FM2014: The Blue Army Rises Again

Grover · 10-16-2013, 06:12 PM

Harry Redknapp. European competition. The 2008 Football Association Cup. Nwankwo Kanu's historic goal, triumphing over Cardiff. It seems as though a lot can happen in the short span of five years, especially for a football club. When Harry left the club for Tottenham at the beginning of the 2008/09 season, it signaled the beginning of a sharp downward curve for the club.

A combination of Tony Adams and Paul Hart led the club to 14th in the table for that fateful 08/09 season. Greater things were promised in May 2009 when U.A.B. Businessman Sulaiman Al Fahim purchased the club. Alarms were raised when star players Peter Crouch, Sylvain Distin, Glen Johnson and Niko Kranjcar were sold. In October 2009 it was revealed that players hadn't been played in four months. The club was placed under a transfer embargo.

With a nine point deduction for having gone into administration staring them in the face, the club went down to the Championship. New owner Balram Chainrai discovered that the club were £135 million in debt and fears the club could cease to exist starting churning the daily rags as a real possibility.

After two seasons in the Championship and numerous management changes and another bout with administration, the club prepared for their season in League One with the entire professional player leaving the squad. Then the manager left and the club were set to toil and face relegation once again.

However, despite dropping all the way to League Two, just four seasons after winning the FA Cup and performing in Europe, surviving three stints in administration with various crooked owners, managers who refused to show loyalty to what they believed was a sinking ship, the club was saved.

In April the club finally exited administration when the new ownership group's deal to purchase the club was finally completed. Now finding themselves in England's fourth tier, they turn to a virtually unknown manager from Barrow-upon-Soar to lead them back to the bright lights and massive stadiums of Premier League football.

The owners, coaches and managers may have all lost faith in Portsmouth Football Club over the course of the last few years, but the supporters didn't. They own this football club and are determined to see them reach the heights they once achieved. Battling in Europe, competing at Anfield and Old Trafford.

They have decided to hand the reigns to Alfie Heathcote, a 31 year-old novice manager, as wet behind the ears as they come. Can he deliver what this south coast fan base so desperately wants? Can he become the loyal football manager they need?

Grover · 10-16-2013, 07:03 PM

Season Expectations, Playing Squad & Tactics
The absolute minimum expectation is that Alfie Heathcote achieves promotion from Sky Bet League Two this season. The young manager is expected to achieve this without a transfer budget and the club spending £35,225 of their allocated £40,000 per week for the squad.

Goalkeepers
Phil Smith (33), John Sullivan (25)

About equal in talent, Smith will likely get the nod most weeks out due to his experience.

Defenders
Bondz N'Gala (23), Joe Devera (26), Danny East (21), Marcos Painter (26), Dan Butler (18), Sonny Bradley (21), Yassin Moutaouakil (26)

Painter will be the left back and is the most talented of this group. Devera is equally adept in the center or on the right, but will likely pair with DM/DC candidate Johnny Ertl, if a defensive midfielder is not utilized. This is an area to be upgraded through a Bosman signing.

Midfielders
Shaun Cooper (29), Johnny Ertil (30), Jed Wallace (19), Ricky Holmes (26), Simon Ferry (25), Romain Padovani (23), Andy Barcham (26), Tom Craddock (26)

Ferry and Ertl are the stars here and are likely to pair together while other options are exercised in the back four. Barcham and Craddock could form a strong pair on the wings.

Forwards
David Connolly (36), Patrick Agyemang (32), Ashley Harris (19), Ryan Bird (25)

Plenty of options, though none of them really get the blood pumping. Four forwards gives the option of playing two up top with a an off-center midfield.

Tactics
The club will be playing a variation of a 4-2-4 with two central defenders flanked by supporting full backs. A defensive midfielder will hold deep, looking to tick over the attack and recycle possession. He will be played with a central midfielder in an advanced play-making role. They will be flanked by two attacking wingers, who will be working to a pair of forwards. An attacking forward and a supporting target man who will look to hold up possession and bring others in to play.

collegesportsfanms · 10-16-2013, 08:01 PM

Grover, glad to see an FM14 dynasty on these boards, especially since the beta version is now out. Question... is Steam a requirement to play FM 14? Do you have to have steam installed and running?

I have no issue with steam personally, but my computer tech (who is about 70 years old and always grumpy anyways), absolutely hates Steam. Any time he does anything to my computer and finds Steam on there, I hear about it for days upon days. Hearing him gripe and complain for weeks is just not worth the price to get FM14 if I have to have Steam to run it.

Grover · 10-17-2013, 11:21 PM

Ah, betas may result in corrupted files. Fun. I have a back-up copy saved but it's for July 11 at the takeover. I'll write a bit into the season this time before posting!

Grover · 10-21-2013, 02:17 PM

Into the Swing of Things – Friendlies and Preparation
Sat. 13 July, 2013
Pompey Make First Loan Signing
In a bid to bolster competitiveness throughout the squad we have started by signing 30 year old right back Alan Dunne on season long loan from Millwall.

This was perhaps our weakest position on the field and the veteran's presence should greatly improve the quality there.

Mon. 15 July, 2013
McDermott Joins
We have signed Bournemouth's attacking left midfielder Donal McDermott on a season loan. McDermott will immediately start on the left and give Bachram some serious competition.

Tue. 16 July, 2013
Rossi Added to Strike Force
Stoke City's 19 year-old forward Karim Rossi has joined the club on season long loan. He'll inject some much needed youth and pace to our forward lineup and could see time immediately as a starter.

Friendly
Portsmouth 2 – 1 Brentford

Wed. 17 July, 2013
Dolan Added to Midfield Mix
Middlesbrough's Matthew Dolan has joined us on a season long loan. The 21 year-old central midfielder looks to add competition to Simon Ferry for the starting position and may make it possible for us to play two MC instead of off-setting the DM and MC.

Kiernan Bolsters Defense
Wigan's Rob Kiernan has joined the club on a season-long loan. The 22 year-old central defender will likely start.

We're feeling good about all these free players.

Thu. 18 July, 2013
Friendly
Portsmouth 1 – 4 Sheffield Wednesday

Tue. 23 July, 2013
Friendly
Gillingham 2 - 1 Portsmouth

News & Notes
Patrick Agyemang will be tutoring U18 forward Jack Maloney.

Youth team member Bradley Tarbuck has signed a professional contract.

Thu. 25 July, 2013
Pompey Sign Mossaoui
Karim Mossaoui has agreed terms with us on a two year contract. The 25 year-old right winger had been a free agent, having previously played for Helmond Sport in the Jupiler League.

I like his technical skills, he may not have gotten a chance to play regularly over the past few years, but he'll have a chance here.

Sat. 27 July, 2013
Friendly
Havant & Waterlooville 1 – 4 Portsmouth

Mon. 29 July, 2013
Friendly
Port Talbot 0 – 3 Portsmouth

Fri. 2 August, 2013
Profit
We've been given £1,500 because of a sell-on clause for a player awesomely named Andrea Mutombo. We'll also rake in an extra £4,500 over the next 18 months.

Scouts
We have signed Jan Heijkers as a scout. He'll provide a presence in Holland.

We have also signed Ben Stevens, he'll provide a continued presence in England.

Grover · 10-21-2013, 07:37 PM

Sat. 3 August, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #1
Stuck in the Mud: Pompey and Bulls Grind Out Draw
Portsmouth 1 – 1 Oxford United
12 – A chance! The ball is worked in beautifully after 12 consecutive passes. Karim Rossi heads at the keeper.

15 – GOAL! David Connolly! It's the captain receiving a pass from midfield and weaving his way into the box, firing it home.

25 – Connolly nearly nets a brace, just whisking it past the post.

34 – GOAL! Andy Whing has leveled the affair. Hunt's long throw-in bounces around in the box and lands favorably for the Oxford midfielder to slot into the net.

45 – McDermott struggled in the first half. If we're to win, he needs to contribute down the left.

56 – We're being restricted to long-range shots, Connolly blasts one wide from 35 yards. McDermott has a chance inside the six yard box, but the Oxford keeper does well to parry the shot.

70 – Perhaps too late to make effective changes, McDermott and Rossi come off for Barcham and Agyemang. We need something from wide positions.

90 – Connolly floats in a wonderful ball, but Agyemang is just a step offside as he scores. The ground was on their feet for the winner, but it wasn't to be.

Oxford won the midfield battle for possession, though we held the overall edge 52-48. We had 12 shots , 5 on target to their 2/2. We really should have won this game, but most of our shots were wayward and from outside of the 18. We've got to do a better job of working the ball in and creating quality shots that have a chance. Not a bad result for our first match, but better things have to come.

Patrick Agyemang picked up an injury, sustaining whiplash after he fell heavily against Oxford. Incidentally, this was after his goal was ruled offside. He'll miss 6-9 days while he pouts about it in a corner.

Sun. 4 August, 2013
Ticket Sales
The club has announced they've sold 10,980 season tickets this year. Not bad for a club in the fourth division.

Mon. 5 August, 2013
Pompey Sign Keeper
We have signed 22 year-old Dutch keeper Delano van Crooy on a one year deal. He is highly rated by our Dutch scout and we're hoping he can provide some competition to the position.

Tue. 6 August, 2013
Capital One Cup (First Round)
Swindon Win 4-1 on Penalties
Swindon Town 0 – 0 Portsmouth
12 – Our first attack that comes to anything. Rossi lays off a nice pass for McDermott cutting in from the left, but the winger fires into the side netting.

22 – Ashley Harris loops in a free kick that's just too far ahead of Rossi.

27 – Rossi launches a shot 40 rows deep. We are surprisingly spending a fair amount of time in the Swindon third. Intercepting passes, making solid tackles and keeping the possession ticking over. We're just not getting shots on goal.

56 – Not much had happened in the past half-hour, but Rossi puts in a perfect cross, Moussaoui can only run it into the post.

70 – Moussaoui comes off for Barcham, with McDermott switching to the right.

90 – Scoreless and headed to extra time. Craddock will come on for the exhausted Ashley Harris.

91 – van Crooy does well to parry a blast from Simon Dawkins.

105 – Swindon get unlucky as Mohamed El-Gabas strikes the post.

105 + 2 – Alan Dunne is injured. Butler moves to right back and Painter comes on to the left.

107 – Swindon open the second half of extra time with some dangerous set-pieces and we're able to clear out three consecutive corners.

120 – And the match will go down the drama of penalties. Rossi and Craddock both misses and it's easy for Swindon to win the shootout.

A tough loss, but we showed we can play with a League 1 side all the way through. Bondz N'Gala, who is trying to earn a contract put in a 9.00 rating and was Man of the Match. He might see a contract come his way after that performance.

Thu. 8 August, 2013
N'Gala Seals Deal
I offered N'Gala a deal, extending it through the remainder of the season and he has happily signed on. He's got potential, let's see if he can develop it.

Grover · 10-21-2013, 10:02 PM

Sat. 10 August, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #2
Connolly and Barcham Pull The Strings
Accrington Stanley 1 – 5 Portsmouth
19 – GOAL! And what a finish it was by David Connolly. Barcham cross from the left and the captain dives in with his left foot to drive it past the keeper.

34 – GOAL! Accrington have a number of dangerous corners, failed marking on our part, but they can't finish any of them properly. Winnard has pass intercepted by Barcham, who gets it back inside for Rossi and it's 2-0.

45 – What a half for Andy Barcham. Two superb assists, but he is exhausted. I'll try and get him to the hour mark before replacing him.

47 – GOAL! Rossi and Connolly combine this time with the captain getting his second of the match. The pressure is really starting to pile up on Accrington.

57 – GOAL! Simon Ferry's indirect free kick is crossed to the edge of the 6 and Bondz N''Gala cooly slots it home. We're putting on a show now!

59 – GOAL! Barcham intercepts a pass and bursts down the left flank, he crosses in for Connolly and that's the hat trick!

70 – We make some changes with Ferry, Barcham and Connolly coming off. All had wonderful games and deserve the rest. Craddock, Dolan and Holmes to replace them. We'll look to play it a little more cautious and attempt to preserve the clean sheet.

74 – Great save from van Crooy has he stretches out to stop a curling shot. The corner and resulting pressure are dealt with accordingly and a goal kick eventually ends Accrington's small spell of dominance.

79 – GOAL! Danny Webber pulls one back for the hosts. Wilson sends in a long corner from the left flank toward the right post and the forward taps home his first goal for the club.

90- Full time. Connolly was Man of the Match because of his hat trick, but Barcham's three assists were close behind. Ferry and N'Gala were also fantastic and Karim Rossi showed he can form an effective partnership with Connolly. We were attacking in spades today and it was beautiful. Van Crooy has looked excellent in his two starts.

Tue. 13 August, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week
Bondz N'Gala, Andy Barcham, Simon Ferry and David Connolly have all been named to the team after their hugely impressive performance last week.

Sat. 17 August, 2013
Johnstone's Paint Trophy Draw
We will be facing Plymouth Argyle in the JPT South first round. The match will be at Home Park on September 3.

Similarly to Portsmouth, Plymouth had deep financial troubles and have fallen from the Championship to League 2.

Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #3
Dunne Does in Shrimpers
Portsmouth 2 – 1 Morecambe
4 – GOAL! Alan Dunne with a laser beam off a free kick from the top of the box. That's the fullback's first goal from the club.

25 – Simon Ferry raced into the box and unleashed a shot that rattled the crossbar. McDermott gets on the end of a cross, but chips it over. We are playing with the some verve.

45 – Half time. We are holding 63% possession and have shown no signs of letting up. 12 shots with 5 on target in the half, Morecambe have had to commit 11 fouls just to keep us in check. The lads need to press on and get the second goal that they deserve.

51 – McDermott is still struggling to get his shots on target. He has another opportunity sent into the side netting.

53 – GOAL! Alan Dunne send in a cross to the back left post from deep on the right and Andy Barcham continues his blistering form, directing a header toward the right post and in.

69 – Both fullbacks, Dunne and Painter have been putting in some tantalizing crosses from deep on their respective flanks. Dunne is getting much more space from McDermott being utilized as an inside forward.

81 – With time winding down and some tired players out there, Ertl, Ferry and Connolly come off for Cooper, Harris and Padovani.

82 – A scare as Keith Ellison is called offside for a goal that would have pulled the Shrimpers within one.

90 – Full time. A fantastic win fueled by right back Alan Dunne's early goal and later assist. Ferry was excellent again as the deep lying play maker and Barcham has been terrific on the left.

Tue. 20 August, 2013
Dunne Named
Alan Dunne was named to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week after his storming performance against Morecambe.

Grover · 10-22-2013, 09:44 AM

Sat. 24 August, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #4
Stout Mansfield Take the Spoils
Mansfield Town 1 – 0 Portsmouth
17 – We are showing signs of that free flowing football again. Barcham is able to work his way in from the left, but his shot hits the outside of the left post.

36 – Simon Ferry forces a tough save from Mariott on his direct free kick.

42 – Mansfield has an attack snuffed out by Painter and he finds Connolly moving down the left flank. He passes inside for Barcham, but his shot is miles off target.

45 – Half time. Dominating possession, but only 4 shots (2 on target). Need better penetration.

60 – Early changes to try and get on the front foot with a goal. Ferry, McDermott and Rossi come off for Mossaoui, Wallace and Harris.

62 – Connolly has a goal disallowed from a set pieces, just offside when heading in Jed Wallace's cross.

78 – The team is finally coming alive, winning corners and set pieces and putting tremendous pressure on Mansfield's defence but they are resilient.

81 – GOAL! Murray finds Holman cutting through the Portsmouth defenders and he puts the ball past van Crooy to give Mansfield a deserved 1-0 lead.

90 – Full time. We couldn't break Mansfield down and in the end paid the price as their dogged defending and persistence paid off in a goal. It's our first loss of the young season, and while disappointed in the players, there's a long way to go yet. We controlled posession, had 7 on target shots, but had to rely on fouling Mansfield, who managed 13 shots (3 on target). A frustrating loss for sure.

Sat. 31 August 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #5
Ten Men Pompey Hold Off Late Surge
Portsmouth 2 – 1 Chesterfield
9 – Chesterfield with the first real chance as Darikwa crosses for Ugwu who puts it over goal.

