It’s another point on the board for Pompey despite the disappointment of what could have been against Luton Town who last season were playing in the Premier League.
A 12:30pm KO, another match on Sky Sports, at least it was a Saturday rather than a Friday or Sunday (for now). Pre-match day routines disrupted, nevertheless the feel-good factor was in abundance, helped by the glorious blue skies and sunshine for the Blues first home league match of the new season back in the Championship after 12 years.
The sun-baked Fratton crowd of 20,293 including 2.168 Hatter fans were greeted by pyrotechnics as both sides entered the pitch to a noisy entrance all-round.
Pompey have demonstrated in both league matches that they can compete against top Championship sides. Against Millwall in the Carabao Cup midweek, the changed Blues side had a go in the second half, but ultimately the first half defensive mistake by Jordan Williams was the difference.
Against the Hatters, both sides carved out chances, with both keepers called into action early on.
A key point in the first half arrived with the crazy tackling from the Hatters goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski outside of the box, which coupled with a yellow card moments earlier for time wasting led to his sending off.
Down to 10 men, the visitors defended resolutely and whilst the Blues had a decent penalty shout for a tackle on Conor Shaughnessy, another point together with the point at Leeds isn’t a bad start.
One of the notable differences this season and not unexpected is the speed and strength of the opposition.
Generally the Blues have equipped themselves well so far, however there are times where the opposition are faster and smarter. All part of the adjustment to the Championship and wising up to the challenges they face.
With John Mousinho’s squad set to be boosted this week by the arrival of Austrian goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid from BW Linz, along with links with Australian midfielder Aiden O’Neill, AFC Bournemouth striker Daniel Jebbison, Liverpool’s Harvey Blair and a likely loan return for Chelsea’s Tino Anjorin, it’s shaping up to be a busy period ahead of the transfer window close on Friday, August 30th at 11pm.
The long trip to Middlesbrough awaits this Saturday – another point wouldn’t go amiss – a win would of course be spot on!
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