Some typically robust League One action from Pompey versus Scunthorpe United!
Goals from Hungarian central defender Gabor Gypes and on-loan, AFC Bournemouth striker Wes Thomas gave Pompey their first home League One win of the season against The Iron.
Pompey made two changes from the starting line-up against Notts County with Adam Webster starting at right back allowing Mustapha Dumbuya to push in to the right side of midfield. Thomas replaced the injured Luke Rodgers up front. Jack Compton dropped to the substitutes bench.
Pompey fell behind in the sixth minute to a goal from Leon Clarke, on-loan at Glanfield Park from Charlton Athletic; it was his fifth league goal of the season. The big striker waltzed past the Pompey defence inside the penalty area and tucked the ball away in front of the Fratton End.
Clarke was the stand out player for the visitors and always looked a threat up-front although the number of clearcut chances he received fell away in the second half.
Pompey equalised in the twelfth minute following a set-piece, Gypes smashed the loose ball home after Izale McLeod had failed to connect. It was Gypes first goal for the Club.
Pompey should have extended their lead from the penalty mark after Wes Thomas was tripped right on the edge of the box following a sharpe turn.
It was a clear foul but didn't look like a clear penalty, the officials were certain though and that's all that matters despite some minor protestations from one or two Scunthorpe defenders.
Unfortunately for the home team, Brian Howard's effort was well saved by substitute goalkeeper James Severn diving away to his left in front of the Milton End.
Severn saves Howard's penalty.
Severn had earlier replaced Sam Slocombe who limped out of the action following some earlier action in the penalty area that left him struggling with an injury.
One other highlight from the first half was Izale McLeod crashing a long range effort from the left hand flank against the cross bar.
As has often happened this season Pompey's play was invigorated when Ashley Harris arrived on the pitch. He replaced left back Jon Harley on the hour and Pompey shuffled their defence, Webster moved across from right back to left back and Dumbuya dropped.
Pompey lost Darel Russell to injury in the 67th minute, the experienced midfielder limped off with a hamstring strain that could keep him out for a few weeks depending on its severity. Russell was replaced by Johnny Ertl making his second appearance for the Club.
The winning goal eventually came after Pompey had a number of good chances in the second half with Thomas, Harris and Ertl all having opportunities.
The home crowd gradually raised their volume as Pompey pressed for a winner. It came very late on, Brian Howard whipped a dangerous in to the six yard box and Thomas bundled the ball home before setting off to celebrate in front of the fans in the Fratton End closely followed by his team mates.
With plenty of added time still to play the game opened up and McLeod found himself running down on goal and an opportunity to add a third. Having done all the hard work to get himself in to a decent scoring position he unleashed a powerful shot that struck the woodwork.
But the three points were secure and Pompey's players celebrated a much needed home victory with their fans after Mr D'Urso finally called proceedings to a halt.
The win leaves Pompey in 17th position on eight points (effectively minus two) and a goal difference of minus three. Almost in positive territory!
More Action Pictures
FT: Portsmouth 2-1 Scunthorpe United (HT: 1-1)
Portsmouth team versus Scunthorpe United: Mikkel Andersen, Adam Webster, Lubomir Michalik, Gabor Gyepes, Jon Harley (replaced by Ashley Harris in the 58th minute), Mustapha Dumbuya, Darel Russell (replaced by Johnny Ertl in the 67th minute), Brian Howard, Lee Williamson, Wes Thomas (replaced by Jordan Obita in the 92nd minute) and Izale McLeod. Substitutes not used: Simon Eastwood, Liam Walker and Jack Compton
Referee: Mr A. D’Urso
Attendance: 10,995
Man Of The Match: Gabor Gypes won the official award, The Football League Paper gave it to Adam Webster and I thought Lee Williamson was the stand out player. Good all round team performance then!
Next up: Pompey travel to Huish Park in Somerset to face Yeovil Town in League One on Tuesday October 2nd, 7:45PM kick-off.
Reference sources: www.portsmouthfc.co.uk and The Football League Paper 30/09/2012
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