In the cold light of day.

[snakehips 0]

Had most of the night to calm down and it's time to reflect on what we witnessed.

 

imo Newcastle huffed and puffed throughout the game and it was probably this that saw them tire in the last fifteen minutes (when Pompey passed the ball around with ease).

 

The number of times we gave the ball away was simply unacceptable. So-called top class professionals over hitting passes throughout the game was a disgrace.

 

To create good chances and not take them was, again, unacceptable. What was the point in all the effort if the chances that come aren't taken?

 

Our forwards and midfield are so slow that as soon as we got the ball back (usually somewhere near our 18 yard line!!) it sometimes took an eternity for the ball to get forward, which gave Pompey all the time in the world to get back and get organised.

 

On many occasions it seemed our central midfielders got the ball in enough space to drive forward, only for a sideways pass, or two, to happen rather than attempt to attack the opposition.

 

Shearer asked for the support to get behind the team. Well, we did our side of the deal but the players just couldn't match us.

 

Frustration. Utter frustration.

[donaldstott 0]

Had most of the night to calm down and it's time to reflect on what we witnessed.

 

imo Newcastle huffed and puffed throughout the game and it was probably this that saw them tire in the last fifteen minutes (when Pompey passed the ball around with ease).

 

The number of times we gave the ball away was simply unacceptable. So-called top class professionals over hitting passes throughout the game was a disgrace.

 

To create good chances and not take them was, again, unacceptable. What was the point in all the effort if the chances that come aren't taken?

 

Our forwards and midfield are so slow that as soon as we got the ball back (usually somewhere near our 18 yard line!!) it sometimes took an eternity for the ball to get forward, which gave Pompey all the time in the world to get back and get organised.

 

On many occasions it seemed our central midfielders got the ball in enough space to drive forward, only for a sideways pass, or two, to happen rather than attempt to attack the opposition.

 

Shearer asked for the support to get behind the team. Well, we did our side of the deal but the players just couldn't match us.

 

Frustration. Utter frustration.

 

Yesterday I said it was must win. In mathematical terms that wasn't true as we might only need 3 more points, but in terms of confidence I thought and still think it was.

 

But there was enough there to give me hope. We had two very good opportunities that could and should have been taken.

 

I thought defensively we were sound. Duff did well at left back and despite what others have said Nicky Butt looked up for the fight.

 

The return of Guthrie means that Ryan Taylor isn't needed for his 'dead ball expertise' .

 

Guthrie and Smith are key for me in the next two home games.

[snakehips 0]

Had most of the night to calm down and it's time to reflect on what we witnessed.

 

imo Newcastle huffed and puffed throughout the game and it was probably this that saw them tire in the last fifteen minutes (when Pompey passed the ball around with ease).

 

The number of times we gave the ball away was simply unacceptable. So-called top class professionals over hitting passes throughout the game was a disgrace.

 

To create good chances and not take them was, again, unacceptable. What was the point in all the effort if the chances that come aren't taken?

 

Our forwards and midfield are so slow that as soon as we got the ball back (usually somewhere near our 18 yard line!!) it sometimes took an eternity for the ball to get forward, which gave Pompey all the time in the world to get back and get organised.

 

On many occasions it seemed our central midfielders got the ball in enough space to drive forward, only for a sideways pass, or two, to happen rather than attempt to attack the opposition.

 

Shearer asked for the support to get behind the team. Well, we did our side of the deal but the players just couldn't match us.

 

Frustration. Utter frustration.

 

Yesterday I said it was must win. In mathematical terms that wasn't true as we might only need 3 more points, but in terms of confidence I thought and still think it was.

 

But there was enough there to give me hope. We had two very good opportunities that could and should have been taken.

 

I thought defensively we were sound. Duff did well at left back and despite what others have said Nicky Butt looked up for the fight.

 

The return of Guthrie means that Ryan Taylor isn't needed for his 'dead ball expertise' .

 

Guthrie and Smith are key for me in the next two home games.

 

 

Regarding our defence. Don't forget Pompey hit the post, Harper made at least two good saves and Bambi Crouch missed a great chance late on.