BlueThruAndThru
Monday, 17 October 2011
Let's Have A Little Dance Shall We? Pictures Of Fratton Park Artwork
I took some pictures of the artwork that adorns the back of the North Stand and Milton End of Fratton Park before Saturday's match against Barnsley. It won't be everyone's cup-of-tea but I quite like the vibrant colours and the striking images. I haven't seen anything quite like this at any other ground I've visited in recent times. Here's a selection:
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Tuesday, 11 October 2011
From Falmouth to Wembley: Bodmin Town – The Giant Killing Continues As The First Round Proper Gets Tantalisingly Close
In the fourth and fifth match reports from this season's FA Cup Bodmin Town continue to carry the baton in this Second Qualifying Round tie.
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
FA Cup Second Qualifying Round 2011-12: Yate Town Versus Bodmin Town Pre-Match Coverage
As the FA Cup trundles on through its qualifying rounds the coverage gets better and better with reports appearing both before and after both matches of this second qualifying round tie between Yate Town and Bodmin Town which went to a replay.
Yate Town play in the Evo-stik Southern League two divisions higher in the non-league football pyramid than Bodmin Town who play in the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League.
Interviews with the managers of both clubs appeared in the local media.
In the Gloucestershire Gazette under the headline 'Beware Of Bodmin Says Yate Boss Cousins' it's noted that Yate Town, managed by Rob Cousins, have been knocked out of the FA Cup by lower league opposition in each of the last four years.
Yate Town - nicknamed The Bluebells - have yet to lose a cup tie of any sort during during Rob Cousins' tenure as manager which started back in February. Indeed he has already led the club to silverware: the Gloucestershire Senior Challenge Cup in the 2010-11 season.
There are some excellent quotes which reveal a manager who is just a little bit concerned about his Club's form going in to the game – no win in their opening nine games isn't great especially against a team that's only lost one match all season:
“It’s opposition that in the pyramid is lower than us, but...they’re doing very well in their league so it’s not an easy win. They’ve got experienced players there who have played at a higher level, but it’s about what we do on the day.”
“If we’re prepared to roll our sleeves up, give a bit of sweat and a bit of blood if need be to win the game...then we’ll be ok, but if we don’t turn up and just go through the motions we’re there to be taken and will come to the ground with a big bump.”
“There are a few players I’ve got question marks on, because they need to do a bit more outside this football club. When they’re on their own they need to get sharper and fitter, they need to question themselves as players, ‘how can I improve myself as a player and help the team go forward?’”
In the Western Morning News under the headline Bodmin seek Cup glory in one of biggest games in their history manager Darren Gilbert is a bit more upbeat in his pre-match quotes:
"The players won't have any excuses about being tired as we'll have been up there on Friday night, have a good get-together, and be only eight miles from Yate's ground.”
“We will travel there intent on giving it a good go and you can be assured that we will be doing our best to get a result."
"The cup money is certainly a bonus and especially the sums that are being paid in these rounds."
Both articles highlight the £4,500 prize money for winning and progressing to the Third Qualifying Round, a substantial amount of money at this level of the game.
Saturday October 1st Yate Town 1-1 Bodmin Town
A 93rd minute equaliser from leading scorer Adam Carter secured Bodmin Town a replay in this open FA Cup Second Qualifying Round tie played in the searing early October heat at Lodge Road.
It was no more than the Cornish side deserved, especially after their second half display.
One time Plymouth Argyle striker Michael Meaker had given The Bluebells the lead in the 40th minute. Meaker got on to the end of a Ferguson flick, got the better of Bodmin's high line and took the ball around Bodmin's 'keeper Kevin Miller tapping the ball into and empty net.
The Gods didn't appear to be on Bodmin's side as Carter's penalty, awarded for handball in the 65th minute, was saved by Man Of The Match Josh Dempsey and the rebound crashed over.
Dempsey had pulled off a string of good saves to help maintain the home team's lead including efforts from Olly Brokenshire, Sam Matthews and substitute Danny O'Hagan.
Yate had chances to secure victory with good second half chances falling to Plummer and White but they were unable to take them.
But Bodmin stuck to their task and three minutes in to added time a long clearance from goalkeeper Kevin Miller, formerly on the books of Crystal Palace, found its way to Carter who did well under pressure from a defender before slipping the ball past Dempsey.
The drama wasn't over however as Mr Hulme the referee, who had a good game, managed to find nearly seven more minutes of added time during which Yate had a good penalty claim turned down and Bodmin could have had a player sent off for throwing the ball at his Yate counterpart.
Yate Town: Dempsey, Warren, Mings, Kington, Nicholls (White 88), Badman, Ferguson (Plummer 77), Vahid, Meaker (McNeish 77), Church, Cox.
Bodmin Town: Miller, Reed (Hodge 76), Rundle, Chambers, Simmonds, Matthews, Colwell, Brokenshire, Carter, Luxton (O’Hagan 64), Bartlett (Smallridge 72).
Referee: R Hulme (Radstock).
Attendance: 154
MOTM: Josh Dempsey (Yate Town's goalkeeper) although some reports (e.g. Cornish Guardian) gave the award to Bodmin Town's captain Steve Simmonds who tackled Meaker to deny him a second goal shortly after he scored, keeping Bodmin’s hopes alive.
FA Cup Second Qualifying Round 2011-12 Replay: Bodmin Town Versus Yate Town Pre-Match Interview With Darren Gilbert
In the Cornish Guardian under the headline This Cup tie far from over, warns Gilbert There was an excellent interview with Bodmin Town manager Darren Gilbert who was quoted as saying: "I hope the boys don't think we've done the job. Yate are a good side and Wednesday's game will be just as difficult as Saturday's was. We will have to be at our best, but if we apply ourselves like we did up there on Saturday, we've got a good chance of progress. If you had been a neutral at the game you would have struggled to work out which was the Southern League team and which was the Peninsula League side. The players did everything I asked them to do. Yate scored against the run of play but our heads didn't drop, and the longer the game went on, our fitness showed. I hope all the Cornwall clubs will come and support us for this game, as we would if it was any of them in such a big FA Cup game. It would be great to see a big crowd at Priory Park."
