of highs to enjoy as well.
FT: Portsmouth 0-1 Oldham Athletic (HT: 0-0).
Portsmouth versus Oldham Athletic: Mikkel Andersen, Mustapha Dumbuya, Johnny Ertl
(replaced by Luke Rodgers in the 84th minute), Paul Connolly, Jon Harley, Liam Walker (replaced by Ashley Harris in the 67th minute), Darel Russell, Brian Howard, Jack Compton, Jordan Obita and Izale McLeod. Substitutes not used: Simon Eastwood, Adam Webster and Conor
Clifford.
Referee: Mr C Berry
Attendance: 12,635
Man Of The Match: the official MOTM award went to Mustapha Dumbuya
Next Up: Pompey entertain AFC Bournemouth in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Fratton Park on Tuesday September 4th at 7:45PM. Match Action Pictures
Alex Cisak punches the ball clear of the danger area for Oldham.
Oldham defend another Pompey set-piece. Russell and Obita are the Pompey players in the picture.
The Oldham wall watches Liam Walker's free-kick 'flash' by, Cisak made a straightforward save.
Dumbuya is down inside the goal net receiving treatment after some last ditch defending.
Total confusion I/III - Paul Dickov, Oldham Athletic's manager in conversation with the fourth official.
Total confusion II/III - how many conversations can you see going on in this picture?
Total confusion III/III - none of the Oldham players seem sure what's going on.
Brian Howard fires in a free kick which drew a good save, low to his left, from Alex Cisak.
More action in front of the Fratton End as another cross comes in to the penalty area.
Where's the ball? Not one player appears to be looking in the right direction!
Cisak gets a palm to the ball from another Pompey set-piece.
Pompey substitute Ashley Harris fires in a free-kick.
The match officials (the referee Mr Berry in the centre and his assistants Mr Derrien and Mr Johnson) accompanied by stewards prepare to leave the pitch at the end of the match.
Pompey manager Michael Appleton shakes the hand of referee Mr Berry at the end of the match.