27 – Some nice interplay finally gets a shot on target, but Connolly's shot is easily parried away.

29 – Painter gets a yellow card and gives away a free kick in a dangerous area, but the set piece flies harmlessly over goal.

35 – Dunne takes a free kick and skims the top of the crossbar. So close!

45 – GOAL! Ertl dances around a tacking defender and passes to Connolly in the box. The captain turns from a defender and fires left-footed in the left corner of goal. Great work all around! That's his sixth goal this season.

46 – Right off the whistle van Crooy is forced to make a save as Chesterfield break to begin the half.

49 – GOAL! Connolly finds Rossi who takes a chance from the top of the box and sends the ball past a diving keeper. 2-0 Pompey!

51 – RED CARD! Marcos Painter's second yellow gets him sent off. Senseless! We have the lead, but this makes trying to win that much harder.

Connolly will come off. McDermott and Mossaou will drop back to midfield, rather than an attacking position. Wallace replaces the forward as a central midfielder. Alan Dunne comes off for Sonny Bradley and we play with three center backs. A 3-1-4-1, if you will.

We adopt a more defensive approach and will look to get players behind the ball, waste time and try and keep things narrow.

56 – Typical Donal McDermott. Steals the ball from inside our own half, storms down the left, cuts inside and fires 20 rows deep. The broad side of the barn remains untouched.

80 – We're getting chances, despite playing down a man. McDermott skimmed the bar with a header and Wallace put a free kick over.

86 – GOAL! Setting up for a nervy finish. Bradley heads a corner away but Eoin Doyle seizes it in the center of the box and strikes it pass van Crooy.

90 – Full time. After seven minutes of pure hell from Chesterfield the final whistle blows and we walk out winners. Connolly was Man of the Match scoring and setting up a goal. It's a good bounce back after the Mansfield loss, but now we've lost Painter for one match through suspension.

In other news, Karim Rossi sustained a stubbed toe (what?) and will miss 9-12 days.

Grover · 10-22-2013, 12:17 PM

Sun. 1 September, 2013
Loan Repayments
Glorious news in club finances as we have two loans we are now expected to pay back at £120,000 per month.

Board Confidence
The board is satisfied with my coaching of the club. They are disappointed with the team's performance in the Cap One Cup.

The club recorded a loss of £313,000 last month. Which is awesome considering we are now paying £240,000 a month back to the lovely banks.

Tue. 03 September, 2013
Agyemang, Craddock Injured
The Ghanian forward twisted his ankle in training and is expected to miss up to seven weeks.

Tom Craddock suffered a thigh strain and is expected to miss a month.

Now we're a bit light in the forward department.
Johnstone's Paint Trophy South (First Round)
Plymouth Dominate Penalties 4-1
Plymouth Argyle 2 – 2 Portsmouth
Connolly and Harris up top, Matthew Dolan gets his first start in midfield. Butler is at left back for the suspended Painter.

7 – Harris has the first chance on goal, but it's harmlessly into the keeper's hands.

14 – The hosts earn a corner after a strong shot is deflected out by Kiernan.

41 – GOAL! Ruben Reid puts the hosts up front with a ferocious right-footed shot that finds the bottom corner of goal.

43 – Harris misses two chances in two minutes to level affairs.

45 + 1 – GOAL! Holmes plays a pass to Alan Dunne who crosses deep and it's Connolly with a running header to equalize. That's seventh this season!

57 – Ashley Harris sends a free kick over goal. He has a great work rate. He's all over the pitch, but the barn door evades him.

64 – GOAL! And it's Harris providing the assist. McDermott slides a pass to Harris, who slides one for Holmes charging in from the right. He slots it past the keeper and we've got the edge.

67- GOAL! Very briefly. Lane wins a header to Boco who is alone down the left. He fires a shot that beats the shocked van Crooy.

80 – Harris with a shocking miss. Dolan gets him the ball in perfect position and he fires wide.

84 – Dolan comes off with a knock, replaced by Padovani.

90 + 1 – Plymouth's Allen with a terrific effort that grazes the crossbar. That ends regulation and we're off to the thrill of penalties once more this season.

Plymouth go first with Fioro and Harris surprisingly hits his to equalize. Young beats van Crooy and Connolly hits the cross bar, giving the hosts the edge. Reid goes to make it 3-1 and Padovani is very easily saved with a weak effort. Nelson steps up and confidently sends Plymouth into the next round.

We are clearly terrible in penalties. Ousted from two cup competitions because of them. Frustrating. Holmes was our best player down the right wing and Dolan was very good until his injury. Bradley was our rock in defense today and while Harris was solid, like McDermott needs to work on his finishing.

Sun. 08 September, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #6
Wing Dings! Pompey Wingers Have a Field Day
Cheltenham Town 2 – 5 Portsmouth
Painter is back in the starting XI, McDermott moving back to the left with Mossaoui in on the right. Both are playing as out and out wingers.

4 – GOAL! It's the two wingers linking up. Connolly wins the ball in deep midfield and gives it to McDermott. He storms inside from the left and crosses for the back post. Mossaoui is there to head it past the diving keeper.

9 – Brilliant save! Van Crooy rushes off his line as Barker sprints into the box solo. The forward goes to take his shot, but the Dutch keeper's body is there to block the ball.

23 – GOAL! Connolly approaches the box, as the two center backs close in, he shunts the ball left for McDermott. The winger strikes at goal and it whizzes by the keeper. We're showing signs of dominance on the road.

41 – GOAL! The hosts pull one back on a corner. Van Crooy dives, but the ball strikes the crossbar. N'Gala attempts to head clear, but it's onto the foot of Troy Brown who slots it into an empty net.

51 – We are struggling with Cheltenham's deep crosses. They've had another go off the crossbar and van Crooy is struggling with his positioning resulting from their bounces.

58 – Looking for a repeat of the first, McDermott crosses for Mossaoui, but it's safe hands from the keeper.

71 – van Crooy impresses again tipping a shot out for a corner after N'Gala was beaten by his name.

76 – GOAL! Ashley Harris has found the barn door! Connolly frees Mossaoui down the right and he centers a cross for Harris who toes it in with a wonderful volley.

84 – GOAL! McDermott with a brace! Mossaoui crosses from the right, Connolly flicks it back slightly and McDermott is right behind him to smash it into goal.

90 + 1 – GOAL! Mossaoui with a brace. The wingers have been terrifying Cheltenham all day long and it's McDermott who crosses low for the Moroccan.

90 + 2 – GOAL! It's merely consolation, but Gornell beats our defense to make it 5-2.

Full time. McDermott picks up Man of the Match with his two goals and assists. Mossaoui adds two goals and an assist of his own, while Connolly also had two assists. Passing was the name of the game here and we were at it beautifully.

The win moves us to fourth after six games, right in the thick of the promotion race with 40 games to play.

Sat. 14 September, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #7
Pompey Wake Up In Final 15
Burton Albion 1 – 3 Portsmouth
Rob Kiernan has been a bit jaded, so Sonny Bradley will start with N'Gala in central midfield. We're still waiting for the majority of our forwards to get fit, so Harris goes alongside Connolly.

7 – GOAL! Rene Howe scores an odd one. Cook sends in a short cross and Howe heads it past a completely stumped van Crooy. The Brewers take the early lead.

26 – A slow game since the Burton goal and Bradley has come down with an injury. Danny East replaces him.

36 – Connolly has had four good chances over the course of the game so far and has sent all of them wide.

45 – Half time. With the struggles offensively we make two changes. Johnny Ertl comes off because of a knock, the DM replaced by Matthew Dolan. Connolly is coming off for Karim Rossi, who is returning from his dire stubbed toe.

57 – McDermott has taken a knock, but we've already used all three subs. He'll have to suffer through. He does get in a nice cross for Ferry, who earns a corner from his shot.

66 – Now Mossaoui has picked up a knock. We might be slightly less effective on the wings from here on out.

78 – GOAL! Ashley Harris levels the affair! He takes Mosaoui's pass as he's striding into the box, takes one touch and fires home. Get in!

82 – GOAL! Karim Rossi on his return from injury nets his fourth of the year! Ferry pass in, Rossi split s the defenders and the keeper's legs!

86 – GOAL! Now it's raining! Harris sends in a corner that bounces around and is blocked three times before falling for Donal McDermott. The winger slots it home easily and we are cruising in these last 15 minutes.

90 – Full time. Fantastic comeback as we score three goals in the final 15 minutes to take a stunning win from Burton. Bondz N'Gala continues to impress and was named Man of the Match. McDermott, Rossi and Harris also put in fantastic performances.

Bad news though. After taking five or so games to get going, McDermott twisted his ankle and is going to miss 6-7 weeks. I think we'll be okay with Andy Barcham starting, but this is definitely a blow.

Grover · 10-22-2013, 07:39 PM

Tue. 17 September, 2013
Wallace Wants Out
Jed Wallace has rocked the club by handing in an official transfer request. Wallace doesn't believe he can get first team football here and right now he's probably fourth on the central midfielder list. We've accepted his offer and will look to see if we can make some profit from him.

Sat. 21 September, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #8
Ten Men Pompey Hold Fleetwood
Portsmouth 1 – 1 Fleetwood Town
Rossi and Kiernan are back starting for this match. Barcham will indeed start on the left in place of the injured McDermott.

12 – Johnny Ertl picks up a yellow card for a cynical tackle in our half. Fleetwood's movement ends with a nice save from van Crooy.

18 – GOAL! What sumptuous football! Connolly to Mossaoui to Rossi who slots past the diving keeper. 1-0 to the hosts. That's Rossi's fifth this season.

28 – GOAL! Frantic defending as we're in sixes and sevens on the corner. It bounces free from van Crooy and Ikpeazu is there to level the visitors.

45 – Half time. Dunne is struggling at fullback. But he'll stay in. We're doing OK, but need to push on to get three points.

50 – RED CARD! Bad news as Johnny Ertl is shown an early bath. He makes another ill-advised tackle at the half-way line and the referee is right there to send him making. Connolly comes off for Dolan. N'Gala shifts to right back and Dunne is replaced by Sonny Bradley.

53 – Rossi earns a corner, now operating as a loan striker. He couldn't unlock the defense, but his shot did enough. Fleetwood is definitely trying to stretch us wide on the pitch, but we are handling the crosses quite well.

65 – Dolan forces a save from an excellent free kick.

71 – Simon Ferry has taken a knock and will be replaced by Romain Padovani.

74 – Fleetwood have had two free kicks from the top of the box in the last few minutes and Schumacher has sent them both over goal.

85 – Fleetwood starting to press with the advantage. More and more crosses coming in. van Crooy and the back four have handled the pressure very well. N'Gala is putting in another Man of the Match performance.

90 – Full time. N'Gala is named Man of the Match once again with a fantastic game. Mossaoui was our second best player with his assist on Rossi's goal. The Karim to Karim connection on display. We need to cut out the cautions. Second match this year we've had to deal with ten men. We move to second with 17 points, four behind Plymouth.

Johnny Ertl has been suspended for one match.

Tue. 24 September, 2013
Craddock Back
Tom Craddock has returned to full training after missing three weeks with a thigh strain. He's made two substitute appearances and has a 6.70 rating.

Wed. 25 September, 2013
Wallace Crocked
In bad news for club and player, Jed Wallace has sustained a broken toe. The wantaway player will need to see a specialist and is expected to miss 2-3 months.

Sat. 28 September, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #9
Josh Carson Brace Sees Off Blue Army
York City 2 – 1 Portsmouth
With Ertl suspended, Dolan will play as a halfback in the defensive midfield position. N'Gala is averaging a 7.98. To think, I almost released him.

9 – GOAL! N'Gala was ever present heading away corner after corner. Carson heads home a cross for the hosts after he lost two defenders and the keeper.

15 - GOAL! The captain! Barcham crosses to the top center of the box and Mossaoui nods it down for Connolly. He coolly passes the ball into goal.

39 – GOAL! Josh Carson has a brace. He gets free in the area and easily finishes Jarvis' cross.

41 – Connolly is injured. Ashley Harris will replace.

45 – Half time. The back four, aside from N'Gala are putting on a shocker. Absolutely terrible. N'Gala is a rock.

52 – Harris is getting opportunities, but is once again being wasteful.

59 – We are not closing them down quickly enough.

61 – Dunne is exhausted and Kiernan has been terrible both are subbed. Bradley and Cooper in at DC and N'Gala is shifted to fullback.

66 – PENALTY! Cooper brings down Carson in the box, but Howard strikes the penalty off the crossbar!

85 – Harris grazes the bar.

90 – Full time. I tell the team I'm disappointed in them for the loss. I praise N'Gala and the team reacts angrily. Interesting to note. York rises to 3rd and drops us to 4th with their victory.

Simon ferry suffered a dead leg after an accidental collision and will miss 6-8 days. The midfielder has a 7.33 rating in 9 games. He is arguably our best overall player in terms of skill.

David Connolly has suffered a groin strain and is expected to miss 4 weeks. The hits just keep on coming. He's averaging a 7.52 with 7 goals and 4 assists in 10 appearances.

Grover · 10-23-2013, 09:55 AM

Tue. 01 October, 2013
Board Update
The board is satisfied with the coaching of the team. They are extremely pleased with the signing of Karim Mossaoui, the fans love him. They are disappointed with the loss to York. So am I.

The club recorded a loss of £521,000 last month. However, we sold 824 kits and made £55,550 in merchandise!

Devera Back
Good news! Joe Devera has returned to full training following a double hernia.

Sat. 05 October, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #10
Rochdale Steal Win at Fratton Park
Portsmouth 0 – 1 Rochdale
Harris come into the fold again with Connolly out for the semi-long term. Dolan starts at MC for the exhausted Simon Ferry.

25 – It's been a slow match. Ertl has picked up a knock, but should be okay. It'll be assessed at the half.

33 – There's no penetration past midfield for either team.

34 – GOAL! Spoke too soon. Henderson puts Rochdale up one nothing, nodding one back to Jenkins, receiving the return past and beating van Crooy.

45 – Half time. We've been on the back foot and look uninspired. Nobody looks terrible, but they don't look good either.

62 – Cooper on for Ertl and Craddock on for Harris. Looking for a goal.

72 – Barcham hits the elbow of the goal frame. Heads drop across the ground.

90 – Full time. A turgid performance. N'Gala pulled in a 7.9, but the attack was disappointing. We only managed 4 shots with 2 on target. Simply unacceptable.

Agyemang Back
Patrick Agyemang has resumed full training after recovering from a twisted ankle.

Ertl Injured
More bad news as defensive midfielder Johnny Ertl has suffered a groin strain. He is expected to miss four weeks.

Sun. 13 October, 2013
Sky Bet League Match Day #11
Ashley Harris Stars in Pompey Win
Plymouth Argyle 1 – 3 Portsmouth
Third hosting seventh. The match is being televised. We're winless in three, two losses on the trot. Rossi is unavailable on international duty, so Craddock and Harris form an uninspiring starting duo up top. Dolan starts at DM for the injured Ertl.

13 – GOAL! Barcham crosses from the left flank and Harris heads it home. The visitor's section is going wild!

17 – GOAL! Harris again! Ferry takes a headed passes from Mossaoui and threads it through to Harris. The keeper gets a hand on it, but isn't strong enough to keep the ball out.

45 – We look great at the half. Some excellent pressure in the Plymouth half. Harris has been phenomenal.

53 – GOAL! Barcham cuts inside and lays off for Mossaoui who one times his shot on the volley to beat Cole.

54 - Padovani is on for the injured Ferry. He's only taken a knock, but better to be safe than sorry.

61 – Plymouth go close when van Crooy comes out a bit too far. Harvey shoots, but drills the bar.

72 – Great save from van Crooy! He tips a headed effort just over goal. N'Gala clears the corner away.

90 + 2 – GOAL! Merely consolation, but Marvin Morgan cuts inside N'Gala and unleashes a brilliant left-footed shot that beats van Crooy near side.

Full time and a terrific win. A great way to come back after a draw and two losses. Harris picks up the deserved Man of the Match with an 8.9. Barcham an 8.3, Mossaoui and Kiernan an 8.4. A team effort all around. Just need to start beating the teams we are clearly better than.