Wednesday October 5th Bodmin Town 4-1 Yate Town
In one of the best ever performances by the club, ten man Bodmin Town reached the third qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time in their 122-year history with this stunning victory over Yate Town at a rain soaked Priory Park, in front of a healthy sized crowd of 300.
Steve Colwell had opened the scoring early on for the home team, scoring in the fifth minute of the match smashing a shot with his left foot into the top corner of the net past Yate goalkeeper Josh Dempsey.
Yate Town equalised in the 14th minute when Bodmin conceded a penalty for a handball on the goal line which led to the sending off of Jack Bartlett. Yate captain Edd Vahid fired the penalty home leaving Bodmin facing an uphill struggle to stay in the game. Seventy six minutes with ten men against a team two rungs higher than you in the non-league pyramid structure was a really tough ask but one that Bodmin was up to.
Undaunted Bodmin got themselves back in to the lead with a terrific diving header by Danny O'Hagan just before the half hour.
Despite tremendous spells of pressure by Yate Town the Bodmin defence held firm, showing great resilience.
On the hour Bodmin increased their lead further through Huw Morgan, goalkeeper Dempsey could only parry a good shot on the turn from O'Hagan in to Morgan's path, he put the ball in to an empty goal net.
Bodmin rubbed salt in to the wounds in the 83rd minute when Chris Luxton scored a wonder goal to make it 4-1. Following a poor clearance, he picked the ball up just inside the Yate half and spotting Dempsey was a few yards off his line he curled a right footed shot over his head and in to the goal from all of forty yards!
There were great celebrations at the end of the match, this was a tremendous achievement against the odds.
Bodmin Town: Miller, Reed, Rundle, Chambers, Simmonds, Morgan, Colwell, Matthews, O'Hagan, Luxton, Bartlett. Subs (not used): Carter, Hodge, Gilbert.
Yate Town: Dempsey, Warren, Mings (Plummer), Kingston, Adams, Badman, Duggan (R. Cousins), White, Meaker (Williams), Ferguson, Cox
Referee: M. Whaley
Attendance: 300
MOTM: defensive partners Steve Simmonds and Tom Chambers got a special mention for their outstanding performance but the award should probably go to the whole team.
Next up: Bodmin receive £4,500 in prize money for this win and play Ryman League side Godalming Town at Priory Park on October 15th in the Third Qualifying Round.
Sources used
Beware of Bodmin says Yate boss Cousins
Bodmin seek Cup glory
Late despair for Yate as Bodmin enjoy day in the sun
Carter injury time strike earns Bodmin Town replay
Bodmin Town match report
Yate Town website match report
Cup tie far from over warns Gilbert
Luxton wonder goal seals famous FA Cup win
Yate Town website match report
Bodmin Town website match report
BlueThruAndThru
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
FA Cup Second Qualifying Round 2011-12: Yate Town Versus Bodmin Town Pre-Match Coverage
As the FA Cup trundles on through its qualifying rounds the coverage gets better and better with reports appearing both before and after both matches of this second qualifying round tie between Yate Town and Bodmin Town which went to a replay.
Yate Town play in the Evo-stik Southern League two divisions higher in the non-league football pyramid than Bodmin Town who play in the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League.
Interviews with the managers of both clubs appeared in the local media.
In the Gloucestershire Gazette under the headline 'Beware Of Bodmin Says Yate Boss Cousins' it's noted that Yate Town, managed by Rob Cousins, have been knocked out of the FA Cup by lower league opposition in each of the last four years.
Yate Town - nicknamed The Bluebells - have yet to lose a cup tie of any sort during during Rob Cousins' tenure as manager which started back in February. Indeed he has already led the club to silverware: the Gloucestershire Senior Challenge Cup in the 2010-11 season.
There are some excellent quotes which reveal a manager who is just a little bit concerned about his Club's form going in to the game – no win in their opening nine games isn't great especially against a team that's only lost one match all season:
“It’s opposition that in the pyramid is lower than us, but...they’re doing very well in their league so it’s not an easy win. They’ve got experienced players there who have played at a higher level, but it’s about what we do on the day.”
“If we’re prepared to roll our sleeves up, give a bit of sweat and a bit of blood if need be to win the game...then we’ll be ok, but if we don’t turn up and just go through the motions we’re there to be taken and will come to the ground with a big bump.”
“There are a few players I’ve got question marks on, because they need to do a bit more outside this football club. When they’re on their own they need to get sharper and fitter, they need to question themselves as players, ‘how can I improve myself as a player and help the team go forward?’”
In the Western Morning News under the headline Bodmin seek Cup glory in one of biggest games in their history manager Darren Gilbert is a bit more upbeat in his pre-match quotes:
"The players won't have any excuses about being tired as we'll have been up there on Friday night, have a good get-together, and be only eight miles from Yate's ground.”
“We will travel there intent on giving it a good go and you can be assured that we will be doing our best to get a result."
"The cup money is certainly a bonus and especially the sums that are being paid in these rounds."
Both articles highlight the £4,500 prize money for winning and progressing to the Third Qualifying Round, a substantial amount of money at this level of the game.
Saturday October 1st Yate Town 1-1 Bodmin Town
A 93rd minute equaliser from leading scorer Adam Carter secured Bodmin Town a replay in this open FA Cup Second Qualifying Round tie played in the searing early October heat at Lodge Road.
It was no more than the Cornish side deserved, especially after their second half display.
