Independent Rs Messageboard

[Steve Russell]

Good to meet up with Conor, ESSEXURs & Kerrins (& others) pre-match.

Lining up in a 4-4-2 formation, Paul Smyth put us ahead after 7 mins with
a shot that appeared to suddenly dip before entering the net.

Rayan Kolli doubled the lead on 24mins after he had squeezed the ball inside
the post

Paul Smyth made it three 5 mins later which prompted another double
somersault

At 3-1, Pompey had a couple of close attempts which could well have
narrowed the deficit.

However, 10mins after the interval, Rayan got his second with an outstanding
angled strike inside the far post.

Richard Kone increased the lead from the penalty spot on 86mins & he ran
through a minute or so later to make it six.

Pompey fans were fighting amongst themselves at one stage.

I don't think the lino on the Stan Bowles Stand side noticed/bothered to put
his flag up once for offside

There is only one stat that matters but it was interesting to see that Pompey
had 60% possession

Our six goals came from 8 shots on target.

And why wasn't Joe Walsh wearing a cap?

Great celebrations from the players with the fans after the final whistle:
(Kone's on fire)

My day finished with a few drinks in South Ruislip with my mate Declin.

Attendance: 16,962

[Kerrins]

It was nice to meet up with Keith Rowley Colin Rose and Steve Russell and Colin Woodley at the game.

We were certainly very clinical in front of goal despite having less of the ball but what remains a total
mystery to me is that how can you be 3-0 up and 4-1 up and yet the game is still not safe eh

Portsmouth missed an absolute shed load of chances before the final outcome was put to bed with
two late goals

[ESSEXURs]

It could and probably should have been a 6-5 score line at the end.
We were fortunate to face a side unable to defend and it was nearly a case of having to
score more than we let in.

Why both goalkeepers did not wear caps is strange. Is it not fashionable now? Walsh appeared
to stand still for their goal which was hardly a powerful shot. Unsighted or sun in his eyes?

He also made a meal of one shot and was lucky not to see it end up in his net in front of the
Loft.

A strange game but after the horrendous journey I had from Colchester a welcome win!
The pitch is looking good again.

[Conor Campbell]

Great confidence boost for the team - particularly those who scored plus Harvey Vale with
multiple assists.

Agree with cap-wearing comments. Walsh with his palm shielding his eyes clearly signalled
to the opposition that he was vulnerable and they took the cue to shoot from range.

We were lucky to get to half-time at 3-1. The excellent finishing lessened the threat of our
defensive fragility.

With the survival job done and no promotion to chase, the freedom is there to experiment to
work out what style of play is best matched to our squad.