Mon. 14 October, 2013
Moutaouakil Wants Out
After a chat with the fullback, it's been decided we'll try and find a new club for him.

Grover · 10-23-2013, 03:11 PM

Fri. 18 October, 2013
Painter Signs Deal
Marcos Painter has signed a new 2 year contract with the club. He has been quite good as our left fullback. 7.22 rating in 12 matches.

Sat. 19 October, 2013
Sky Bet League Match Day #12
Harris Penalty Seals the Points
Portsmouth 1 - 0 Bury
Rossi back in for Craddock. Everything else remains the same from the previous match.

This is one of those danger matches we really should win. Bury is 19th in the division and has struggled mightily.

14 – Shot from distance by Rossi is sent out for a corner. Bury deal with the set-piece.

37 – Rossi pulls back a cross in the box for Barcham, but Jensen does well to get down and save. He's looked quite good when called upon for the visitors.

56 – Ferry wins the ball in midfield, out for Mossaoui and his cross bounces off the crossbar and out for a Bury throw.

63 – Harris' free kick nails the crossbar. We're getting a touch unlucky here.

75 – Padovani is on for Ferry and Holmes for Mossaoui. Both are tired and Ferry had picked up a caution.

76 – PENALTY! A foul on our corner and Bury concede. It's Ashley Harris stepping up and sending it into the top right corner of goal! 1-0 Pompey! Cool and collected finish.

90 – Full time. The penalty seals a nervy win in which we never really got going. To no one's surprise, Bondz N'Gala is once again Man of the Match in a tight affair. He's been incredible.

The win moves us into second with Plymouth drawing and York losing. Oxford drew with Accrington.

Sun. 20 October, 2013
Connolly Back
Big sigh of relief. David Connolly is back in full training after recovering from his groin strain.

Tue. 22 October, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #13
Wycombe Take the Spoils with Comeback Win
Portsmouth 2 – 3 Wycombe Wanderers
McDermott is back and starting on the left. Cooper is back and starting at DM. N'Gala gets a day off and Bradley will pair Kiernan at DC.

4 – Alan Dunne has taken an early knock, but should be able to shake it off.

8 – GOAL! Mossaoui with a great individual effort. Works his way from the right to the top center of the box and blasts it right-footed past the keeper.

29 – Rossi has the entire defense beat by about two yards, but the side official judges him offside.

38 – PENALTY! Mossaoui concedes near the edge of the area. Matt Bloomfield steps up and levels the match at one.

45- Half time. We're level because of a silly penalty. Let's get back in front. The majority of the squad is motivated for the second half.

52 – GOAL! McDermott picks up a yellow card in midfield, Arnold sends in a looping free kick and Stewart puts a powerful header past van Crooy.

83 – GOAL! Wycombe seals it with Tom Hopper skirting around the defence and slotting home neatly into the bottom right corner of goal.

89 – GOAL! Maybe not! Rossi is freed down the left, jinks past Hause and hits a hopeful looking shot that finds its way in.

90 – Full time. Rossi's goal was merely consolation and we slump to a disappointing home loss to Wycombe. Cooper was dreadful with a 5.7 rating at DM. Rossi and Ferry were our best at 7.3.

We fall to fourth, four behind Plymouth who are once again first and level with Mansfield on points at 26.

Sat. 26 October, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #14
Up and Down, but Pompey Eventually Win
Torquay United 3 – 5 Portsmouth
Connolly is back in the lineup, pairing with Rossi. East starts for a tired Dunne.

4 – GOAL! It comes from a cross on the left. Barcham to the far post, it's Mossaoui heading home. His fourth goal of the season.

7 – Connolly just misses right. Ferry is battling hard in midfield to win possession back.

10 – GOAL! Connolly! Rossi wins possession and attempts to shoot. The shot is blocked by the Torquay defender, but Connolly volleys it past the keeper.

22 – GOAL! Torquay pull one back as Asante slots past van Crooy.

28 – GOAL! And a brilliant one at that. Mansell skips over a tackle and loops one over van Crooy from 20 yards.

33 – East is cautioned for protesting us not being given a penalty. Nice. Real smart.

45 – Half time. Ferry has a knock and is coming off. So is East. Devera will make his first appearance at fullback. Padovani is on for Ferry.

61 – GOAL! Asante is the fox in the box. Van Crooy saves the first shot, Asante taps it home. Torquay take the lead.

71 – PENALTY! Torquay concede as Rossi breaks into the area. Devera steps up and calmly slots it past the keeper. The match is level once more!

73 – GOAL! Mossaoui breaks into the area, cutting in from the left. He evades three defenders it passes it past the keeper! Pompey back in front!

90 + 1 – GOAL! Barcham ends it with style, drifting in from the left and firing from the top of the box.

Full time. Great comeback win to seal three points. 2-0 to 2-3, to 5-3, we'll take that. Great resilience from the team to get back and win it. Mossaoui's two goals earn him player of the match. Padovani came on at half time and provided two assists from midfield. We managed 15 shots on target and 25 overall. Fantastic. That's what I want to see every match.

We're up to third on 26 points, just one behind Plymouth and Mansfield.

Sun. 27 October, 2013
FA Cup Draw
We will play League 1 side Wolverhampton Wanderers in the first round of the FA Cup. We won it in 2008! Wolves find themselves in League 1 after falling from the Premier League and Championship in successive seasons. We will be playing at the Molineux on 9 November.

Ertl Back
Johnny Erl has resumed full training after missing three weeks with a groin strain.

Tue. 29 October, 2013
N'Gala Blow
We've taken an injury hit to Bondz N'Gala who will miss up to two weeks with a bruised head after a robust challenge in a training session. He has a 7.84 rating in 13 appearances this season. He was nearly released before starring in the Swindon Town Capital One Cup tie.

Grover · 10-24-2013, 02:47 PM

Fri. 01 November, 2013
Board Confidence
The board is still satisfied with my coaching. They and the supporters are pleased with Mossaoui. They're still hurting over the 2-1 loss to York.

The club recorded a loss of £442,000 last month, but sold 646 kits and £40,780 in merchandise.

Sat. 02 November, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #15
Butler's Blast Wins the Day
Portsmouth 1 – 0 Exeter
Painter is out due to yellow card accumulation and N'Gala is out due to his head injury. Butler steps in a left back, Bradley at center back. Will we be up and down, or can we string together a pair of wins. It'd be nice to see one at home again.

4 – McDermott has a chance, getting a wild ball in from the right, but he fires straight at the keeper. Rossi then works his way in and puts it just to the wrong side of goal.

32 – Connolly has to come off injured and it's Ashley Harris coming on for him. He has an immediate chance with a free kick and fires over.

37 – Exeter make a nice cross in the box and a shot. Van Crooy makes a great diving save.

45 + 3 – GOAL! Dan Butler! The left back bursts iside and fires a shot that is saved by the Exeter keeper. The persistent defender pounces on the rebound and fires it into goal.

51 – McDermott and Rossi miss an opportunity inside the six yard box.

58 – Dolan has taken at a knock and Padovani will replace him at DM.

74 – McDermott has gotten into good positions all day, but continues to struggle with his shooting.

90 – Full time. Butler's injury time blast is the winner and we're grateful to put two wins in a row together for the first time in awhile. Butler is Man of the Match and deservedly so. Sonny Bradley was nearly as good, dominating defensively.

The win moves us into second on 29 points, one behind Plymouth.

Dolan and Connolly Injured
Central midfielder Matthew Dolan 6.98 in 10 appearances has sustained a bruised thigh and will miss up to 2 weeks.

David Connolly is injured once more with a bruised thigh and will miss up to 2 weeks. 12 appearances and 8 goals, 4 assists for the 36 year-old.

Wed. 06 November, 2013
Butler Named
Dan Butler has been named to the League 2 Team of the Week.

Sat. 09 November, 2013
FA Cup First Round
Wolves Battle Past Pompey
Wolverhampton 1 – 0 Portsmouth
Connolly and Dolan are out, so Harris plays as the false nine and Ertl is back in at DM. Wolves are certainly a better side than we are. Chances are we'll have to cope with them for most of the afternoon.

6 – Ashley Harris had a free kick in a decent area and you can probably guess where he sent it.

14 – Ertl works into the box and takes a shot. We're showing some promise.

21 – Harris sends in a corner that bounces to McDermott, his shot is wide.

26 – Kevin Doyle is in for Wolves, but his shot lands harmlessly on top of goal.

37 – We concede a corner from a bad pass and a good save by van Crooy. We are playing very well in our own half.

45 – Harris is having a bad game at half time. We tell him to prove a point.

57 – Subs. Harris comes off for Barcham, who moves to left wing. McDermott moves to AMC. We'll play with one forward. Kiernan comes on at DM for the exhausted Ertl. Ferry may be our next sub.

64 – Wolves starting to assert themselves in the match. Stephent Hunt has a goal ruled offside after a great build up.

70 – The back four continues to cope and excel. Bradley and N'Gala standing out.

79 – GOAL! Wolves finally take the lead they deserve. Ricketts crosses from the left to Zofcak who heads past van Crooy.

88 – A half chance! But Hennessey easily holds onto Kiernan's shot.

Full time. It's a tough loss, but we were outplayed for the majority and Wolves goal was very, very well deserved. The entire back four played extremely well and should be applauded. Wolves took 19 shots and had 8 on target, compared to our 5/2. Completely outplayed.

And that runs me into another first round cup exit.

Wed. 13 November, 2013
Duo Resume Training
Matthew Dolan and David Connolly have both returned to full training after missing a couple of weeks with bruised thighs.

Thu. 14 November, 2013
Butler Injured
Dan Butler is expected to miss four weeks with a thigh strain.

Grover · 10-24-2013, 05:07 PM

Sun. 17 November, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #16
Bottom of the Barrel Wimbledon Snatch Win
AFC Wimbledon 1 – 0 Portsmouth
We're televised against bottom Wimbledon.

Rossi is on international duty with the Swiss U21 team, so Connolly and Harris will pair up top. And we're wearing our away whites for the first time this year.

5 – Sweeney has a free kick for Wimbledon hit the bar.

16 – GOAL! Jack Midson puts the hosts in front. Sweeney puts him between two defenders and the rest is easy.

33 – We are being overrun.

45 – Half time. No changes, except swapping Harris and Connolly's roles.

61 – Padovani on for Ferry, Barcham for Connolly.

67 – McDermott wastes an opportunity by misfiring wide.

90 – Full time. Well, it doesn't get much more embarrassing than losing to the team at the foot of the table on national television, does it?

Kiernan and N'Gala were solid as always, but the attacking players struggled heavily. We'll need to look at this moving forward. Not a good result. We hang on to fourth position, three behind Oxford.

Wed. 20 November, 2013
Moutaouakil Wants to Stay
Now the fullback wants to be removed from the transfer list. We'll accept the request.

Sat. 23 November, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #17
Pompey Dominate, Held to Draw
Portsmoth 0 – 0 Scunthorpe
Dolan starts at DM, Rossi and Harris up top.

4 – PENALTY! McDermott gets a shot on, chases the rebound and is tackled in the process. Ferry steps up and drives it right at the keeper. So disappointing.

31 – Plenty of shots on target, but all of them directly at the keeper.

66 – Padovani and Connolly are on for Ferry and Harris.

82 – Almost! Padovani hits the cross bar, but Rossi is offside as he puts the rebound home.

84 – Connolly hits the post and then heads a cross into the keeper's arms. He then wins a corner off the counter attack.

90 – Full time. Marcos Painter is Man of the Match, but overall it's a disappointing draw with a team well below us in the pecking order.

Tue. 26 November, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #18
Rossi Assists Twice in Pompey Win
Portsmouth 2 – 1 Southend United
Southend are 19th in the league and have lost four of their last five away games. This is an absolute must win for us.

Typical lineup with Rossi and Connolly up top, McDermott and Mossaoui on the wings. Ferry at MC, Ertl at DM, Painter, Bradley, N'Gala, Dunne at the back and van Crooy between the sticks.

We'll attempt a higher tempo and to get the ball into space against their 4-4-2. We're at Fratton Park, we want to put on a show.

4 – Some nice early build up passing from Ertl and Ferry, ultimately Mossaoui is ruled offside.

8 – GOAL! David Connolly! Ferry tackles the ball from Laird into Connolly's path and he slots it past the keeper.

10 – van Crooy makes a low save from a shot at the top of the box and another from the right. He's responding well to Southend's immediate pressure.

31 – GOAL! Oh my! Rossi puts in Mossaoui who dribbles into the six yard box from the right and nutmegs the keeper. What a goal!

37 – Hurst needs to be closed down on the left. He's put in two strong shots, van Crooy has done well to save both.

45 – Up two goals at the half. We need to continue the pressure.

54 – Mossaoui has picked up an injury and has to come off. Bad news. McDermott will move to the right and Barcham will come on as the left winger.

65 – Rossi takes a shot from distance, but the Southend keeper easily holds.

72 – GOAL! Southend have found a way back in through Barry Corr. Thompson cross from the right and finds Corr at the near post.

75 – Rossi is worked in well, but the shot fizzes just wide of the post.

90 – Full time. It's a deserved 2-1 win for the club. Even after giving up the goal and moving to an entirely defensive and negative tactical stance, we managed some excellent possession and attacking verve. Unfortunately we weren't able to add to the scoreline. Finally able to beat a bottom of the table club, as odd as that sounds. Alan Dunne was Man of the Match, silent but strong at right full back, shutting down the Southend left all day long.

Mossaoui Injured
As feared, Karim Mossaoui will miss around two months with a sprained ankle. The right winger has been a revelation since signing with the club on a free transfer in July. He has made 18 appearances, scoring 7 goals and making 4 assists.

Sat. 30 November, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #19
Portsmouth Just Hang On For Draw
Hartlepool United 1 – 1 Portsmouth
With Mossaoui out, Barcham on the left and McDermott as an advanced playmaker on the right. Joe Devera starts for a very tired Alan Dunne at right back and Kiernan starts for N'Gala in the center. Also, Dolan in for Ertl at DM.

16 – GOAL! Harris steals the ball in the Pompey half and finds Rossi as the outlet. Rossi runs in all alone and fires it in! Great counterattacking football from our side.

26 – Post! Harris hits it and a wayward bounce could have seen another goal. They are really working hard for one another in the final third.

45 – Half time. We look good, moving the ball around fairly freely. When on the back foot, we have looked sturdy. Van Crooy has come up big a couple of times. Bradley has picked up a caution and Painter a knock, so we'll keep an eye on the back four to start the second half.

46 – GOAL! Not even 30 seconds into the second half and Joe Ironside has tied the affair for the hosts.

52 – Distribution is poor and it feels as if another Hartlepool goal is coming.

56 – van Crooy making some fantastic saves as we can't seem to get out of our own end. We finally manage a shot and Ashley Harris loops it over goal.

75 – Harris has a free kick on the edge of the box and fires it into the wall. He fires the rebound harmlessly wide of goal.

90 – A draw. We probably deserved to lose with the way Hartlepool manhandled the second half, but we'll escape with the point. Painter and Sonny Bradley were fantastic in the back four, with van Crooy disappointing with a 6.0 rating. I thought he was a fair bit better than that, though I suppose he gets fault for the Ironside goal. His passing was atrocious as well.

We finish November in 3rd, just two behind Oxford.

Grover · 10-24-2013, 08:00 PM

Mon. 02 December, 2013
Board Confidence
The board is still satisfied with my coaching of the team. They and the fans are still super pleased with Karim Moussaoui. However, they are disappointed with the 1-0 loss to Wimbledon. As am I.

Sat. 07 December, 2013
N'Gala Injury
Ugh. Our star player has suffered a calf strain in training. He'll miss up to five weeks with the injury. Bradley and Kiernan will be relied on more and more. N'Gala has a 7.81 rating in 17 appearances.

Sat. 14 December, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #20
Ashley Harris Plays Super Sub With Brace
Portsmouth 3 – 0 Newport County
Typical lineup with Rossi and Connolly up top. Newport sit in 10th, so a home win here would be good business.

2 – Great work in the first minute to get the ball into the box. Dunne comes out of nowhere to force a shot and win a corner. Very positive start.