One time Plymouth Argyle striker Michael Meaker had given The Bluebells the lead in the 40th minute. Meaker got on to the end of a Ferguson flick, got the better of Bodmin's high line and took the ball around Bodmin's 'keeper Kevin Miller tapping the ball into and empty net.
The Gods didn't appear to be on Bodmin's side as Carter's penalty, awarded for handball in the 65th minute, was saved by Man Of The Match Josh Dempsey and the rebound crashed over.
Dempsey had pulled off a string of good saves to help maintain the home team's lead including efforts from Olly Brokenshire, Sam Matthews and substitute Danny O'Hagan.
Yate had chances to secure victory with good second half chances falling to Plummer and White but they were unable to take them.
But Bodmin stuck to their task and three minutes in to added time a long clearance from goalkeeper Kevin Miller, formerly on the books of Crystal Palace, found its way to Carter who did well under pressure from a defender before slipping the ball past Dempsey.
The drama wasn't over however as Mr Hulme the referee, who had a good game, managed to find nearly seven more minutes of added time during which Yate had a good penalty claim turned down and Bodmin could have had a player sent off for throwing the ball at his Yate counterpart.
Yate Town: Dempsey, Warren, Mings, Kington, Nicholls (White 88), Badman, Ferguson (Plummer 77), Vahid, Meaker (McNeish 77), Church, Cox.
Bodmin Town: Miller, Reed (Hodge 76), Rundle, Chambers, Simmonds, Matthews, Colwell, Brokenshire, Carter, Luxton (O’Hagan 64), Bartlett (Smallridge 72).
Referee: R Hulme (Radstock).
Attendance: 154
MOTM: Josh Dempsey (Yate Town's goalkeeper) although some reports (e.g. Cornish Guardian) gave the award to Bodmin Town's captain Steve Simmonds who tackled Meaker to deny him a second goal shortly after he scored, keeping Bodmin’s hopes alive.
FA Cup Second Qualifying Round 2011-12 Replay: Bodmin Town Versus Yate Town Pre-Match Interview With Darren Gilbert
In the Cornish Guardian under the headline This Cup tie far from over, warns Gilbert There was an excellent interview with Bodmin Town manager Darren Gilbert who was quoted as saying: "I hope the boys don't think we've done the job. Yate are a good side and Wednesday's game will be just as difficult as Saturday's was. We will have to be at our best, but if we apply ourselves like we did up there on Saturday, we've got a good chance of progress. If you had been a neutral at the game you would have struggled to work out which was the Southern League team and which was the Peninsula League side. The players did everything I asked them to do. Yate scored against the run of play but our heads didn't drop, and the longer the game went on, our fitness showed. I hope all the Cornwall clubs will come and support us for this game, as we would if it was any of them in such a big FA Cup game. It would be great to see a big crowd at Priory Park."
Wednesday October 5th Bodmin Town 4-1 Yate Town
In one of the best ever performances by the club, ten man Bodmin Town reached the third qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time in their 122-year history with this stunning victory over Yate Town at a rain soaked Priory Park, in front of a healthy sized crowd of 300.
Steve Colwell had opened the scoring early on for the home team, scoring in the fifth minute of the match smashing a shot with his left foot into the top corner of the net past Yate goalkeeper Josh Dempsey.
Yate Town equalised in the 14th minute when Bodmin conceded a penalty for a handball on the goal line which led to the sending off of Jack Bartlett. Yate captain Edd Vahid fired the penalty home leaving Bodmin facing an uphill struggle to stay in the game. Seventy six minutes with ten men against a team two rungs higher than you in the non-league pyramid structure was a really tough ask but one that Bodmin was up to.
Undaunted Bodmin got themselves back in to the lead with a terrific diving header by Danny O'Hagan just before the half hour.
Despite tremendous spells of pressure by Yate Town the Bodmin defence held firm, showing great resilience.
On the hour Bodmin increased their lead further through Huw Morgan, goalkeeper Dempsey could only parry a good shot on the turn from O'Hagan in to Morgan's path, he put the ball in to an empty goal net.
Bodmin rubbed salt in to the wounds in the 83rd minute when Chris Luxton scored a wonder goal to make it 4-1. Following a poor clearance, he picked the ball up just inside the Yate half and spotting Dempsey was a few yards off his line he curled a right footed shot over his head and in to the goal from all of forty yards!
There were great celebrations at the end of the match, this was a tremendous achievement against the odds.
Bodmin Town: Miller, Reed, Rundle, Chambers, Simmonds, Morgan, Colwell, Matthews, O'Hagan, Luxton, Bartlett. Subs (not used): Carter, Hodge, Gilbert.
Yate Town: Dempsey, Warren, Mings (Plummer), Kingston, Adams, Badman, Duggan (R. Cousins), White, Meaker (Williams), Ferguson, Cox
Referee: M. Whaley
Attendance: 300
MOTM: defensive partners Steve Simmonds and Tom Chambers got a special mention for their outstanding performance but the award should probably go to the whole team.
Next up: Bodmin receive £4,500 in prize money for this win and play Ryman League side Godalming Town at Priory Park on October 15th in the Third Qualifying Round.
Sources used
Beware of Bodmin says Yate boss Cousins
Bodmin seek Cup glory
Late despair for Yate as Bodmin enjoy day in the sun
Carter injury time strike earns Bodmin Town replay
Bodmin Town match report
Yate Town website match report
Cup tie far from over warns Gilbert
Luxton wonder goal seals famous FA Cup win
Yate Town website match report
Bodmin Town website match report
BlueThruAndThru
Saturday, 8 October 2011
01/10/2011 Leeds United 1-0 Portsmouth: Views Of The Pompey Family On Twitter
I couldn't attend this Championship match at Elland Road and I was out of the South Coast region to be able to pick up a radio commentary.
However, I followed the game on Twitter via @OffcialPompey and when I got home I thought I'd take a look at all the tweets of the day to see what others' experience was like.
