Pompey: 1 Carlisle: 0 Match date: 21 October 2023
Portsmouth players jubilant after dramatic last-minute winner | PHOTO: CAMERON HATWELL
Conor Shaughnessy was once again Portsmouth’s saviour against Carlisle, scoring at the death to put the blues one-nil up, though many argued that Pompey should have been leading at the break.
John Mousinho’s side was unlucky to go in at the break without having scored, as they had three clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities, which on other days they would have scored. This
set the tone for Bishop’s game as he never really looked like scoring all game. Later in the first half, Carlisle looked in on goal, however Alex Robertson was there to clean up and avert danger, this cemented his position as the best player on the pitch
The second half, however, was a different story for the hosts as they looked “incohesive” coming out for the second half (according to one seasoned Portsmouth fan). Carlisle capitalised on this and had two huge chances to take the lead, being foiled by the woodwork and Will Norris respectively. However, Portsmouth’s Irish saviour Conor Shaughnessy nodded in Jack Sparkes’ corner to beat Tomáš Holý. The Pompey fans will not mind the overall poor second-half performance at the end of the game, following Oxford’s draw at home to Blackpool, saw Portsmouth go three points clear at the top of League One.
Aftermatch: My verdict
Despite Colby Bishop having a poor game, Pompey ultimately had too much quality for Carlisle. Their standout performers were the tireless Alex Robertson who has quickly turned into one of Mousinho’s star men, alongside Welsh international Joe Morrell in the double pivot allowed for fluid football at times. Additionally, the attacking nature of both Jack Sparkes and Joe Rafferty allowed multiple crosses to be put into the box, this will definitely go under the radar as Colby Bishop couldn’t finish any of the chances off.
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