20 – GOAL! Ferry with a superb back heel to McDermott cutting down the right. His left-footed shot beats the keeper at the near post. That's McDermott's fourth goal of the season.

45 – The half ends with a corner. Ferry finds Sonny Bradley wide open, but his volley is straight at the keeper who parries it away.

56 – Harris coming on for Connolly, who had picked up a knock.

64 – Harris sends a free kick into the wall, Ertl wins the rebound and fires over goal.

70 – Moving the ball around the park from right to left and back very well. Ferry gets a shot on goal from the movement.

75 – GOAL! Rossi with a lovely ball puts Ashley Harris through one on one. The keeper comes out and Harris chips it by!

90 + 2 – GOAL! Harris again as he slips by the defense and makes it 3-0 for good measure.

Full time. Rossi picks up Man of the Match with his pair of assists, but Ashley Harris did a bang up job coming on with just over a half hour remaining. Painter, Bradley, Dunne, Ferry and McDermott were also excellent. Solid team performance and we're up to second position.

Injury Report
Fullback Alan Dunne, who has a 7.39 rating and one goal in 20 appearances sustained a bruised rib and is expected to miss 12 days.

David Connolly, who is really starting to break down has suffered from a gashed leg and will be out for 3-4 weeks. Ashley Harris will not mind more playing time in his stead.

Grover · 10-25-2013, 10:08 AM

Tue. 17 December, 2013
Team of the Week
DC Sonny Bradley, AMR Donal McDermott and MC Simon Ferry were selected in the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week.

Sat. 21 December, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #21
Pompey Just About Beat Rovers
Bristol Rovers 0 – 1 Portsmouth
Rovers are 23rd in the league. Another must win match for us. No offense to Bristol.

With Connolly injured again, Harris starts. He would have anyway with his form in the second half last weekend. Everything else is basically the same. Devera at right back with Devera needing a rest.

13 – Ertl and Harris have picked up knocks.

18 – Barcham works in one on one for a shot, but it's parried away.

20 – Failing to impress ourselves upon them. We win the ball back, and turn it over the next pass and they work in a shot. Frustrating football so far from us.

37 – Kiernan goes really close with a header from Harris' corner.

45 – Half time. And level with a far inferior team than us. We need to push on.

47 – Norburn gives away a dangerous free kick and Harris forces a good save. Another foul and the same situation. We're starting to dominate with this, but one wayward pass and it fizzles out.

57 – Ertl coming off for Dolan because of the knock he took early on. Craddock on for Harris who is tired and has struggled.

68 – We're getting some chances, but the end result is lacking.

80 – GOAL! Rossi! And what a build up. Dolan and Ferry involved in midfield, push it to Rossi, who sends it left for Painter. His cross comes back and lands at the feet of Rossi. Portsmouth with the breakthrough.

90 – Full time. Stringing together some wins at the right time. When the matches are going to come thick and furious through the holiday period. Painter was our best player today with his defending and superb assist on Rossi's goal. Bradley wasn't far behind him though.

Thu. 26 December, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #22
Late Penalty Gifts Dag & Red Victory
Portsmouth 2 – 3 Dagenham & Redbridge
East will be the right back, as we seem to be rotating a trio of them quite freely recently. The rest of the squad is about as you would expect.

9 – GOAL! Sonny Bradley rises above all defenders to bury home the header from Ashley Harris' corner.

19 – GOAL! Ogogo works in a pass to Woodall who takes a clean right-footed shot to beat van Crooy low.

27 – GOAL! Woodall threads a pass to Murphy who gets in one on one with van Crooy and beats the keeper.

45 – Half time. It all started so well, but quickly went downhill. We've got to regroup and get a goal back in the first 20 minutes or so. My assistant believes our recent form has led to some players being a bit over confident.

47 – GOAL! Andy Barcham quickly levels this game! Ashley Harris sends a cross through the defense and the left winger converts his chance.

49 – Harris has to go off injured. Craddock comes on for him. Ferry and Ertl are struggling in midfield, so I pull them off for Padovani and Dolan.

73 – Painter picks up a caution for excessive fouling.

75 – PENALTY! Kiernan concedes and Rhys Murphy makes us pay. 3-2 Dag & Red.

84 – Craddock goes close off the side netting. Half the ground thought it was in.

90 – Full time and I am furious. This is a match we should have never lost. Most of the team was okay. Van Crooy, Kiernan and Rossi were abhorrent. Sonny Bradley was great again. We need to beat teams in the lower half. No excuses.

Sun. 29 December, 2013
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #23
Bird is the Word in Portsmouth Win
Portsmouth 3 – 2 Northampton Town
A home match against a bottom half side. We should win this. Like the last match. Bird starts up top with Rossi. Holmes also gets a start.

6 – GOAL! Bird lays off for Rossi and the Swiss forward powers it in.

13 – GOAL! Embarrassment for Delano van Crooy as he turns the ball into our net from a Northampton corner. The own goal levels the match.

18 – GOAL! And now the visitors are firmly in front. Widdowson's corner comes in for Morris and he volleys it in.

22 – GOAL! Ricky Holmes! Some fancy work between he and Dunne to evade defenders and Holmes rockets it in from just outside the six yard box.

45 – Half time. It's been thrilling. Action at both ends and anyone could go in front. We need to go in front.

51 – GOAL! And we do go in front! Rossi finds McDermott who can cross from the left onto the head of Bird. Easy goal!

90 – Full time. We slogged the game down in midfield to be certain we would take three points. Ugly, but every win is crucial. Ryan Bird was Man of the Match. He and Holmes did well coming on cold off the bench to start today.

Mon. 30 December, 2013
N'Gala Back
Bondz N'Gala has returned to full training after missing 3 weeks with a calf strain.

Tue. 31 December, 2013
Contract Extensions
GK Delano van Crooy and DC/DR Bondz N'Gala have signed contracts with the club through 2015.

Chief Scout Mark Kelly and youth coach Mark Chamberlain have also signed deals through 2015.

Grover · 10-25-2013, 02:34 PM

Grover · 10-25-2013, 04:43 PM

Wed. 01 January, 2014
Board Confidence
The board is still satisfied and pleased with the Mossaoui signing. They are also still upset with the 1-0 loss to Wimbledon.

Connolly Back
David Connolly has returned to full training after missing 3 weeks with a gashed leg.

Youngster Turns Professional
Pompey youngster Fahad Rwakarambwe had signed his first professional deal. He's rated at 5 stars potential for League 2. He's a central midfielder and will be one to watch.

Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #24
Pompey Overcome Corr for Draw
Southend United 3 – 3 Portsmouth
Padovani and Dolan start in midfield. East at right back.

2 – McDermott drifting inside from the right, takes a shot that misses wide left.

10 – McDermott looking threatening cutting in. This team he forces a save from the Southend keeper.

15 – Barcham firing over goal. Our wingers seem to be getting the best chances early on.

16 - GOAL! But it's Karim Rossi converting his chance! McDermott breaks him free through the center of the defense and Rossi easily beats the keeper.

23 – East has been dominating his man on the right. He's been winning the ball, intercepting passing and tackling with verve.

26 – The ground oohs and aahs as Barry Corr has a goal ruled out.

34 – GOAL! Andy Barcham takes a pass from Rossi and cuts in from the left. His first attempt is saved by Urwin, but he persists and kicks the ball over the line.

35 – GOAL! Barry Corr has his goal now. Atkinson hits the post and the rebound lands right at the feet of the Southend forward.

41 – Joe Devera's header from a corner is cleared off the line.

42 – GOAL! Southend hit on the break. Yussuff crosses for Atkins who heads past a diving van Crooy.

45 – Half time. Ugh. What a turnaround. East looked very good in the first half of the half, but awful in the next 22 minutes. We need to pick it up.

57 – Pressure in the final third amounts to a missed shot from Dolan.

63 – Rossi, having a solid game has to come off injured. Agyemang comes on. With East continuing to be bad, Moutaouakil comes on for him.

70 – GOAL! Corr is the fox in the box and easily puts Hurts's cross past van Crooy. Bad news with that goal.

79 – GOAL! Joe Devera thumps home Ashley Harris' corner with his head. Tie game!

90 – Full time. We had to fight tooth and nail for that one. Barry Corr dominated and deserved another goal or two. Another tough point here. Time to press on in the new year. Barcham was quite good. East was ugly.

Rossi Injured
And as feared, Karim Rossi will be on the sidelines for up to 2 months after spraining his ankle. The forward, on loan from Stoke has 9 goals and 6 assists in 23 appearances.

Sat. 04 January, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #25
Second Half Goals Crush Accrington
Portsmouth 4 – 1 Accrington Stanley
It'll be the pairing of Craddock and Harris up top. A lot of tired players in this one on just three day's rest.

Accrington are playing with 3 attacking central midfielders. No wide players at all in the attacking phase for them. We'll have to be wary of Joao Teixeira.

15 – Despite their midfield numbers, we're moving the ball quite easily. An attack is worked in and Craddock shoots wide.

23 – GOAL! Eugen Bopp with a tidy strike from the left side of the box off a nice pass from Will Hatfield.

36 – Harris works in and McDermott earns a corner. Bradley heads it wide of goal. Good chance there.

45 + 1 – GOAL! A long free kick from Harris is headed out from Hatfield. Unfortunately for the visitors it ends up on the left foot of Donal McDermott and this game is level.

50 – A good work into the box from Accrington results in a shot from Pericard that is held by van Crooy.

56 – GOAL! Andy Barcham with a fine individual effort! His first shot from the left is saved, but he gets his own rebound and slams it in!

64 – GOAL! We've been waiting all year to see one of these go in! A laser beam from an Ashley Harris free kick about 25 yards from goal on the right.

83 – GOAL! Tom Craddock's first for the club! McDermott holds well in midfield, turns and passes to Craddock in the box. The forward pivots and fires. We've put this well out of reach.

90 – Full time. What a win! Great comeback from the goal at the end of the half all the way through to the finish. McDermott was Man of the Match, Barcham, Harris, Craddock and Dunne all put in terrific performances. Not too bad for a tired team!

Webster Back From Loan
Finally a decision I've been waiting for. Central defender Adam Wesbter has returned from his loan spell out at Aldershot where he made 22 appearances for the Skrill Prem team. He has a ton of potential and every chance to step into our starting XI.

Tue. 07 January, 2014
Mossaoui Returns
Good news everyone! Karim Mossaoui has returned to full training after being out with a sprained ankle. In 18 appearances the right winger has contributed 7 goals and 4 assists.

Sat. 11 January, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #26
Oxford Feeling Bullish, Trample Pompey
Oxford United 4 – 2 Portsmouth
We travel to Oxford locked in with them on points for second. We've got the slight edge on goal differential, but let's not be bashful. We want to win this.

Connolly is starting up top with Harris. Bradley and Kiernan pair in defense. Adam Webster will be on the subs bench, I may try and get him involved.

Much like at the start of the year, we need to watch out for Constable, Whing and Rose.

13 – Kiernan makes a couple of nice tackles in the box and forces a shot wide.

16 – A bad clearance leads to a shot on the volley from Connolly that forces a corner.

26 – Most of our shots coming from a distance. Any time we try and work it in the ball is dispossessed and cleared away.

39 – GOAL! It's Jake Wright from Hunt's throw-in. Wright finds himself unmarked for the easy header and the hosts take the lead and second place for the time being.

43 – GOAL! Double your fun. Townsend's corner is right on Onyenuga's foot.

45 + 1 – GOAL! It looks hopeless for Pompey as we concede our third from set-pieces. This time it's another Hunt throw-in, with Constable heading it in. We looked a shambles in those last six minutes.

46 – GOAL! Wow. Bradley misses the ball on a hoof in from Oxford, it skips by and Constable races on to it and beats van Crooy. This has turned ugly.

70 – With the game out of hand, we take off Bradley, Ferry and Ertl. Coming on will be Webster, Dolan and Padovani. This will be Webster's debut.

74 – GOAL! A mere consolation, but some nice work from McDermott and Connolly to work the ball in for Harris, who beats the keeper to his left.

90 – GOAL! Harris adds another when he volleys Newey's botched clearance into goal.

Full time. Ugly. We even injured three of their players. We drop to third, Chesterfield is in fourth, level on points. It's going to be a battle for promotion. At least Harris looked good toward the end of the game. Really our only bright spot.

Mon. 13 January, 2014
Mossaoui Out Again
Bad luck for Karim Mossaoui as he's set to miss another 2-3 weeks with a virus.

Wed. 15 January, 2014
Cooper Exits Club
Shaun Cooper has departed Portsmouth after his contract expired. The defensive midfielder averaged a 6.17 in four appearances this season.

Grover · 10-25-2013, 07:18 PM

Sat. 18 January, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #27
Back Four Provides Foundation for Big Win
Portsmouth 3 – 0 Mansfield Town
Mansfield is 8th, just outside of the playoff positions. This would be a good rebound win for us.

Webster will pair with Bradley in defense. I want Webster to get playing time, probably has the best potential of anybody we've got.

5 – GOAL! And it's Webster on his full debut! He takes the corner from Harris and turns it into goal with a curling right-footed shot.

12 – GOAL! Ashley Harris with his 11th of the season. Barcham crosses from the left, it deflects off Black's foot and into the path of the Pompey forward.

23 – Mansfield nearly pull one back through Holman but it rockets off the crossbar.

32 – More possession from Mansfield. They work in a shot, but Crooks' effort goes wide.

45 – GOAL! Unlucky for Mansfield. Harris tries to shoot, but is dispossessed on a diving tackle by Watson. The ball goes straight to Connolly and he powers it through.

52 – Camp Pompey in Mansfield's final third to start the second half.

59 – With a comfortable 3-0 lead, we make some changes. Dunne is tired and N'Gala will replace at right back. Dolan will replace Ferry at MC.

69 – Connolly is sprung free, but can only shoot into the keeper's body. Great chance.

90 – Full time. Sonny Bradley wins Man of the Match, but plaudits go to the back four all around. Webster a 7.9, Painter an 8.3 and Bradley and 8.5. Can't ask for much more from these players. Harris was excellent again at an 8.2 as he continues to develop. Barcham added two assists.

Fleetwood slip up at the top and Oxford takes first. We hang onto third as Chesterfield also win.

Wed. 22 January, 2014
Wallace Signs Deal
In a 180 from his previous stance of wanting out, Jed Wallace has signed a new one year contract that will keep him at the club until 30 June, 2015.

Sat. 25 January, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #28
Shrimpers Eke by Pompey
Morecambe 1 – 0 Portsmouth
Away to 19th in the league. Important fixture to take all three if we want to avoid the hassle of promotion playoffs.

Same starting lineup as the previous game. Let's stick with what works for now.

3 – GOAL! Portsmouth heads drop across the field. A ball gets away deep in our end, nobody chasing by Amond and he easily beats van Crooy one on one.

21 – We look timid at best when defending. Sheepish. Letting them get to the byline to send in crosses. Another Hyde performance to follow last week's Jekyll.

42 – The game had slowed down for a stretch, but livens up with some great work around the area, but we shoot wide.

45 – Down 1-0 to a terrible goal. Need to regroup and win this match.

47 – Connolly is into the box, but fires into the side netting.

66 – Connolly has picked up a knock. We'll bring Craddock on and move to an attacking philosophy.

85 – Ferry goes close, but shoots over goal.

90 – Full time. Ugh. Marcos Painter is Man of the Match, but it's little consolation. Webster was credited with making the error on the game's only goal, but came back with a strong second half performance. Once again dropping points to the teams we HAVE to beat. So disappointing. We fall to fourth, six points off of Fleetwood.

Mon. 27 January, 2014
Mossaoui Returns
Once again, Karim Mossaoui has returned to full training.

Painter Honored
Marcos Painter was selected to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week

Tue. 28 January, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #29
Connolly the Star in Pompey Clean Sheet
Wycombe Wanderers 0 – 3 Portsmouth
We're away to dead last in the league. If we lose to them again, heads will roll.

Dolan starts at MC, Butler at DL and N'Gala with Bradley at DC.

18 – GOAL! It's Connolly's 11th of the year. Barcham to Dolan to Connolly cutting into the box and he passes it into the back of goal.