Here are some anonomised tweets I selected from a search of #Pompey split in to four sections: pre-match, in-play (first half/second half) and post-match.
PRE-MATCH TWEETS
The amount of goals both #Pompey & Leeds have conceded recently suggests todays game will be 0-0...
Is it just me who think Henderson has to start today #Pompey ??
I thought there were a lot of positives today despite the result. Decisions didn't go our way and we were the better team. SC 17:15 #pompey
Beautiful day in leeds. Looking forward to a high scoring game hopefully! #pompey
Anyone got a stream for the #Leeds vs #Pompey game?
#Pompey team v Leeds: Henderson; Ward, Halford, Pearce, Ben Haim; Lawrence (c), Mullins, Norris; Riise, Huseklepp; Benjani
One change from side that lost to Peterborough on Tuesday as Henderson makes league debut in place of Ashdown #pompey
#Pompey subs: Ashdown, Rocha, Mokoena, Williams, Kanu
Interesting team news for #Pompey v Leeds, Henderson makes league debut replacing Ashdown.
Bold move by Cotterill dropping Ashdown, lets hope #Pompey have the 3 points at 4.45pm though #PUP
Wow, leeds so empty. Ken bates destroying football right here. #pompey #lufc
IN-PLAY TWEETS FROM THE FIRST HALF
Love a cheeky feed to watch the #Pompey match!
GOAL: Leeds United 1 - 0 Pompey. Danny Pugh #Pompey
Snodgrass sends a corner into the box and Pugh powers home a header #Pompey
Why are we still playing 4-5-1. If SC really wants to go on the attack surely we should be playing 4-4-2? #Pompey
We look shocking, quite glad my stream has gone down, very poor, #Pompey #howlongtogel?
Plaaaaaaay up #Pompey
#Pompey are being cut apart so easily. Can't get an attack together. Halford very close to scoring, but it wouldn't have been deserved.
Why do we always have to wait until we are 1 down before going at a team ? Cant remember the last time #Pompey went in winning at half time
HT: Leeds 1 - 0 #Pompey
IN-PLAY TWEETS FROM THE SECOND HALF
#Pompey are being slaughtered by Leeds . . .floodgates to open in second half. #Pompey fans as quiet as church mice.
Disappointing half, not keeping the ball very well. Its not the formation. We're not out if it, next goal important. #Pompey
#Pompey can't hear our fans today, are there few there? Are they just gobsmacked? Time for a chorus of 4-4-2? To give SC a clue?
RT Kanu on for Bjorn Helge Riise - does that sound like 4-4-2?! Blasphemy! #Pompey
#Pompey appear to be playing 4-4-2 with Kanu and Benjani up front and Huseklepp and Lawrence out wide (51 mins)
I so wish we'd been playing this formation all season. Much better suits our players #Pompey
Oh erik huseklepp, you are the love of my life, oh erik huseklepp I'll let you shag my wife, oh erik huseklepp I want blonde hair to #Pompey
Attendance: 22,476 #Pompey
Dear #Pompey I love u dearly but can't sit listening to u lose every week. So I'm currently walking the dogs.
#Pompey are certainly giving this a good go and can't be faulted for a lack of effort (67 mins)
Sounds like we're giving them a game now. 442 at last! #Pompey
Started off this year thinking we have a good chance of a play-off spot, Utter disapointment so far.. #Pompey
Typical, another loss on the cards #Pompey
FT: Leeds 1 - 0 #Pompey
POST-MATCH TWEETS
Same old #Pompey , awful in the first half and cant catch up in the second . When will he learn , 4-5-1 just isnt working
Another defeat for #pompey cotterill has to go
Was a good #pompey performance just gave away a very poor goal
Didn't sound like today was great but losing at Leeds is hardly a disgrace. Work to be done in 2 week break. #pompey
Another defeat for #Pompey, losing 1-0 to Leeds at Elland Road. Doesn't look like there is enough goals in the side at all.
Genuinely don't care that we lost again today. Cotterball has sucked the fun out of being a #Pompey fan.
on paper, the players we have are better than this, time for a change at the top I'm afraid #Pompey
The club need to start selling half game tickets so we can just turn up at half time. #Pompey
The only thing on cotterill is we haven't had a hiding from anyone. Its always close. I am running out of reasons2 defend him though.#pompey
do we have 1 of the best starting 11's in the league? Yes. Is the manager getting the best out of them? No. #pompey #change
successful managers have/had been with their clubs for years. Chopping & changing too often doesn't work. #pompey
Was amazed today at how slow we look, really no pace in the side. Can't help thinking that lack of speed leads to the lack of tempo. #Pompey
Cotterill blames tiredness for today's #pompey result. Tiredness is a feature-we're all tired of his excuses #rabbitintheheadlights
Strange match today. Players working hard - when they kept the ball down they looked good - didn't keep it down enough! #Pompey
When are #Pompey going to turn up in the first half?! Got to look at cotts for poor teamtalks as it's the same every week! #timeforachange?
@PompeyChicken at Twitter.com
Thursday, 29 September 2011
27/09/2011 Portsmouth 2-3 Peterborough United: We Can't See You Anymore!
Notes
There will be plenty of Pompey fans who will use this defeat against Peterborough United as another stick with which to beat Steve Cotterill and his tactics.
They'd be wrong to do so.
Sure, losing is disappointing, especially late on in a game. I hate losing and I hated this result. However, Pompey played well in this game, especially in the second half, and this defeat had more to do with individual errors, Peterborough's ability to capitalise on them as well as the power and pace they demonstrated when getting forward on the break.
The opening goal came after Jamie Ashdown failed to deal with a fierce shot from Lee Frecklington. Placing both hands in front of him the ball bounced off his gloves and up on to the crossbar before nestling in the net. He should have done better...it wasn't even foggy in the first five minutes.
