[maxbutton name=”Portsmouth”] [maxbutton name=”Button 60″ url=”http://www.thejoycircuit.co.uk/PortsmouthFC/19_20/pfc_results.htm” text=”2019/2020″]
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[maxbutton name=”Away”]|[spacer height=”8px”]League 1[spacer height=”8px”]||
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|[spacer height=”20px”]Blackpool[spacer height=”15px”]|[spacer height=”20px”]1[spacer height=”15px”]|
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|[spacer height=”20px”]Portsmouth[spacer height=”15px”]|[spacer height=”20px”]1[spacer height=”15px”]|
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FORM GUIDE
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[maxbutton name=”Drawn” url=”http://www.thejoycircuit.co.uk/joycircuit/archives/46966″ linktitle=”Blackpool”] [maxbutton name=”Won” url=”http://www.thejoycircuit.co.uk/joycircuit/archives/46924″ linktitle=”Queens Park Rangers”] [maxbutton name=”Drawn” url=”http://www.thejoycircuit.co.uk/joycircuit/archives/46841″ linktitle=”Coventry City”] [maxbutton name=”Lost” url=”http://www.thejoycircuit.co.uk/joycircuit/archives/46810″ linktitle=”Sunderland”] [maxbutton name=”Won” url=”http://www.thejoycircuit.co.uk/joycircuit/archives/46653″ linktitle=”Tranmere Rovers”] [maxbutton name=”Won” url=”http://www.thejoycircuit.co.uk/joycircuit/archives/46576″ linktitle=”Birmingham City”] [maxbutton name=”Lost” url=”http://www.thejoycircuit.co.uk/joycircuit/archives/46498″ linktitle=”Shrewsbury Town”]
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Pompey had to settle for a share of the spoils at Blackpool, despite Marcus Harness netting his third goal for the club.
The visitors improved as the first half progressed and deservedly went ahead through the winger’s neat finish.
But the Seasiders were much better following the interval and Armand Gnaduillet’s header ensured they claimed a point.
There were chances for both sides to grab a winner after that, with Gnanduillet and John Marquis going close for their respective clubs.
Kenny Jackett made one change from the side that won at QPR in the Carabao Cup earlier in the week.
It was a straight swap, as Andy Cannon replaced Gareth Evans in midfield, with Tom Naylor taking the captain’s armband.
The latter remained stationed in the centre of defence, as Christian Burgess continued in a right-back role.
It was a blustery day in the north-west and the windy conditions were clearly making life difficult for both sides.
But Blackpool started brightly and delivered plenty of early crosses that had to be dealt with by the Blues back-line.
Paul Downing conceded a foul in a dangerous position and took responsibility by heading behind the resulting free-kick.
The visitors soon started to move through the gears and Ronan Curtis had a shot blocked before sending in a ball that was just out of reach for the diving Marquis.
Some neat Harness footwork and sheer persistence from Andy Cannon then provided a chance for the latter, who prodded wide.
Blackpool threatened at the other end, with Sullay Kaikai sliding in and not quite able to meet James Husband’s pass.
But it was Pompey who broke the deadlock on 17 minutes after Marquis had done well to catch Curtis Tilt in possession.
Ryan Edwards made a good recovery challenge on the striker, only for the ball to land for HARNESS to flight home with his left foot.
The visitors looked well on top and Marquis soon had a shot deflected narrowly wide after racing through.
A cross from Ross McCrorie was then just behind Harness, who could not get enough power on his header to trouble Jak Alnwick in the Blackpool goal.
Both sides picked up a booking each, with McCrorie penalised for a foul on Kaikai, while Edwards was punished for a cynical tug on Marquis.
There was a scare for Pompey when the former collided with Tilt and fell into the advertising hoardings, but the Scottish midfielder was able to continue.
It was Harness who was replaced just before the break, however, with the winger appearing to limp off, despite not collecting any obvious injury.
Half Time
Blackpool 0
Portsmouth 1
Both sides took time to get back up to full speed following the restart, with a few loose passes halting any attacking fluidity.
Burgess had to make a key challenge inside the box on 54 minutes to prevent Gnanduillet from getting a shot away.
There were half chances at each end for Kaikai and Marquis, but neither keeper was being given much to do.
Blackpool found themselves level just before the hour mark, however, as Liam Feeney’s fine cross was converted by a firm Gnanduillet header.
And the striker almost scored a second moments later after meeting Husband’s centre, but Naylor and Craig MacGillivray combined to divert the ball behind.
Pompey were under pressure and Jackett made his second switch on 65 minutes, with earlier substitute Evans replaced by Ellis Harrison.
The hosts were causing plenty of problems and after one corner had been turned behind, a second was headed just past the post by the dangerous Gnanduillet.
It was then the Blues’ turn to go close to taking the lead on 70 minutes following good work down the left by Curtis.
He cut inside and found Cannon and after the midfielder’s blocked attempt fell for Marquis, his shot was kept out by a fine Alnwick save.
Pompey’s final change came in the centre of midfield on 76 minutes, with Anton Walkes on for McCrorie.
So it was a worrying sight to see Curtis hobbling along after picking up a knock, although the winger was fine to continue following some treatment on the pitch.
He soon collected a threaded pass from Naylor and advanced towards goal, flashing in a dangerous cross-shot that flashed past the post.
Both sides were looking capable of scoring the goal that would turn one point into three, but ultimately had to settle for a draw.
Blackpool (4-3-1-2): Alnwick; Turton, Edwards, Tilt, Husband; Feeney, Spearing (c) (Guy 81), Thompson; Kaikai (Virtue 85); Gnanduillet, Nuttall
Goals: Gnanduillet 58
Booked: Edwards, Spearing
Subs not used: Mafoumbi, Bushiri, Heneghan, Shaw, Hardie
Pompey (4-2-3-1): MacGillivray; Burgess, Downing, Naylor (c), Haunstrup; McCrorie (Walkes 76), Close; Harness (Evans 40 (Harrison 65)), Cannon, Curtis; Marquis
Goals: Harness 17
Booked: McCrorie, Haunstrup
Subs not used: Bass, Raggett, Maloney, Pitman
Referee: Chris Sarginson
Attendance: 10,605 (1,816 Pompey fans)
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