26 – Thought that was leveled, but Sam Wood gets it all wrong and puts it wide and over.

45 – Seems like a total free-for-all any time we're near the box. Wycombe in sixes and sevens in defense, but we can't get it through or past anybody. Up a goal at the half, but it should be more.

61 – Former Portsmouth youth player Paris Cowan-Hall hits the post driving in from the right.

69 – Wycombe can do nothing right, every shot they take heads wide.

75 – GOAL! Connolly's 12th of the year and second today! Harris' corner is headed away by Ridehalgh, but Connolly pops up to send it home.

78 – GOAL! Matthew Dolan's first! Harris takes a free kick into the wall, but passes the rebound low to Dolan who dribbles forward and pushes it past the keeper. Dolan putting a stamp on a fine performance with his goal.

90 – Full time. Well deserved and we're definitely in Jekyll and Hyde mode. Big win, big loss, big win. What's next for us? Connolly, Dolan, Dunne, N'Gala, Bradley, Butler and Kiernan all manage 8.0+ ratings. That's where we want to be.

Oxford have fallen to fourth, level on points with us. Chesterfield is one up on us in second and Fleetwood lead the way with 59.

Grover · 10-26-2013, 12:57 PM

Sat. 01 February, 2014
Board Confidence
Not much has changed. The board is still satisfied with the coaching of the team. They are still tickled pink with the signing of Mossaoui, who hasn't played in two months. They're also upset with the 4-2 loss to Oxford. Aren't we all?

Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #30
Pompey Struggle in Bore Draw
Portsmouth 0 – 0 Torquay United
Torqauy are 18th. Let's hope the right version of our squad shows up today.

McDermott is a bit jaded. He'll get a rest and Holmes will start at AMR. Mossaoui is about a week away in terms of fitness.

16 – We win a couple of corners through some excellent positioning and heading. We've had it in a dangerous position a couple of times.

24 – Harris smashes the crossbar with a corner.

32 – Connolly is set free by Harris, but can only shoot wide.

44 – Holmes has been doing a very nice job of running straight at his marker. He's turning him inside-out.

60 – Connolly isn't even trying. Perfect pass to him, rather than work into the box, he fires wide.

62 – We move to a classic 4-5-1 with Dolan replacing Connolly and moving to midfield.

69 – Harris works Holmes in from the right, but the winger sends it off target.

90 – Full time and a smattering of boos from across Fratton Park as we walk off the field with a disappointing nil-nil draw. Painter picks up Man of the Match, Dunne and Ertl also put in 8+ performances, but it's not enough when three points aren't included. Should not be losing to teams like this.

Tue. 04 February, 2014
Players Named
Marcos Painter and Matthew Dolan have been named to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week.

Sat. 08 February, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #31
Exeter Fight to Earn Draw
Exter City 2 – 2 Portsmouth
Mossaoui is back! He'll be on the right, McDermott on the left. Otherwise, we're pretty much as one would expect. Exter sit in 13th, we'll see how it goes.

1 – Mossaoui is inches away from getting his head to a cross and a first minute goal. He looks up for this.

21 – GOAL! Donal McDermott! Mossaoui is the assist man, running his man ragged down the right and sending the cross for the back post. McDermott is there for an easy tap in.

38 – GOAL! Sam Parkin finds the equalizer for Exter, heading home Barkhuizen's cross from the top of the six yard box.

44 – GOAL! Arron Davis is unmarked on a corner and is able to easily shuttle the ball into the gaping net. We're letting ourselves down here.

45 + 1 – GOAL! Sonny Bradley with a replay of what happened at the opposite end just under two minutes ago!

Half time. We're lucky it's 2-2 and unfortunate we don't have more. It's been that kind of game.

68 – Mossaoui is injured again. McDermott moves to the right as an inside forward, Barcham will come on to the left. We'll also bring Dolan in at MC and N'Gala at right back for Ferry and Dunne.

74 – A certain goal is saved as Barcham crosses in for Harris, but his shot is right into the keeper's chest.

85 – We're working hard for the winner, but Exeter and their keeper, Krysniak are stopping us at every turn.

90 – Full time and it's a draw. Bradley is Man of the Match, with Painter also putting in another 8+ performance. We have to hope Mossaoui's injury isn't too serious, he was having a great game before going down. There's no story about his injury, so we assume he'll be okay.

Back to back draws knocks us to 4th with 55 points. One out of third, 5 out of second and 8 out of first. Ouch.

Wed. 12 February, 2014
Rossi Back
Karim Rossi has returned to full training after missing six weeks with a sprained ankle. The forward, on loan from Stoke City has scored 9 goals and added 6 assists in 23 appearances.

Grover · 10-26-2013, 11:39 PM

Sat. 15 February, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #32
McDermott Paces in Win
Portsmouth 3 – 1 AFC Wimbledon
We dropped three points to them in the road fixture when they were bottom of the table. Now we need three points more than ever.

Mossaoui is a bit tired, so McDermott and Barcham will post the wings.

16 – Harris forces a terrific save from Worner on a free kick, the rebound falls for Ertl, but it's well wide of the target.

31 – RED CARD! Harry Pell is given his marching orders for Wimbledon after taking down Ferry with a studs up tackle. Can we impress ourselves upon the match with the extra man? Barcham has a chance alone in the box, but shoots wide.

38 – We're really taking control of the match, but the quality in shot selection is lacking.

45 + 3 – GOAL! The breakthrough comes in the waning moments of the half, but it's there. McDermott crosses from right to left for Barcham who runs onto the ball and strikes it home.

Half time. The only change is bringing on Matthew Dolan for a struggling Simon Ferry.

54 – GOAL! We catch Wimbledon napping and launch a counterattack through midfield. Dolan passes on to Harris, who outlets to McDermott. Worner gets a hand on the shot, but it still squirms through.

59 – Ertl is injured and Kiernan will come on. Barcham has also picked up a knock. Mossaoui will come on as his sub, shifting McDermott to the left.

84 – GOAL! Dolan outlets to Dunne who crosses for McDermott at the back post. He heads it home and celebrates his brace.

90 + 2 – GOAL! Francomb beats van Crooy at the near post. The only black mark on an otherwise terrific game.

Full time. McDermott contributed in all three goals and was Man of the Match. We hang on to fourth and create some distance to fifth. We're three points out of second with games against both Chesterfield and Fleetwood remaining.

Seems as if Ertl is fine, which is good news.

Barcham and Connolly Injured
Andy Barcham suffered a bruised rib after a strong challenge and is expected to miss 9-12 days.

David Connolly sustained a bruised shin and is expected to miss 9-12 days.

Wimbledon inflicts their casualties upon us.

Sun. 16 February, 2014
Portsmouth Sign Parrett
We have signed midfielder Dean Parrett on a free transfer from Bristol City. The player will join on a contract until June 2016 and will sign with us on 9 June, 2014.

Tue. 18 February, 2014
Players Named
Alan Dunne and Donal McDermott were both selected to theSky Bet League 2 Team of the Week.

He's a bit slower than we'd maybe like, but is very good mentally and can pass the ball. He will provide good competition for Simon Ferry next year.

Padovani Unhappy
Romain Padovani has stated that he would like to leave the club. Limited chances behind Ferry and Dolan and the signing of Parrett have led the French midfielder to make up his mind. We'll do our best to find a club for him.

Sat. 22 February, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #33
Irons Deny Pompey, Roll Them Over
Scunthorpe United 3 – 0 Portsmouth
We're playing at essentially full strength. Rossi and Mossaoui are both starting. This is certainly a game we need to take all three from. Though I can say that from here on out, I suppose.

11 – GOAL! What a free kick from Deon Burton! From just outside the 18 on the right hand side he sends in a beautiful curling shot to give the hosts the lead.

25 – McDermott has to come off injured. We have no ample left wing players riding the subs bench, so Craddock will make due.

41 – Mossaoui has a solid chance from the right, but his shot is headed for the sidelines rather than goal.

45 – Half time and though we've dominated proceedings, find ourselves behind.

65 – Ashley Harris with an opportunity, but it goes begging.

75 – GOAL! That should be it as Callum Ball doubles the Irons lead from Burton's excellent cross.

87 – GOAL! One more! Lussey with a phenomenal 25 yard free kick sends it right down the pipe.

90 – Another soul sucking loss to a team well below us. Completely outclassed. We stay om fourth, but are now four points out of 3rd and six points out of an automatic promotion spot.

McDermott seems to have just taken a knock in game. He's fine and not showing up in any post match news feeds.

Painter Reaches Limit
Marcos Painter has picked up an automatic 2 match suspension after collecting 10 yellow cards.

Tue. 25 February, 2014
Dunne Injured
Alan Dunne has suffered a strained wrist after overexerting himself during training. He'll miss two weeks.

Maksimenko On Trial
With one eye on the future, we're trialing some free agents. The first of which is 23 year-old center back Vitalijs Maksimenko of Latvia. I like a lot of what he can offer, but his anticipation rated as a 4 is a big red flag for me. Not too great with positioning or stamina either. But he can mark and tackle decently and is quite determined. He'll be on trial for 3 weeks.

Assistant manager Steve Allen thinks he'd be a leading League 2 player with the potential to be a leading Championship defender. I'm skepitcal.

Fri. 28 February, 2014
Barcham Injured
Injuries hitting the squad at precisely the wrong moment. Andy Barcham sprained an ankle and will miss up to 2 months. In 27 appearances Barcham has 6 goals and 8 assists.

Grover · 10-27-2013, 10:31 AM

Sat. 01 March, 2014
Board Confidence
The board is still satisfied with the coaching of the team. This has been underlined with the fans believing I am getting the best out of Marcos Painter. Still unhappy with that loss to Oxford.

Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #34
Pompey Secure Vital Road Victory
Chesterfield 0 – 2 Portsmouth
Most important match of the year number one. Chesterfield is second in the league, six points above us. Let's cut the gap in half.

Ertl is on the bench with Kiernan at DM in his place. Butler, Bradley, Webster and N'Gala make up the back four. Painter is on suspension and Dunne is injured, so it's a bit of a different look for us there.

5 – A real chance for Rossi as he's put in alone, but it's fired well over goal.

11 – Rossi denied by Lee this time as he gets a shot on right at the keeper.

15 – Buzzing in the attacking end, a goal is sure to come.

21 – Chesterfield being restricted to long shots. Delano van Crooy would be happy to see those all day long.

30 – Rossi has to come off injured. Connolly will replace him.

45 – Lee makes some fantastic stops leading up to half-time to keep Chesterfield level. We've got the edge in shots and possession. Just need to keep pressing.

47 – PENALTY! Edwards concedes. It's Simon Ferry stepping up and putting it into the top left corner! Pompey lead!

61 – Mossaoui has taken a knock and we're not going to take any chances. Ricky Holmes will replace him.

66 – GOAL! Holmes makes an instant impact skipping down the right with no marker and crossing into the center for a leaping Donal McDermott. That's his ninth of the season.

79 – Chesterfield working hard to try and get back into this, but they're still being held to long distance shots.

90 – Full time. Brilliant victory. Exactly the win we needed. The back four was huge today and Adam Webster was Man of he Match with his performance. N'Gala and Butler were excellent against the opposing wide players. Our attack was lacking, but McDermott was exceptional. We need to find a way to get him permanently.

With our win, we succeed in making the table that much messier. We're fourth and four points separate 2nd and 5th. Fleetwood are six up on Chesterfield now.

Sun. 02 March, 2014
Connolly Injured
Again. Connolly suffered a gashed arm and will miss 6-9 days. He must be the most injury prone player ever. It's a miracle he's played 24 matches for us. It really is.

Tue. 04 March, 2014
Team of the Week
Delano van Crooy has been named to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week.

Sat. 08 March, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #35
Pompey Dominate Cheltenham
Portsmouth 4 – 1 Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham is down in 17th. We'll use the same lineup that beat Chesterfield.

16 – Rossi picks up an errant back pass and glides into the box, but can only shoot wide.

27 – Another excellent move in and the best Harris can do is side netting.

29 – GOAL! Harris crosses deep from the right and finds Donal McDermott at the back post for his 10th goal this season!

45 – A good lead at the half, but we need to do more with our possession.

55 – GOAL! Teddy Gornell has just scored his 22nd goal of the season for Cheltenham.

60 – GOAL! Harris' corner finds its way in to Sonny Bradley and the lead is restored.

67 – N'Gala has had to come off injured. Webster moves to DR, Kiernan to DC and Ertl is on at DM. Harris is waning, so we bring on Craddock for him.

81 – GOAL! Marvelous free kick into the top right corner of goal from Johnny Ertl!

90 – Dan Butler has been injured. We throw on Jed Wallace because he complains about playing a lot.

90 + 4 – GOAL! Craddock with a great ball over the top for McDermott who slides it over to Rossi. The on-loan forward has 10 goals now!

Full time. Fantastic win! Sonny Bradley picks up Man of the Match, with Simon Ferry and Donal McDermott being excellent as well. We're still three back of second, but we're four up on fifth. Eleven games to go and we're hoping to hit our stride.

Sun. 09 March, 2014
Dunne Returns
Alan Dunne returns to full training after missing 12 days with a strained wrist.

Tue. 11 March, 2014
Bradley Named
Sonny Bradley was named to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week.

Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #36
Pompey Shoring up Title Ambitions
Portsmouth 5 – 2 Burton Albion
Dolan will start over Ferry at MC. Devera is also in at right back.

2 – GOAL! McDermott is off to the races and in the clear with only the keeper to beat. Easy side-footed finish to give the hosts the lead.

28 – Great work around the area and it falls for Dolan at the top of the box, but his shot is over.

35 – Rossi is worked in alone, but shoots wide.

45 – We look good at the half. Keep on keepin' on.

46 – Dolan is getting some chances to shoot, but he is just missing over goal. Rare to see my central midfielder taking so many chances.

48 – GOAL! Howe plays a pinpoint pass over the top and Eaves has the defense and keeper beaten. This game is level.

51 – GOAL! But not for long! Pompey are back on the attack with Ertl and Harris combining to find Rossi inside. He blasts it past the keeper. The hosts are back on top.

67 – GOAL! It's Rossi again! This time Dolan puts him through. Rossi takes a pair of touches before unleashing his shot.

73 – Tired players galore. Bradley, Dolan and McDermott coming off for Webster, Wallace and Craddock.

75 – GOAL! Mossaoui gets a loose ball on the edge of the area for a corner and drives it past the keeper.

77 – GOAL! Billy Kee pulls one back for the visitors with a nice right-footed shot.

82 – GOAL! Magical day for Karim Rossi! That's his hat trick. Harris puts the ball onto his foot, he dribbles past his marker and fires.

90 – Full time. Rossi was amazing, so was Harris. Ertl, Mossaoui and Kiernan had terrific performances. We are on our way. What a hat trick.

Rossi Injured
Karim Rossi, fresh off a fantastic hat trick, also suffered a bruised thigh and will miss 2 weeks.

Grover · 10-27-2013, 09:10 PM

Sat. 15 March, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #37
Fleetwood Continue Title March
Fleetwood Town 2 – 1 Portsmouth
And here we go. Facing the top team in the league.

Connolly up top with Harris. Both fullbacks are back. Kiernan and Webster in the center of defense.

8 – Mossaoui has to be removed injured and we bring on Ricky Holmes. That's not good for us.

24 – They're trying to bully us off the park. Connolly and Ertl have picked up knocks. Connolly's is not so surprising, though.

29 – GOAL! The breakthrough comes from Chris Dagnall. He's been a constant thorn in our side and finally makes us pay.

33 – GOAL! From the corner it's Chris Dagnall heading home.

45 – We have a long way to go to get back into this.

50 – Ashley Harris scores, but is adjudged offside.

76 – GOAL! Ricky Holmes hits Fleetwood on the counterattack and halves their lead! Great assist from Ashley Harris to set him up.

90 – Full time. We got close, but couldn't get close enough. Dunne, Webster, Painter and Ertl all put in really good shifts, but van Crooy and Connolly really, really disappointed. We're playing for second or third now.

Mossaoui Injured
Karim Mossaoui has sustained another twisted ankle and is expected to miss the next seven weeks.