Frecklington's second goal, a powerful shot, came about because of a defensive error and an inability to clear the ball away from the dangerzone. Ashdown had no chance with the second.
Frecklington's goals came either side of an own goal, Gabriel Zakuani putting the ball in to his own net at the Fratton End following a cross by Erik Huseklepp. The Norwegian claimed it and celebrated, the tannoy announcer declared the goal his, only to withdraw the statement and declare it an own goal at half time. I guess some people were done out some betting winnings as a result. The ball was clearly going wide though before being deflected in to the net.
Ashdown made two other errors during the first half. The first came when he was unable to hold on to a powerful shot from the impressive George Boyd, the ball was spilled and fell to a Peterborough player who was unable to capitalise. The second error came when Ashdown mis-calculated the weight of a pass out of the penalty area. The intention was to pass to a defender but he underhit it giving away possession. There was a noticeable drop of the shoulders at this point, a "What have I done?" moment. Fortunately, the away team could not capitalise.
Ashdown wasn't the only Pompey player playing below par. Joel Ward, playing at right back in place of the injured Aaron Mokoena was getting forward but his crosses were often of poor quality, being hit too long. His surges forward also left the defence exposed at times, especially if he lost the ball, which Peterborough were able to exploit. Right back is his best position but he must balance his eagerness to get forward with his defensive duties until he has settled down in to the role. This was only his second start at right back this season. Once he's played there regularly things will improve. He's a powerful player with a big engine, he will get it right and he started to do so in the second half.
It was an open first half and Pompey had a number of opportunities to add to their tally but couldn't do so. Norris and Huseklepp in particular had good chances, the Norwegian lifted a shot over the cross bar just before half time when it looked easier to hit the target.
HT: Portsmouth 1-2 Peterborough United
As the mist rolled in off the sea and engulfed Fratton Park, at one point during the the second half making visibility poor, there were some ironic chants from the Fratton End faitful of "We can't see you anymore!". Definitely the best chant since "You only sing when you're farming!" at Ashton Gate.
Pompey looked the more likely to score in the second half and go on and win the game. Mullins, Lawrence, Huseklepp and Norris were working together very well in the midfield. It was Liam Lawrence's best game this season. Hayden Mullins was running the midfield and David Norris was getting forward at every opportunity. With both Joel Ward, down the right, and Tal Ben Haim, down the left, able to get forward regularly to supply balls in to the box it was only a matter of time before Pompey got their equaliser.
It came following a cross by Huseklepp who found Benjani in the penalty box. He got ahead of his marker and clipped the ball past the keeper and in to the net with his right foot. He celebrated with the Pompey fans sitting in the Milton End with his now trademark goal celebration: "That one was for you, you and you!"
With plenty of time left in the game, the home fans' expectations were raised accordingly and Pompey had a period where they looked very strong. They were just unable to get the third goal. There was one very exciting period of play where a series of four shots in rapid succession pinged around in the penalty box but were blocked by defenders, including off the goal line to deny the home team.
Peterborough had always looked at their most dangerous on the break and it was no surprise that their winning goal came about that way. With Pompey players rushing forward to support a corner for the winner in added time the defence was left exposed. With Marko Futacs on the pitch, making his home debut, what harm could it do to get the ball in to the box? He is a big unit and would surely have a great opportunity to score. The alternative of closing the game out, playing it short and taking the point never crossed anyone's mind in the stadium.
It's so easy to get carried away with the moment.
Unfortunately, for Pompey the corner was quickly cleared and Peterborough unleashed 18 year old Ryan Tunnicliffe on loan from none other than Manchester United. Look out for him, he's some player. As soon as he'd been brought on as substitute Cotterill had reminded his players about him - they'd obviously done some homework, but perhaps that wasn't enough. His powerful run down the left hand side wasn't dealt with by a tiring defence, he crossed low and hard in to the penalty box where the ball was turned in to the net by the onrushing Huseklepp. If he hadn't got there then the attacker behind him surely would have done. It was a killer blow, 94th minute, Erik hitting the back of the net in front of the Fratton End. Dejavu? You bet.
Whereas on Saturday against Blackpool there had been elation now there was despair. It was hard to take - having played so well and to get nothing from the game was galling. But that's football, it's full of irony, full of twists and turns and Pompey will surely bounce back from this defeat very quickly. They certainly showed enough on the night to make those shaking the sticks seem out of touch. Afterall, it could be worse: we could all support Nottingham Forest who at this point of the season could not have envisgaed being where they are.
FT: Portsmouth 2-3 Peterborough United
Some Blurry Match Action Pictures And One Or Two Of The Fog
The mist rolls in over the Milton End
Tal Ben Haim and Jason Pearce get set to defend.
The mist turned to fog in the second half. Here is the view of the Fratton End, you can just make out Jamie Ashdown in the goal and Greg Halford in the foreground.
The next three pictures are just a little bit blurry, but I quite like them anyway, especially the second one! Something different, eh?! They're almost arty!
Portsmouth versus Peterborough United: Jamie Ashdown, Joel Ward, Greg Halford, Jason Pearce, Tal Ben Haim, Liam Lawrence, Hayden Mullins, David Norris, Riise, Erik Huseklepp, Benjani. Substitutes: Stephen Henderson, Ricardo Rocha, Kanu, Marko Futacs, Ryan Williams.
Attendance: 12,102 this is a worrying figure - the lowest League crowd at home since February 2001. Admittedly there was a low turnout from the away fans with about 75% of one Milton End block of seats taken up. However, not enough Pompey fans are turning out to see their team. Match ticket prices are a hot issue at present - it's an expensive business in tough economic times - but there is clearly some disillusionment in the football being played translating into 'stay away' fans.
Pompey MOTM: the official award went to Erik Huseklepp. However, I would have given it to Hayden Mullins.
Next up for Pompey: Leeds United away at Elland Road on Saturday October 1st, kick-off 3PM.
