I felt as ill for this visit to The Hawthorns as I did the last time I was there (my fault entirely) for a 2-0 win in February 1997, though the previous time was entirely my fault.
Deon Burton and David Hillier got the goals. What I really remember about that day is Lee Bradbury being involved in a pre-match altercation with West Brom’s giant chicken mascot (I know it’s a throstle really). Can anyone else confirm if that really happened?
For the first 25 minutes of this game, I was really enjoying it. The five changes didn’t appear to take Pompey off their stride, and the confidence and control shown in the previous two home games was still there. Andre Dozzell got a shot on target after 16 seconds, players were picking up second balls from Colby Bishop, Christian Saydee was causing problems, and Terry Devlin was looking effective on the right wing.
Then Nicholas Schmid – uncharacteristically given his good form so far – spilled the ball into the net for the first goal and, although we didn’t know it yet, the game was over. The second goal was a comedy of errors reminiscent of, among others, Stoke, Derby, or Bristol City.
Just like against Blackburn at Ewood Park, an opposition player was allowed to escape cheaply from two Portsmouth players on the right touchline. He was then invited all the way into our penalty area and allowed space to get a shot away which Schmid spilled again.
I can’t bring myself to describe the third and fourth goals. The TV pictures are self-explanatory, and embarrassing.
The manager’s team selection explanation regarding injury risk made sense, but this only highlights again that Pompey’s summer transfer window was inadequate at bringing in Championship quality.
The club has a lot of work to do over the next eight days. I’d argue we still need at least three more Championship fit & ready additions who can make an immediate first team impact.
Firstly at left-back, as there is no injury cover for Conor Ogilvie. Secondly, two more attackers are needed. It doesn’t seem Harvey Blair will impact the first team this season, and Paddy Lane is out for the season. Pompey may even another striker depending on the early assessment of Thomas Waddingham’s readiness.
The most worrying thing about Saturday was the total mental collapse of the entire team following a goalkeeping error. Even if Pompey can maintain good home form until the end of the season, it’s unlikely to be on a par with the last seven games at Fratton Park.
The Blues must improve their away form. I’m assuming more Championship quality will mean better mental strength, and that needs to happen because so far on the road, the team has been soft.
I’ve travelled to Stoke, Derby, Blackburn, and West Brom this season, and the Ewood Park result was the only one where I didn’t feel embarrassed. We’ve never been so uncompetitive so often, even during those lean years in the mid-90s.
Away points and goal difference will be crucial in the final reckoning. It needs addressing as a matter of priority right now.
I trust John Mousinho to do this and can only assume he just hasn’t had the tools available to this point. Fingers crossed that Tuesday night against Millwall makes up for our club’s tragic away form.
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