Tue. 18 March, 2014
Rossi Nammed
Karim Rossi was selected to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week.

Maksimenko Trial Ends
He trained with us for three weeks, but I just don't like his lack of anticipation. He won't offer him a deal.

Sat. 22 March, 2014
Rossi Returns
Karim Rossi has returned to full training after recovering from a bruised thigh.

Tue. 25 March, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #38
Pompey Show Steel Resolve in Comeback
Rochdale 2 – 3 Portsmouth
Fifth hosting fourth. We're three out of third, four out of second. Oxford is at Southend and Chesterfield is hosting Morecambe.

Connolly will start. Holmes will go in at AMR.

12 – First on target shot comes through Ricky Holmes.

16 – GOAL! Héry puts Rochdale in front. Vine flicks a header to the outside of the box and the midfielder is there to volley it home.

19 – Big save van Crooy! It's coming across from a corner and he tracks it well, just getting his fingertips onto the ball.

45 – GOAL! Jamar Loza doubles the host's lead before the half. Vine is the assist man again, crossing to the center of the box for Loza's one-time volley.

60 – GOAL! David Connolly! Harris crosses from a throw in and Connolly is dead center of the six yard box to head home.

77 – GOAL! Connolly finds Ferry around the edge of the box and his shot squirms through! We're level late!

78 – Dolan is on for Ertl and Rossi for Harris. Let's go!

84 – GOAL! It's Karim Rossi and Pompey have the lead! Ferry's corner would have gone out, but the Rochdale defender heads it back into play and Rossi strikes it on the volley. Great goal!

90 – Full time. What a second half comeback! It wasn't looking good for awhile. Dunne picks up Man of the Match, but Connolly, Ferry and Webster also deserve plaudits for their play today.

In other news, we're still fourth, but one point back of Oxford with a game in hand.

Connolly Injured
In unsurprising news, David Connolly has picked up yet another knock. He'll miss three weeks with a damaged elbow.

Let's take a look at Connolly's injuries this year.

28/09/13 – Missed three weeks with a groin strain.

02/11/13 – Missed 11 days with a bruised thigh.

14/12/13 – Missed three weeks with a gashed leg.

15/02/14 – Missed 9 days with a bruised shin.

03/01/14 – Missed 7 days with a gashed arm

Sat. 29 March, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #39
Pompey Get Lucky in Monumental Comeback
Newport County 3 – 3 Portsmouth
Jed Wallace starts at AMR, Matthew Dolan at MC. Bradley and Kiernan pairing at DC.

24 – GOAL! Poor defending on set-pieces as Plummer gets his head through a corner to put the hosts up a goal.

38 – GOAL! Richie Wilmott from a corner and Pompey are having all sorts of trouble defending set-pieces this afternoon.

41- GOAL! Doherty continues the scoring for Newport. This one from open player, a header from a nice cross.

56 – Wallace has put in some good effort from the right, but his crosses just go a bit off.

57 – GOAL! McDermott finds Rossi and with a half-hour left Pompey have a lifeline!

58 – GOAL! An interception off the restart and Wallace puts a ball over the top for Harris. Pompey within one!

72 – N'Gala on for Kiernan and Ferry for Ertl. Dolan will move to DM.

90 + 4 GOAL! GET IN! Sonny Bradley from a late, late corner, runs onto the ball and blasts it past the keeper.

Full time. Holy crap what a match! Did not think we were going to earn a point out of this. Was resigned to the loss until McDermott earned that late corner. Wow. Fun note, Ashley Harris' goal in the 58th minute was his first in 16 hours.

Bradley is named Man of the Match. He went from a 6.3 to an 8.2 half to half. Harris went from 5.4 to 7.9. Just an incredible turnaround.

Along with Chesterfield, we have a game in hand over everyone else in the top seven, save York, whom we play next. We are now in third, a point up on Oxford and two behind Chesterfield. Fleetwood is nine up on us, we won't worry about them now.

Grover · 10-27-2013, 11:32 PM

Tue. 01 April, 2014
Players Named
David Connolly was selected in the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week.

Board Confidence
The board is satisfied with my coaching of the team. This has been underlined by good performances from Alan Dunne. The club is unhappy with the 2-1 loss to Fleetwood.

Wed. 02 April, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #40
York Dominate Pompey
Portsmouth 1 – 4 York City
We need some revenge after losing to them in this fixture earlier in the year.

Rossi and Craddock up top. Holmes at AMR. N'Gala at DR.

Curious to see if it's the tactics stifling our recent first half play. When making changes, I've been playing a more direct style to get back into the previous two games.

18 – Our first real chances comes as N'Gala crosses for McDermott, but the winger hits the bar.

31 – Webster has taken a knock. He should be able to run it off, but we'll keep an eye on his fitness.

45 – Half time. A pretty tame half. York dominated possession, so we'll look to turn that around.

46 – GOAL! Ertl gives up a free kick from a dangerous spot and Jarvis finds the top left corner for his 16th of the year.

67 – Craddock just shoots wide. Our first shot in ages it feels like.

69 – GOAL! Richard Cresswell is free into the area and blasts it in. That's his 23rd and we're looking really disappointing at home.

73 – PENALTY! Platt concedes and Ferry converts. We're within one! That's Ferry's third of the year and his second converted penalty.

77 – GOAL! So much for that. Jerome Fyfield has his second of the year after he loses his man in the box and volleys home a cross.

86 – GOAL! Jarvis with another, this one is flicked on from a throw by Fyfield and Jarvis converts.

90 – What a let down. Ferry and Ertl were our only two players over 7.0. Terrible loss with a few games left. Not going to help our automatic promotion bid.

Injury Blow
Karim Rossi suffered a twisted ankle and our bad luck with forwards continue. He will miss 6-7 weeks, basically the remainder of the season.

Fri. 04 April, 2014
Webster Gets Rewarded
Adam Webster has been rewarded for his recent fine performances with a new two year, £170,000 contract.

Webster is delighted to stay on as he has an admiration for the manager.

Sat. 05 April, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #41
Pompey Turn Around Another Deficit
Portsmouth 3 – 1 Hartlepool United
We come into the match fourth. Oxford beat Fleetwood through an own goal to advance to third.

A real rag-tag lineup today. Butler at DL, Dolan and Padovani in midfield, Wallace at AMR, a very tired McDermott at AML and Josh Bird with Harris up top.

7 – GOAL! Joe Ironside takes a cross from Jonathan Franks and heads it in. Not a good start for us.

20 – Bird has a chance after some great movement between McDermott, Dolan and Padovani. The shot goes wide.

26 – GOAL! We're on level terms. Butler throws in to Dunne, receives the pass and crosses for Josh Bird who heads it past the keeper.

45 – Half time. An interesting match so far, for sure. We look okay, but tired. This could be a concern as the game gets deeper. Just need a goal to leapfrog Oxford back into third.

59 – McDermott wins a corner, but nothing comes of it. We're playing some eye catching football in the attacking third.

63 – PENALTY! Harris is fouled in the box by Jack Baldwin and steps up to take his chance. GOAL! Into the bottom left of the old onion bag. We're back on top and into third for the time being.

72 – Jed Wallace with a terrific shot to force a corner.

75 – GOAL! Pinball in the box. Franks tries to head clear, but it finds McDermott who blasts it into goal with a left-footed shot.

90 – Full time. Vital win with Butler being our best player on the park. With just five games remaining we are in the driver's seat for automatic promotion.

Harris and McDermott are in serious need of rest, but I don't see it happening in the stretch run.

Fri. 11 April, 2014
Players Back
Andy Barcham and David Connolly have returned to full training.

Sat. 12 April, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #42
Pompey Edge Closer to Promotion
Dagenham & Redbridge 0 – 2 Portsmouth
Dag & Red are at the edge of the playoff places and will want to put on a good showing at home. Chesterfield is at Hartlepool, Oxford at Plymouth and Fleetwood are hosting Morecambe.

2 – Holmes has already picked up a knock.

6 – McDermott has a goal ruled offside.

27 – GOAL! It's Kiernan! Harris sends his free kick off the wall, gets the rebound and passes over to the defender along the edge of the area. He sends in a thunderous right-footed shot and gives Portsmouth the lead.

45 – A good half, though Sonny Bradley is not having his best game. We'll press onward.

69 – We need to make some subs, get some fresh legs on. Kiernan, Holmes and Harris are coming off for N'Gala, Wallace and Agyemang.

82 – Bingham takes a rocket of a shot from 25 yards, but van Crooy parries it away for a corner. The attack finally ends when Dag & Red hit the side netting.

87 – GOAL! Sonny Bradley's fifth of the year from a corner may have just given all three points to us! Get in!

90 – Full time! Bradley ends up being the Man of the Match with his late goal. Rob Kiernan was also the star. Our two central defenders were the best players on the pitch for us tonight and it showed in their goals.

Playoff Spot Secured
At the very least we have secured a League 2 playoff position.

Harris Injury
Bad news as Ashley Harris is set to miss 2 weeks with a bruised thigh.

Grover · 10-28-2013, 10:58 AM

Thu. 17 April, 2014
Mossaoui Back
Karim Mossaoui has returned after missing 5 weeks with a twisted ankle.

Sat. 19 April, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #43
Pompey Hold On, Tighten Grasp on Third
Portsmouth 2 – 1 Bristol Rovers
Connolly will pair Bird up top. Otherwise it's pretty much business as usual.

2 – GOAL! Off to a flying start as Holmes comes in down the right and crosses centrally for Connolly. The injury-prone captain heads it in.

6 – Nervy! Van Crooy has to work hard to clear off his line as the attack comes fast and furious from Rovers.

35 – Bird has a chance as Connolly frees him, but the shot is aimed at the keeper.

40 – GOAL! Connolly gets an assist this time, crossing to the far post for McDermott who heads it in.

61 – An hour gone and Rovers are struggling to mount any time of comeback. We are currently in cruise control.

85 – GOAL! A glimmer of hope for Rovers. Dunne misplays a header and it bounces toward goal. Van Crooy comes out too far to grab it and Eliot Richards is there to make Pompey pay.

90 – Full time. It got a bit nervy in the last five minutes as Rovers pushed for an equalizer. It never came and we sigh a big sigh of relief.

Sonny Bradley was our Man of the Match. Alan Dunne also had a solid game, as did Connolly and McDermott.

And we've got a game on Monday.

Mon. 21 April, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #44
Second String XI Earn Draw
Northampton Town 2 – 2 Portsmouth
Another match with a bottom of the table squad, but on only one day rest. This is a very tricky tie.

In order to keep ourselves healthy it's a pretty different look eleven. Van Crooy, Butler, Webster, N'Gal, Devera, Dolan, Wallace, Barcham, Mossaoui, Craddock and Agyemang.

8- GOAL! Jed Wallace with a terrific flick on to Craddock who has both defenders beat. He aims for the right corner of goal and finds it with ease.

17 – GOAL! Town are level. Widdowson passes for Grant who crosses in for O'Donovan's left-footed volley.

22 – Joe Widdowson is having his way with Mossaoui down our right wing so far.

31 – GOAL! Town are in front from some bad Pompey defending. O'Donovan hits the crossbar, gets the rebound, is dispossessed, but Grant pops onto the ball and pushes it by van Crooy.

45 – Half time and we're down a goal. Need to take at least one point from this.

58 – We're playing a more direct game now, hoping to pull the goal back.

61 – PENALTY! Agyemang is fouled just inside the area on a really questionable call. Joe Devera steps up and sends it into the left corner. We're on level terms!

80 – Four corners back to back and Town does well to keep all of them out of their net.

90 – Well. It could have been a lot worse considering we used a second string XI almost all the way across the board. I knew coming in with one day of rest would make this a struggle, but we're still in third with two games left.

Teams Promoted
Fleetwood Town and Chesterfield have won promotion to Sky Bet League 1.

Tue. 22 April, 2014
Bradley Named
Sonny Bradley has been named to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week.

Wed. 23 April, 2014
Harris Back
Ashley Harris has returned to full training.

Sat. 26 April, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #45
Ferry Penalty Earns Pompey Point
Bury 1 – 1 Portsmouth
The penultimate fixture. Points here will just about guarantee our promotion.

Bird and Connolly are up top, McDermott and Holmes flanking them.

8 – GOAL! Osman Sow puts the hosts in front, heading in Keenan's deep corner from the left wing.

21 – Sow nearly has another as Bury continue to take it to us in our own zone.

29 – Unbelievable miss from Showunmi. He pulls in with van Crooy and just shanks the shot wide.

41 – Painter and Ertl have picked up knocks. Webster and Dolan coming on for them.

45 – Half time. Down a goal and trying to win some promotion.

55 – We are winning the possession battle, but it matters naught when we can't put shots on target. Every cross seems to find the first defender.

63 – PENALTY! Tommy Miller tugs on Bird's shirt in the box! Simon Ferry steps up and drives it down route one! This match is level!

64 – The rather ineffective Ricky Holmes is off for Karim Mossaoui.

90 + 3 – What a tackle from Bradley! Van Crooy falls and the ball is loose, Showunmi pounces, but Sonny Bradley makes an inch-perfect tackle that preserves the draw.

Full time! A draw may put us over the top to League 1! Alan Dunne is Man of the Match, only Sonny Bradley had an exceptional game beside him.

Ertl Injured
DM Johnny Ertl with miss 9-12 days with a bruised rib.

Tue. 29 April, 2014
Dunne Named
Alan Dunne has been named to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week.

Grover · 10-29-2013, 08:08 AM

Thu. 01 May, 2014
Hillier Signed
We have signed 32 year-old English scout Sean Hillier to a one year contract.

Sat. 03 May, 2014
Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #46
Two Goals in Three Minutes Promote Pompey
Portsmouth 2 – 0 Plymouth Argyle
Here we go. A win and we're definitely promoted. Usual XI for the most part.

2 – GOAL! Harris' corner is sent in to the near post and Sonny Bradley is there to capitalize!

3 – GOAL! It's a mistake Cole, the Plymouth keeper. Mossaoui tries to pass across and the keeper knocks the ball into his own goal. What a dream start for Pompey!

45 – What an opening first five minutes. The rest of the half was dull, but Ashley Harris is starring with two assists.

62 – Dunne and Mossaoui coming off for N'Gala and Holmes.

80 – Tick-tock. Ten minutes left.

90 – Full time! Ashley Harris was outstanding in the victory! What a way to win it, in the first 180 seconds. Brilliant stuff.

PORTSMOUTH PROMOTED
The supporters of Pompey are overjoyed that the club have secured promotion from Sky Bet League 2. The board and supporters have praised me and all are looking forward to seeing us back in League 1.

We have been given a whopping £5,000 for finishing third in Sky Bet League 2.

Tue. 06 May, 2014
Team of the Week
Adam Webster and Sonny Bradley have been named to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week.

Sun. 11 May, 2014
Preseason Date Set
We have set our preseason to begin on 16 June, 2014.

Wed. 14 May, 2014
Playoff Final Set
York City will face Oxford United for the fourth and final promotion spot to League 1.

Mon. 26 May, 2014
York Earn Promotion
York City have won the playoff final on penalties after a 2-2 draw with Oxford at Wembley.

Financial Information
We have paid out £145,000 to be shared among the squad for our third place finish.

And as part of League 2's solidarity payment scheme, we have received the sum of £250,000 for participating in the league.

Grover · 10-29-2013, 01:31 PM

Mon. 09 June, 2014
Parrett Deal Official
We have completed the signing of 22 year-old central midfielder Dean Parrett on a free transfer.

Steve Allen, my faithful assistant believes that Parrett would be a decent signing for most League 1 sides, with the potential of becoming a decent Premier League midfielder.

Fri. 13 June, 2014
World Cup Begins
The World Cup has begun in Brazil. Here's a look at the groups.

Group A: Brazil, Iran, Ivory Coast, Russia

Group B: Argentina, Ireland, Mexico, Nigeria

Group C: Algeria, Colombia, Japan, Portugal

Group D: Holland, Paraguay, Slovenia, United States

Group E: Canada, Denmark, Ecuador, Germany

Group F: Australia, England, Italy, Uruguay

Group G: Costa Rica, Croatia, Tunisia, Ukraine

Group H: South Africa, South Korea, Slovakia, Spain

We'll check in again when the group stages finish, to see how the knockouts go.