BlueThruAndThru
There will be plenty of Pompey fans who will use this defeat against Peterborough United as another stick with which to beat Steve Cotterill and his tactics.
They'd be wrong to do so.
Sure, losing is disappointing, especially late on in a game. I hate losing and I hated this result. However, Pompey played well in this game, especially in the second half, and this defeat had more to do with individual errors, Peterborough's ability to capitalise on them as well as the power and pace they demonstrated when getting forward on the break.
The opening goal came after Jamie Ashdown failed to deal with a fierce shot from Lee Frecklington. Placing both hands in front of him the ball bounced off his gloves and up on to the crossbar before nestling in the net. He should have done better...it wasn't even foggy in the first five minutes.
Frecklington's second goal, a powerful shot, came about because of a defensive error and an inability to clear the ball away from the dangerzone. Ashdown had no chance with the second.
Frecklington's goals came either side of an own goal, Gabriel Zakuani putting the ball in to his own net at the Fratton End following a cross by Erik Huseklepp. The Norwegian claimed it and celebrated, the tannoy announcer declared the goal his, only to withdraw the statement and declare it an own goal at half time. I guess some people were done out some betting winnings as a result. The ball was clearly going wide though before being deflected in to the net.
Ashdown made two other errors during the first half. The first came when he was unable to hold on to a powerful shot from the impressive George Boyd, the ball was spilled and fell to a Peterborough player who was unable to capitalise. The second error came when Ashdown mis-calculated the weight of a pass out of the penalty area. The intention was to pass to a defender but he underhit it giving away possession. There was a noticeable drop of the shoulders at this point, a "What have I done?" moment. Fortunately, the away team could not capitalise.
Ashdown wasn't the only Pompey player playing below par. Joel Ward, playing at right back in place of the injured Aaron Mokoena was getting forward but his crosses were often of poor quality, being hit too long. His surges forward also left the defence exposed at times, especially if he lost the ball, which Peterborough were able to exploit. Right back is his best position but he must balance his eagerness to get forward with his defensive duties until he has settled down in to the role. This was only his second start at right back this season. Once he's played there regularly things will improve. He's a powerful player with a big engine, he will get it right and he started to do so in the second half.
It was an open first half and Pompey had a number of opportunities to add to their tally but couldn't do so. Norris and Huseklepp in particular had good chances, the Norwegian lifted a shot over the cross bar just before half time when it looked easier to hit the target.
HT: Portsmouth 1-2 Peterborough United
As the mist rolled in off the sea and engulfed Fratton Park, at one point during the the second half making visibility poor, there were some ironic chants from the Fratton End faitful of "We can't see you anymore!". Definitely the best chant since "You only sing when you're farming!" at Ashton Gate.
Pompey looked the more likely to score in the second half and go on and win the game. Mullins, Lawrence, Huseklepp and Norris were working together very well in the midfield. It was Liam Lawrence's best game this season. Hayden Mullins was running the midfield and David Norris was getting forward at every opportunity. With both Joel Ward, down the right, and Tal Ben Haim, down the left, able to get forward regularly to supply balls in to the box it was only a matter of time before Pompey got their equaliser.
It came following a cross by Huseklepp who found Benjani in the penalty box. He got ahead of his marker and clipped the ball past the keeper and in to the net with his right foot. He celebrated with the Pompey fans sitting in the Milton End with his now trademark goal celebration: "That one was for you, you and you!"
With plenty of time left in the game, the home fans' expectations were raised accordingly and Pompey had a period where they looked very strong. They were just unable to get the third goal. There was one very exciting period of play where a series of four shots in rapid succession pinged around in the penalty box but were blocked by defenders, including off the goal line to deny the home team.
Peterborough had always looked at their most dangerous on the break and it was no surprise that their winning goal came about that way. With Pompey players rushing forward to support a corner for the winner in added time the defence was left exposed. With Marko Futacs on the pitch, making his home debut, what harm could it do to get the ball in to the box? He is a big unit and would surely have a great opportunity to score. The alternative of closing the game out, playing it short and taking the point never crossed anyone's mind in the stadium.
It's so easy to get carried away with the moment.
Unfortunately, for Pompey the corner was quickly cleared and Peterborough unleashed 18 year old Ryan Tunnicliffe on loan from none other than Manchester United. Look out for him, he's some player. As soon as he'd been brought on as substitute Cotterill had reminded his players about him - they'd obviously done some homework, but perhaps that wasn't enough. His powerful run down the left hand side wasn't dealt with by a tiring defence, he crossed low and hard in to the penalty box where the ball was turned in to the net by the onrushing Huseklepp. If he hadn't got there then the attacker behind him surely would have done. It was a killer blow, 94th minute, Erik hitting the back of the net in front of the Fratton End. Dejavu? You bet.
Whereas on Saturday against Blackpool there had been elation now there was despair. It was hard to take - having played so well and to get nothing from the game was galling. But that's football, it's full of irony, full of twists and turns and Pompey will surely bounce back from this defeat very quickly. They certainly showed enough on the night to make those shaking the sticks seem out of touch. Afterall, it could be worse: we could all support Nottingham Forest who at this point of the season could not have envisgaed being where they are.
FT: Portsmouth 2-3 Peterborough United
Some Blurry Match Action Pictures And One Or Two Of The Fog
The mist rolls in over the Milton End
Tal Ben Haim and Jason Pearce get set to defend.
The mist turned to fog in the second half. Here is the view of the Fratton End, you can just make out Jamie Ashdown in the goal and Greg Halford in the foreground.
The next three pictures are just a little bit blurry, but I quite like them anyway, especially the second one! Something different, eh?! They're almost arty!
Portsmouth versus Peterborough United: Jamie Ashdown, Joel Ward, Greg Halford, Jason Pearce, Tal Ben Haim, Liam Lawrence, Hayden Mullins, David Norris, Riise, Erik Huseklepp, Benjani. Substitutes: Stephen Henderson, Ricardo Rocha, Kanu, Marko Futacs, Ryan Williams.
Attendance: 12,102 this is a worrying figure - the lowest League crowd at home since February 2001. Admittedly there was a low turnout from the away fans with about 75% of one Milton End block of seats taken up. However, not enough Pompey fans are turning out to see their team. Match ticket prices are a hot issue at present - it's an expensive business in tough economic times - but there is clearly some disillusionment in the football being played translating into 'stay away' fans.
Pompey MOTM: the official award went to Erik Huseklepp. However, I would have given it to Hayden Mullins.
Next up for Pompey: Leeds United away at Elland Road on Saturday October 1st, kick-off 3PM.
BlueThruAndThru
Monday, 26 September 2011
Pompey's 2011-12 Season Squad
This was an insert in the matchday programme for the Pompey versus Blackpool game on Saturday 24th September. No funny hand positions in this season's photograph!
@PompeyChicken at Twitter.com
Sunday, 25 September 2011
24/09/2011 Portsmouth 1-0 Blackpool: Viking Volley, Victory!
A stoppage time winner by Norwegian international Erik Huseklepp secured Pompey three valuable points in this Championship encounter at Fratton Park.
Pompey made one change to their starting line-up, from the game against Hull City the previous week, Liam Lawrence came back in to the team in place of Luke Varney. Lawrence had completed his ban following two yellow cards against West Ham whilst Varney was starting his ban following a straight red at the KC Stadium. David Norris returned the skipper's armband to Lawrence.
Aaron Mokoena, who had such a torrid time against Hull playing at right back moved to centre back and Greg Halford played in the wider defensive position.
Joel Ward played in a central midfield role with David Norris playing high up front with Benjani in a lone striker role flanked by Huseklepp and Lawrence pushing forward down the flanks. The Norwegian and the Irishman did swap wings at one point during the first half but Huseklepp mainly played out left and Lawrence out right.
The other 'big news' was that Steve Cotterill had ditched the tracksuit and was suited and booted. Both he and Ian Holloway looked very smart on the touchline. It must be a West Country thing.
Blackpool looked the brighter side in the first half and Pompey had Jamie Ashdown to thank for a couple of good saves including a good block from Matt Phillips who found himself through one-on-one with the 'keeper. Ashdown made himself big, having come out of goal, and the ball deflected away for a corner after Phillips had shot. Ashdown also tipped a Blackpool free-kick over the bar from a Thomas Ince free-kick towards the end of the first half.
Pompey were finding it difficult to deal with the quick movement of the Blackpool players - especially Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Kevin Phillips - who exposed holes in the defence on more than one occasion. Fortunately, for the home team Blackpool were unable to take their chances.
Pompey's best opportunities in the first half came from set-pieces and Joel Ward had two good chances. He found himself completely unmarked in the penalty area from a corner kick but despite getting his head to the ball, the contact wasn't good, and it spun wide of the far post. He should have hit the target. Later he was the first to get on to the end of a Greg Halford long throw in to the penalty box, only to see the ball go wide.
There was one 'Laurel and Hardy' moment during the first half with a Pompey free kick on the edge of the 'D'. It involved Norris and Pearce who pretended to get in each others way before Pearce unleased a shot which didn't get beyond the Blackpool wall. It was a clever idea but with hindsight having Greg Halford blast the ball on goal might have been the better option. This was the sort of move to be tried out when the three points were 'in the bag'.
It had been a much better performance than the previous week with Joel Ward and Erik Huseklepp in particular 'catching the eye' for Pompey. However, Matthew Gilks in the Blackpool goal did not have a single shot to save and Benjani was looking isolated up front on his own.
HT: Portsmouth 0-0 Blackpool
As the second half progressed Mr Deadman the referee racked-up an impressive list of yellow cards, he booked nine players throughout the game, including three for Pompey. One of those players was David Norris who was booked during the first half and as a result was subdued for much of the game eventually being replaced by Kanu.
Unfortunately, Aaron Mokoena suffered an injury just before the hour and was replaced by Ricardo Rocha, the Portugeuse defender was warmly welcomed to the pitch by the Fratton Park faithful. He'd got himself booked within a few minutes of being on. But in typical Rocha fashion he defended with purpose although it wasn't always pretty.
Pompey looked the brighter team in the second half and continued to push forward but with little joy. Liam Lawrence had Pompey's first meaningful shot on goal late on from long distance which Gilks saved easily and this was followed shortly afterwards by Joel Ward with a right footed drive pushed away by Gilks.
Blackpool had a couple of shouts for handball in the penalty area during the second half but the officials were having none of it.
With four minutes of time added and with some fans leaving early having seen enough up popped Erik Huseklepp with a wonderful volley. The move started with a Greg Halford long throw in front of the North Stand, the ball deflected off the head of a Blackpool defender to Huseklepp who volleyed the ball in to the top corner beyond Gilks.
It was a stunning strike and worthy of winning any game. There were some fantastic scenes with the Norwegian celebrating in front of the Fratton End and then running down the South Stand touchline to the Pompey bench where he was joined by players and staff alike.
The sense of relief around Fratton Park was immense and the fans burst in to life chanting "Erik the Viking!". The atmosphere had been subdued to say the least throughout most of the match, not negative but much quieter than normal. It needed a spark and the players hadn't done enough to ignite the passion of the fans: Erik's goal did the trick though!
This was a victory and three much needed points for Pompey, their second League win of the season. Although the overall performance wasn't great nobody will care about that if this is the result kick starts a run of form and Pompey's season. If is a big word though, the Pompey fans are realistic and they know what they witnessed wasn't great. But they also know that Steve Cotterill is going through his second team re-build at Pompey in two seasons and these things do take time, there's still plenty to do.