Wed. 18 June, 2014
Sullivan Out
We have sold 26 year-old goalkeeper John Sullivan to Chesterfield for a fee of £17,750.

Mon. 23 June, 2014
Re-Signing With Pompey
I've been offered a new contract from the board at Portsmouth and I've delightfully accepted.

The stipulation in the deal is that we merely consolidate our position in League 1. My only stipulation to the club is that they find a suitable parent club so we can get some free loans in.

Wed. 25 June, 2014
Best of the Best – Pompey
Sonny Bradley has been voted Portsmouth's Player of the Year by the fans.

The club's best XI has been announced and is as follows:

GK: Delano van Crooy
DL: Marcos Painter
DC: Bondz N'Gala
DC: Sonny Bradley
DR: Alan Dunne
DM: Matthew Dolan
MC: Simon Ferry
AML: Donal McDermott
AMR: Karim Mossaoui
ST: Karim Rossi
ST: Ashley Harris

League 1 TV Rights
We have been given £444,000 for Sky Bet League 1 TV rights.

Players Released
The first of a few announcements coming. We've released U18 players Kane Cook and Kim Jae-Heon as their contracts have finished.

Mon. 30 June, 2014
Player Movement
The following loans have finished and the players will report back to their clubs.

DR Alan Dunne, AMR/L Donal McDermott, DC/DM Rob Kiernan, MC Matthew Dolan and ST Karim Rossi.

The following players have been released:

GK Phil Smith, DR Yasin Moutaouakil, DL Liam Triggs, AMR Jack Maloney, MC Nick Awford, Josh Warren, George Branford and ST Ryan Bird. Nicholas Tarasenko, Harry Medway and Ben Close have failed to earn contracts with the club.

The following staff have been released.

Paul Hardyman, Alan Knight, Paul New and Ian Buckman.

In addition, we will look to sell a few players to get our wages back under control.

Grover · 10-29-2013, 10:53 PM

law90026 · 10-30-2013, 03:02 AM

Congrats on the promotion!

Grover · 10-30-2013, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by law90026

Congrats on the promotion!

Thanks mate! Good to see someone is following along.

britrock88 · 10-30-2013, 04:59 PM

Hard not to at least skim through any of your dynasties, Grover.

Grover · 10-30-2013, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by britrock88

Hard not to at least skim through any of your dynasties, Grover.

Thanks, britrock! Much appreciated.

Grover · 10-30-2013, 05:35 PM

Wed. 02 July, 2014
Capital One Cup
We will host Yeovil Town in the first round of the Capital One Cup on 5 August.

Thu. 04 July, 2014
Painter to Wigan
We have sold Carlos Painter to Wigan. Despite his phenomenal season, we really needed to free up the salary and the £325,000 fee is more than we could have hoped for.

Simon Ferry, Bondz N'Gala, Karim Mossaoui and Sonny Bradley are all immediately popping up in my inbox asking why I've sold Painter.

Padovani to France
We have also sold Romain Padovani to Le Poiré-sur-Vie VF for £70,000. Again, this is for the salary space. There's a couple of young men I'd like to bring in who can really help us push forward.

Fri. 11 July, 2014
Keeper Signed
We have signed 20 year-old Chilean goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux to a one year deal.

Sat. 12 July, 2014
Arsenal Announce Link
Arsenal have announced a link between their club and Portsmouth. Arsenal will be able to send players on loan to Pompey and the salary will be paid in full by Arsenal.

Friendly
Portsmouth 4 – 0 Sheffield Wednesday

Sun. 13 July, 2014
World Cup Final
Ivory Coast 1 – 2 Holland

Fun stuff, England knocked out in the second round (again) on penalties (again) by Canada.

Mon. 14 July, 2014
Defender Signed
We have signed 18 year-old left back George McLennan to a two year deal on a free transfer. McLennan was previously part of the Reading setup.

Tue. 15 July, 2014
McLennan Injured
It only took one day, but George McLennan overexerted himself in the weight room and suffered aback strain. The new signing will miss 4-5 weeks.

Wed. 16 July, 2014
Forward Signed
We have signed 31 year-old French forward Mickael Antoine-Curier to a one year deal.

Sat. 19 July, 2014
Toral Signs
Arsenal midfielder Jon Toral has agreed to join the club on season-long loan. The 19 year-old is a highly touted prospect.

Friendly
Kettering 0 – 5 Portsmouth

Tue. 22 July, 2014
Friendly
Nuneaton Town 0 – 4 Portsmouth

Sat. 26 July, 2014
Friendly
Havant & Waterlooville 2 – 3 Portsmouth

Sun. 27 July, 2014
Webster Honored
Huge honors for Adam Webster as our central defender was named to the European U19 Championship Dream Team.

Van Crooy Named
I have appointed Delano van Crooy as captain. Johnny Ertl will be his vice-captain.

Mon. 28 July, 2014
Friendly
Portsmouth 0 – 2 Arsenal

Wed. 30 July, 2014
Injuries
Danny East will miss 5-6 weeks with a sports hernia.

Dean Parrett will miss 3-4 weeks with a pulled hamstring.

Thu. 31 July, 2014
Allen Leaves for City
A big blow to the coaching staff as assistant manager Steve Allen has accepted a physio position with Manchester City's youth squad.

Grover · 10-30-2013, 08:48 PM

Fri. 01 August, 2014
Board Confidence
The board is satisfied with the coaching of the club. A major contributing factor has been the atmosphere in and around the locker room. However, they are slightly disappointed with the departure of GK John Sullivan.

Sat. 02 August, 2014
New Assistant In
I have signed Steve Jones to be the new assistant manager of the club. He might actually be a better choice than Allen was.

Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #1
Bradley Header Starts Pompey Off With Win
Portsmouth 1 – 0 Gillingham
Opening day! This is how we'll line up.

Van Crooy ©, Butler, Bradley, Webster, N'Gala, Ertl, Ferry, Barcham, Mossaoui, Antoine-Curier, Harris

8 – We earn a couple of corners, but nothing comes of it. Ferry seems indecisive on the ball. Had some opportunities to find an outlet, but dawdled on the ball.

30 – GOAL! Just like old times! Ashley Harris' corner from the left finds Sonny Bradley at the near post and we're in front.

38 – Harris sends in a free kick from the left for the back post. Mossaoui heads it in, but is just offside.

45 – Half time. A good lead. Ferry will come off for Wallace because he's lookin' fairly tired.

55 – Mossaoui has picked up a knock. Ricky Holmes will come on for him.

61 – Barcham with a half-chance, but he heads it right into the keeper's arms.

81 – Jon Toral will come on for Simon Ertl, who has picked up a knock.

87 – Gillingham are almost level, but McDonald's goal is adjudged offside. We dodge a bullet here.

90 – Full time. A solid win for our first match back in League 1. Bradley and N'Gala were our best players. Every starter managed to average at least a 7.0. That's excellent news. A goal from open play would have been nice, but there's 45 games left.

Sun. 03 August, 2014
The club have announced that they have sold 11,550 season tickets this year. An increase of 600 from last season.

Tue. 05 August, 2014
Capital One Cup (first round)
Heathcote Gets First Cup Win
Portsmouth 2 – 1 Yeovil Town
Toral will start at MC. Agyemang and Connolly up top.

8 – Tough luck! Agyemang takes a shot that is deflected onto the post by the keeper.

19 – Two excellent saved by the captain. Including a highlight reel diving tip with the hand.

31 – GOAL! Set-pieces are our friend! Mossaoui sends in a free kick from the right. Ricky Holmes is completely unmarked by the near post and heads home.

37 – Toral looks assured and is bossing in midfield.

45 – We head into the half with a well deserved lead. The team is playing quite well, though Agyemang has struggled a bit. As such, we'll bring on Antoine-Curier for him.

57 – Connolly tries to chip the keeper, but finds the ball going 20 rows deep.

64 – Yeovil are coming into the game, starting to own possession and make runs down our touchlines.

72 – GOAL! Sonny Bradley at the near post. Butler sends in a low cross, Bradley stops it and fires it into goal.

75 – GOAL! Yeovil are within one through Sam Foley. The winger works his way into the box and lets a howitzer go. Van Crooy is utterly powerless to stop it.

90 – Full time. Am excellent performance all around. Dan Butler picks up Man of the Match for his assist and superb defending throughout. It's my first cup win with Pompey. Exciting.

Capital One Cup Draw
We will travel to Oakwell to face Barnsley on 26 August in the Capital One Cup second round.

Fri. 08 August, 2014
Fernandez In
We have signed Blackburn's 20 year-old defensive midfielder Hugo Fernandez on a season-long loan. He will provide some depth for Johnny Ertl.

Sat. 09 August, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #2
Butler Red Dooms Portsmouth
Doncaster Rovers 2 – 1 Portsmouth
Hugo Fernandez is thrust into the lineup with Ertl badly needing a rest.

6 – GOAL! Terrific 1-2 from Antoine-Curier to Harris and back. The Frenchman places the ball past the keeper and has his first goal for the club.

13 – PENALTY / RED CARD! Dan Butler pulls down the Doncaster winger in the box. It's a very obvious penalty. Jordan Graham converts and we are level.

Devera comes off for N'Gala. We're playing with 3 DC and the wingers have moved to a more standard ML/MR position. Time to hang on for a draw.

30 – Barcham's clearance does enough for Antoine-Curier to force a shot and earn a corner.

45 – We head into the half level. Just where we need to be.

50 – GOAL! Jordan' Graham's second off a cross from Grimmer. That might be it for us today.

86 – Bradley and N'Gala have had terrible games today.

90 – Full time. About what was expected after the red card. We'll be better than this. Fernandez posted a 7.3 in his bow. Webster was terrific as an 8.0.

Dan Butler has been suspended one match for the red card and has received a warning.

De Leeuw Loan
We have loaned 26 year-old Dutch left winger Melvin de Leeuw from Ross County. He'll provide some cover for Andy Barcham.

Sun. 10 August, 2014
McLennan Back
George McLennan has returned full training. Let's hope he can make it through day two.

Fri. 15 August, 2014
Coaches Added
We have signed 37 year-old Richard Naylor as a coach and 40 year-old Danny Coyne as a goalkeeping coach.

Johnstone's Paint Trophy
We will be hosting Northampton Town in the JPT South first round on 2 September.

Grover · 10-31-2013, 12:41 AM

Sat. 16 August, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #3
Posh Earn Draw With Dramatic Equalizer
Portsmouth 2 – 2 Peterborough
With Butler suspended, Webster will make his first start at left back. Bradley, N'Gala and Devera make up the rest of the defense. The rest of the team is the same as it always is.

Peterborough apparently have Shaun Wright-Phillips.

19 – GOAL! Trouble at the back for the Posh. Antoine-Curier heads forward, but Enda Stevens fails to clear and shuttles it right to Ashley Harris. The forward puts Pompey ahead.

43 – GOAL! Leigterwood with a rocket from 25 yards that takes a deflection on its way. Van Crooy never had a chance once the ball changed its trajectory.

64 – GOAL! Get in! Simon Ferry gets to the touch line and crosses. Andy Barcham slips in behind the defender and buries the volley. Pompey back in front!

69 – Ferry takes an incredible left-footed shot that juuust goes over goal. So close!

75 – Harris picks up and injury and has to come off. Too bad, he was about to be subbed anyway. We move to a 4-5-1 in hopes to retain the lead. Toral comes at a MC for Harris. Hugo Fernandez replaced Ertl and McLennan replaces N'Gala, with Webster shifting to his natural central position. Webster has been our best man on the field today. The kid is special.

This is McLennan's debut in a Portsmouth shirt.

84 – Barcham has a great headed goal at the back post, but is judged offside.

90 – GOAL! At the death Peterborough have leveled from a corner! Newell's corner is in and Little was unmarked. An easy finish.

Full time. The ups and downs of League 1. We thought we had the win and it just slipped away. Just like that. Webster was phenomenal again, putting up an 8.2. Nobody had a bad game today.

Tue. 19 August, 2014
Orr Signs
We were looking to strengthen the right back position so N'Gala can primarily play DC without having to cover on the right. We sign 31 year-old Bradley Orr to play the position. He immediately becomes a big upgrade over Devera. Webster, Orr and Simon Ferry are the best overall players at the club.

Fri. 22 August, 2014
Parrett Back
Dean Parrett has returned to full training after his hamstring injury.

Sat. 23 August, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #4
Total Domination as Thrilling Pompey Roll
Portsmouth 3 – 0 Bournemouth
Connolly will pair with Antoine-Curier. Butler is back from suspension. Webster will pair with N'Gala. It's disappointing to see that Donal McDermott will not be facing us.

2 – GOAL! A twisting-turning run through midfield, Antoine-Curier shoots past three defenders and the keeper. Andy Barcham with the assist.

11 – Simon Ferry picks up a caution for tripping a player.

12 – Adam Webster picks up a caution of his own. Bournemouth are coming into the game and starting to cause some issues.

30 – Ertl picks up a caution. We're doing well with that today. The visitors still setting up camp in our half. Robert Koren, who was a midfield maestro for West Bromwich-Albion for years is part of this side.

37 – The fans are booing every completed pass by Bournemouth. There's a lot of booing.

38 – GOAL! Quickly turned to cheers! Andy Barcham is having a storming half. Antoine-Curier heads onto him down the left. Barcham shakes two defenders, slips into the box and scores. These two are linking up quite well on the left.

48 – Rob Kiernan has come into the game for Bournemouth. You may remember he was a stalwart center back for us last season. He's dispossessed Connolly and Barcham already. He's tackling well.

54 – Butler picks up a caution.

64 – We make some changes for tired legs. Connolly comes off, replaced by Jon Toral. Ertl comes off for Hugo Fernandez and Devera is replaced by Orr. We switch to a 4-5-1.

70 – N'Gala picks up a yellow. The resulting free kick forces a great save from van Crooy.

81 – We have taken complete control of midfield since the formation change. We may have to work on this some more in training.

82 – GOAL! El-Abd heads away, but it's onto Ferry. He makes a terrific diagonal pass across the pitch for Mossaoui who side-foots the ball into goal.

90 – Great result. Maybe the best total team performance since I've taken over the club. Antoine-Curier was Man of the Match, but Barcham, Buter and N'Gala were also exceptional. Ferry and Mossaoui also had very good games. All three subs impressed and I'll be adding the 4-5-1 into the training mix.

Sat. 26 August, 2014
Team of the Week
Simon Ferry was selected in the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Capital One Cup (second round)
Controversial Penalties Send Barnsley Through
Barnsley 4 – 3 Portsmouth
The highest 'ranked' team I have managed against. Barnsley is a Sky Bet Championship squad playing a true 5-3-2. Three central defenders, 5 across midfield and two forwards. No wingbacks or defensive midfielders.

De Leeuw will start at AML, along with Bradley Orr both are making their full debuts.

6 – A lot of empty seats here, but all of our supporters are sequestered in their little corner of the ground.

14 – Good work from Mossaoui to cross from the right, but Harris' header stays wide.

20 – GOAL! Ash Harris comes good this time! Antoine-Curier provides the assist as Harris comes from the right side of goal and takes a 20 yard shot.

25 – Fun fact: Barnsley forward Dale Jennings is a former Bayern Munich youth product.

27 – GOAL! Barnsley are level through Chris O'Grady. It's already his sixth goal of the season.

31 – O'Grady gets a pass from Jennings on the left this time and forces a diving save from van Crooy.

39 – GOAL! And what a beauty.! De Leeuw chips one from the center line toward Ash Harris. The forward catches the keeper too far out and lobs him! That's the brace Harris.

45 – Half. Time.We are getting run over a bit in midfield by Barnsley's 3-5-2. I'd like to bring on another midfield if we can hold this one goal lead.

53 – GOAL! Wayne Brown levels it again. O'Brien's corner lands at his feet. He tangles with the defender, but eventually pushes it through.

64 – We've got to make changes in midfield. Ashley Harris, despite his 8.8 rating has to come off. He's flagging. Wallace will come on in midfield. Hugo Fernandez will come on for Ferry as well. Joe Devera will replace Bradley Orr.