After the match some were referring to this as a 'Pedro Mendes' moment but it wasn't.
This was an Erik The Viking moment!
FT: Portsmouth 1-0 Blackpool
Portsmouth versus Blackpool: Jamie Ashdown, Greg Halford, Aaron Mokoena, Jason Pearce, Tal Ben Haim, Joel Ward, Hayden Mullins, David Norris,, Liam Lawrence, Erik Huseklepp and Benjani. Substitutes: Stephen Henderson, Ryan Williams, Kanu, Ricardo Rocha, Marko Futacs.
Attendance: 14,935 there was a good vocal following from the North West that provided a nice dash of colour on the Milton End. Interestingly there were Pompey fans on the Milton End too, the first time this season.
Pompey MOTM: Erik Huseklepp. His winning goal aside, Erik had a fine match. He has this canny ability to run down the left flank lose his marker and cut inside to deliver a good pass or a cross. Better teams will find him out if he always does it the same way but at the moment it works and he delivers. He set up Lawrence for one effort on goal in the second half and do you remember his cross at West Ham for the David Norris goal? He's settling in to Championship football very nicely and this was his best game for Pompey so far. His post-match interview on BBC Radio Solent highlighted his modesty, he's a level-headed chap.
Next up for Pompey: Peterborough United at Fratton Park on Tuesday 26th September at 7:45PM in The Championship. This is a great opportunity for Pompey to get their second consecutive win of the season although it won't be easy against Darren Ferguson's team.
Match Action Pictures
Jason Pearce, Aaron Mokoena, Greg Halford and Joel Ward line up to defend a cross in the second half.
Joel Ward, completely unmarked, prepares to head the ball goalwards in the first half but his effort went wide of the far post and the chance was spurned.
David Norris receives his yellow card in the first half, he was subdued for much of the game after this and was eventually substituted.
Pompey players Joel Ward, Greg Halford, Jason Pearce and Benjani prepare for a cross.
Another second half Pompey attack with Kanu and Benjani making a nuscience of themselves in the penalty area.
A second half Blackpool attack.
Another Pompey attack in the second half.
Jamie Ashdown screams out orders to his defenders in the second half.
Pompey prepare to defend a corner in the first half.
The Laurel and Hardy free kick!
Benjani and two Blackpool defenders.
Joel Ward, Greg Halford and Jason Pearce defend against three Blackpool attackers.
Pompey players and staff celebrate Erik Huseklepp's 94th minute winner.
Erik Huseklepp applauds the Pompey fans after the game.
Jason Pearce and Joel Ward, two Pompey young guns, clap the Pompey fans at the end of the match.
BlueThruAndThru
24/09/2011 Portsmouth 1-0 Blackpool: Pictures Of Fratton Park
It was such a beautiful day on Saturday so I decided to take a few pictures of Fratton Park before the game against Blackpool.
It's so different to most of the other stadiums I've photographed over the last 12 months or so. The closest to Fratton Park has been Ashton Gate, Bristol. But there's something about Pompey's stadium which is just that little bit more special than Bristol City's ground IMHO.
Whereas some modern stadia have images and statues outside of times gone by, things I absolutely love by the way, Fratton Park doesn't have that. The history is the ground itself, the way it looks and feels, it's position, the tightness of the streets and alleyways around it, the four floodlight pylons which stand tall and proud as clearly recognisable city landmarks.
As I said on Twitter before the game it's a proper football stadium, a throw back if you will.
At some point in the future Pompey must have a new stadium, the club cannot move forward without one. In the meantime enjoy these pictures. Oh and don't forget to absorb its history every time you visit from hereonin because once it's gone it's gone...
The view of Fratton Park from the bridge at Fratton Station.
Fratton in reverse at the end of the Fratton railway bridge!
Back of the Fratton End.
Floodlight pylon at the corner of the South Stand and the Fratton End.
Floodlight pylon at the corner of the North Stand and the Fratton End.
Back of the North Stand I
Back of the North Stand II
Back of the Milton End I
Back of the Milton End II
Floodlight pylon at the corner of the Milton End and South Stand.
There's a lot of street art along the back of the Milton End and the North Stand which is well worth taking a look at. I plan to go back again and spend some more time doing so at some point, probably not on a match day. The colours and images are tremendously creative.
One criticism, I didn't see too much that was 'football related' but maybe I wasn't looking hard enough. In the past I've walked down the back of the Milton End and there have been some Pompey football images, those seem to have gone which is a shame. I've got some pictures of those which I'll dig out sometime and post here.
Go along and take a look sometime and let me know what you think.
Fratton End floodlight pylon looks out over the roof tops - this is my fav. picture of this selection!
The new position of the TV screen in the middle of the Milton End stand, it was previously tucked away in the corner and difficult to see. You can see the nice bright colour the Blackpool fans added to the day from this picture too!
@PompeyChicken at Twitter.com
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Pompey Fans At Their Best
Earlier today I came across a blog article which I posted back in December 2010. It contained these great pictures (below) from the front covers of Pompey matchday programmes over the years. They really do show us Pompey fans at our very best, I'm sure there are plenty of other examples and memories out there.
With all the negativity doing the rounds at present in some quarters it's very easy to jump in to the hollow and join in with all the wallowing.
Alternatively, we can do something about it and leave the wallowing to others.
So, as a starting point I thought it would do no harm to remind ourselves that when we all pull together collectively we really are some of the loudest and most passionate fans in the World, let's not forget that!
We can start by channeling all those frustrations - and we're all feeling them - into creating an atmosphere to remember on Saturday afternoon, followed by another one on Tuesday night under the floodlights.
Enjoy these great memories of days-gone-by as a starting point and then let's get on with the job in hand, cheering the team on to six points. Now, don't you feel better already?!
God I love being a Pompey fan :-D
BlueThruAndThru
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