80 – van Crooy makes a brilliant diving save to his left to keep the game level. A fierce shot from O'Brien.

90 – Full time and we're gonna play another 30 minutes to try and decide this. Butler and Webster have been fantastic at the back and we'll need them to keep it up. I really hated taking Harris off so early, but he would have never lasted this long.

98 – PENALTY! Wayne Brown converts it. We swear it was never a penalty. Sonny Bradley was called for a push as he and O'Grady jumped for a ball.

103 – PENALTY! Another absurd call! Wayne Brown has his hat trick, but the players are giving a go at referee Mark Clattenburg. This is unbelievable! We played so well for it to all come to this.

120 + 1 – PENALTY! This time it's in our favor as Cranie fouls Antoine-Curier. Devera converts, but is it too late?

Full time. To be honest, I completely expected to loss to a team a division above us. But not like that. Horrible, horrible loss and way to go out of a cup tie. Bradley and Webster have both vowed to make up for their errors. I love the resolve from these kids.

Sat. 30 August, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #5
Blades Show Cutting Edge in Fine Display
Sheffield United 4 – 0 Portsmouth
Connolly starts with Antoine-Curier, Holmes at AMR, Fernandez at DM. McLennan makes his debut at DL, while Devera and N'Gala will pair at DC.

United have the almost, but not quite forgotten David Bentley starting. Former West Ham captain Matty Upson is also n defense.

14 – GOAL! McFadzean crosses for the center and Bentley rises above with a header.

17 – Great work in midfield and we break for goal. Connolly gets on the end of one and hits the elbow of goal.

45 – We look decent against a side that is clearly better than we are. We have had two great chances, but have been denied by the woodwork twice.

48 – We strike another post, this time it's Ferry. Bad luck today.

64 – Connolly is having a terrible game and is coming off for Patrick Agyemang.

68 – Toral has come on for Simon Ferry. He's tired and has taken a knock.

70 – GOAL! That might do it for us today. Baxter crossed from the far right and Jamie Murphy heads home to beat van Crooy.

78 – GOAL! Murphy has a second as McFadzean's passes into the middle finds the forward alone in the box.

82 – Ricky Holmes hits the crossbar. It's been that kind of day.

86 – GOAL! Bentley takes a rocket of a free kick from 25 yards. It finds the top right corner. Van Crooy never had a chance.

90 – Holmes hits the bar again. Insane.

Full time. Eesh. That was a tough one to take. We were outclassed across the pitch. Hugo Fernandez and Antoine-Curier put in good shifts, but that was about it.

We finish September sitting in 13th.

At least we can feast on Northampton Town in the JPT next. I hope.

Grover · 10-31-2013, 09:25 AM

Mon. 01 September, 2014
Board Confidence
The board is pleased with my leading of the team. They are pleased with the signing of Mickael Antoine-Curier, but a pretty unhappy with that nasty little loss to Sheffield United.

Tue. 02 September, 2014
Johnstone's Paint Trophy South (first round)
Webster Scores Winner in 5-4 Penalty Kicks Shootout
Portsmouth 1 – 1 Northampton Town
We'll employ the 4-5-1 for the first time in a full match. Parrett will make his debut. De Leeuw, Wallace and Connoly also get starts.

2 – GOAL! Dream start for the visitors. Morris' free kick avoids everybody but the foot of Cristian coming in from the left.

30 – Not a lot going on in match. We're getting some possession, but no real quality out of it.

37 – Some good pressure results in four straight corners. Wallace's delivery leaves something to be desired at times.

52 – Wallace has a free kick graze the top of the bar. We can't seem to find the net.

66 – Agyemang is on for Connolly and Toral is on for an exhausted Parrett.

77 – Wallace's free kick hits the wall, bounces onto him for a volley and sails hopelessly wide.

84 – GOAL! An equalizer! De Leeuw starts the move, cutting in from the left, passing back from Toral who pushes ahead for Mossaoui cutting into the box. The winger puts it away for his second of the year.

87 – We've come alive. The ball is worked around and Toral makes a run into the box, but shoots wide.

90 – Full time. We go directly to penalties.

Both clubs convert their first two, but Northampton's Jamie Tank's attempt is blocked by van Crooy. Wallace makes his and we go up one. With penalties at 4-4, Adam Webster was the man to step up. He shot low to the right, past the diving arms of the keeper.

He has atoned for his conceded penalty against Barnsley.

We have been awarded £2.83K for the win. Wow!

We have also drawn Torquay United in the second round. The match will be on 7th October here at lovely Fratton Park.

Sat. 06 September, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #6
Pompey Back in Winner's Column
York City 0 – 3 Portsmouth
Harris is back in the lineup. Hugo Fernandez starts at DM . I have not yet beaten York City in my career. Now's a good time to do it.

9 – Great flowing football that results in a Harris header being saved by Oxley.

27 – Ferocious 25 yard shot by Ben Pringle is knocked aside by van Crooy

31 – Harris in the picture again as he forces a corner.

34 – GOAL! Superb assist from Harris, knocking it into the box for Mickael Antoine-Curier to run onto. Oxley is unable to stop the shot.

45 – Half time. Are we ever on the front foot. We are attacking in waves and Oxley is the man standing tallest of all. Save after save. Boy should we ever have more than one goal right now.

47 – GOAL! Disaster at the back! Harris corners in, Fernandez flicks for Webber who heads for the far post. Doughty tries to head it back, but it's off the underside of the bar and in! Pompey double their lead.

79 – GOAL! Andy Barcham is the recipient of Mossaoui's touchline cross. Great stuff!

80 - Sub time. Ferry, Mossaoui and Barcham come off for Parrett, Holmes and de Leeuw.

90 – Full time. Excellent recovery after a rough run of results. N'Gala was a rock at the back and deservedly the Player of the Match. Webster, Butler, Antoine-Curier were all over 8.0, with Orr and Barcham on the cusp. Great team performance.

Mon. 08 September, 2014
New Contracts Signed
Simon Ferry, Dan Butler, Ashley Harris and Delano van Crooy have all signed contract extensions through 2016.

Tue. 09 September, 2014
Barcham Honored
Andy Barcham was named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Sat. 13 September, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #7
Hardworking Yeovil Earn Yeoman's Draw
Portsmouth 1 – 1 Yeovil Town
We're completely healthy and at full strength for once. Yeovil are currently 23rd and you know how these matches usually go for us...

1 – We are off on the front foot, with some fast attacking football through midfield. Harris shoots over goal, but it's promising.

12 – GOAL! Diop tackles the ball away from Harris in the box, but it ends up with Mossaoui. He one-times the shot past Mannus and the hosts are up.

34 – We could do a little bit better marking. They're getting shots, but they're outside and around the box. Dangerous though.

45 – We go into the half with good value for our lead, but it could be more. We've got to buck up and close down at the back a little better and we'll be fine.

58 – GOAL! Yeovil are level as the ball bounces off heads and off Eaves and past van Crooy. Disappointing to give that one up.

67 – Barcham has struggled for form today, we'll bring on de Leeuw.

90 – Disappointing result to a bottom of the table club. Typical for us though, playing up or down to our opponents.

Grover · 10-31-2013, 12:23 PM

Sat. 20 September, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #8
Mossaoui Brace Takes Points in Thriller
Bristol City 2 – 3 Portsmouth
Jon Toral will start over Simon Ferry at MC. That's the only change.

2 – Toral is involved immediately, setting up a shot from Barcham on the wing.

8 – van Crooy makes a diving stop to his right and then easily handles the corner.

30 – GOAL! Bristol City find themselves ahead as Nick Blackman's header bounces off the underside of the bar and trickles over the line.

32 – GOAL! Nearly an instant equalizer. Great possession in the final third, the ball finds Toral out on the right and he passes in for Mossaoui. The Morrocan winger steps into the box and fires home.

38 – GOAL! The hosts are in front from some poor marking. McClearly crosses from the left and his wide midfield counterpart Cole is at the back post unmarked. An easy tap-in.

45 – Half time. Down a goal and our fullbacks are getting outclassed by the wingers in a bad, bad way. Hugo Fernandez is going to come on for Ertl at DM and Bondz N'Gala will replace Bradley Orr who is having a tough time with McCleary.

53 – Frustrating watching my wingers constantly try and cut inside on their wrong foot. Rather than getting crosses into dangerous areas, they're losing possession before they can reach the 18.

69 – PENALTY! Gunning trips Barcham in the box! Harris' try is saved by Fielding, but he converts the rebound! Ashley Harris' confidence needed that goal. We're level again!

86 – GOAL! Harris plays a ball into the box for Mossaoui, the winger cuts in from his wide position and fires it past Fielding!

90 – Full time. Great win! We were underdogs and knew it, played our hearts out and came away with three points. Mossaoui puts in a Player of the Match Performance with his brace. Harris wasn't far behind, adding a goal and assist. Very big early season win propels us into the top 10, at least for now.

Tue. 23 September, 2014
Team of the Week
Karim Mossaoui was named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week for his two goal performance at Bristol City.

Wed. 24 September, 2014
East on Loan
Danny East will join Barnet on loan for one month.

Sat. 27 September, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #9
McGurk Hat Trick Wins Fantastic Match
Brentford 4 – 3 Portsmouth
Same lineup from the Bristol City match. Toral will start again. Much like Bristol, Brentford have terrific wingers, both on loan from Arsenal.

1 – GOAL! 24 seconds in and Adam McGurk has the hosts in front. A quick chip over the top from midfield sprung the forward and he easily beats van Crooy. Talk about a nightmare start.

6 – GOAL! Mickael Antoine-Curier! A beautiful lobbed shot completely fools the out of positon keeper to level the match.

22 – Orr comes into the box with the ball cautiously. He looks to cross, but intelligently cuts it back for Harris. The forward thunders it off the bar and out for a corner.

30 – I have no idea how this match is still 1-1 for either side. End to end non-stop action. It's insane.

45 – Half time. Doesn't feel like either side is creating their own chances. It feels like possession is being gifted in the defensive half and the attacking side is ready to pounce every time.

49 – GOAL! Phenomenal individual effort from Wellington Silva. He wins van Crooy's clearance on the wing near the half-way line. Works his way through the defense with a fantastic run and finishes the move with an expert goal.

53 – GOAL! McGurk has a second and Brentfofd are really starting to capitalize on our errors. Forshaw with an excellent assist.

61 – GOAL! Karim Mossaoui pulls the match to within one. Butler lobbed a pass for Orr, he heads it down onto Mossaoui who takes a turn and fires left-footed into goal.

66 – Time to make some changes. Webster and Butler are having shockers at the back. N'Gala on centrally, with Hugo Fernandez playing left back. Jon Toral will also come off for Simon Ferry.

69 – N'Gala's header at the backpost from a corner just grazes the crossbar and goes over. So close!

77 – GOAL! And this match is tied! Terrific flick from Mossaoui sets up a dashing run from Simon Ferry. He goes in close and fires home!

80 – GOAL! It's short-lived as Adam McGurk is on the end of a cross to net his hat trick. Fantastic day for the forward.

85 – We're up in arms as Barcham is ruled offside after scoring at the back post.

90 – Full time. Wow, what a match. We were underdogs, did not expect to win, but we were so close to taking a point. Brentford are second in the league, so it's a good showing. A few players, specifically in defense should have played much, much better.

Grover · 10-31-2013, 08:49 PM

Wed. 01 October, 2014
Board Confidence
The board is pleased with my leading of the team. They are still pleased with the signing of Antoine-Curier, however they are upset with the 4-0 loss to Sheffield United.

Sat. 04 October, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #10
Pompey Downed by Hardworking Shrewsbury
Portsmouth 1 – 2 Shrewsbury Town
It's good to have a match back at Fratton Park. Typical starting eleven, though we'll give de Leuuw and Ferry a start.

5 – GOAL! The visitors are in front from a corner. The initial shot is stopped, but it bounces to Wilkinson and beats van Crooy.

26 – GOAL! Antoine-Curier earns a corner. Harris floats it to the near post for Sonny Bradley and he powers it past the Shrewsbury keeper.

45 – Half time. Once again our fullbacks are struggling mightily. Orr will come off for N'Gala.

65 – Johnny Ertl is flagged offside after scoring from Ashley Harris' free kick.

71 – GOAL! Shrewsbury take the lead through Jon Taylor. A nice little move to work him in down the right.

90 – Full time. We slump to our second straight defeat. Our defense has been really poor the past two games. Orr, Butler and Webster need to pick it up.

Tue. 07 October, 2014
Johnstone's Paint Trophy South (second round)
Pompey Advance Over Ten Man Torquay
Portsmouth 5 – 2 Torquay United
We'll put in some faces who haven't seen much time this year. Connolly, Holmes, Toral, McLennan, Fernandez and Devera all start.

5 – GOAL! The visitors are in front and our poor defense form continues. Jordan Sinott with his first of the year, heading it over van Crooy.

9 – Antoine-Curier has hit the crossbar twice already.

12 – GOAL! David Connolly levels the affair. He works into the box alone, beats the right back and passes it past the keeper.

36 – RED CARD! Griffiths trips Holmes on the right and is sent off!

38 – GOAL! An absolute laser beam from Jon Toral at the top of the box. The keeper never had a chance.

52 – GOAL! Mickael Antoine-Curier finally finishes a chance. We have probably put this one out of reach.

68 – Jed Wallace will replace Ricky Holmes.

75 – GOAL! Andy Barcham is freed down the center of the pitch and works it in all alone. The keeper is way too far out and is beat easily.

85 – GOAL! Torquay pull one back through Courtney Cameron's header at the far post.

86 – GOAL! Right from the kick-off! Wallace crosses centrally for Antoine-Curier. His diving header beats the keeper.

90 – Run of the mill win made even easier by the dismissal.

We have been given £5,200 for the victory.

Sun. 12 October, 2014
JPT South Draw
We will be hosting Brentford in the JPT South quarterfinal. The match will be on 11th November at Fratton Park.

Sat. 18 October, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #11
Superb Harris Leads Pompey Over Crewe
Crewe Alexandra 0 – 3 Portsmouth
We'll play our usual XI, though Bradley Orr has to improve quickly or N'Gala is going to take his place.

15 – Not quite sure how Antoine-Curier missed the shot he just took.

23 – PENALTY! Adam Webster concedes. Daniel Kearns steps up, fires to his right, but van Crooy is quicker than the ball and knocks it out for a corner. Brilliant!

28 – GOAL! Antoine-Curier side-foots a pass over for Mossaoui who races into the box and smacks it past the keeper.

45 – Half time. A well deserved lead for the lads. De Leeuw has struggled, we give him 15 minutes or so before making a decision on whether to pull him or not.

49 – GOAL! Ashley Harris with his 5th on the year. He's put in through Antoine-Curier who now has assisted on both goals today.

59 – Subs time. De Leeuw has improved, he'll play this out. Butler will be replaced by N'Gala, with Webster moving to left back to accommodate Bondz. Hugo Fernandez will replace Johnny Ertl.

65 – GOAL! De Leeuw with a great diagonal pass to pick out Ashley Harris. The forward moves past two defenders and fires to his near side. The keeper can only watch the shot go past.

80 – Harris has picked up a knock. We'll go to a 4-5-1 for the last 10 minutes. Jon Toral is the two-goal forward's replacement.

87 – Delano van Crooy makes another save on a long distance shot. The Crewe supporters have begun booing their clubs efforts.

90 – Full time. Ashley Harris picks up a well-earned Man of the Match award. Karim Mossaoui, Sonny Bradley and Antoine-Curier also get the plaudits. A fantastic team performance for us today. Hopefully we can build some momentum from this.

Harris Injured
But here's the bad news. Harris suffered a knock around the hour mark, it turns out he has a twisted knee and will miss up to three weeks with the injury.

We have called up 17 year old Conor Chaplin from the U18 squad. He will absolutely get a chance to play.

Grover · 11-01-2013, 09:42 AM

Sun. 19 October, 2014
FA Cup
We will host old friends Northampton Town in the first round of the Football Association Cup on 1st November.

Tue. 21 October, 2014
Team of the Week
Ashley Harris and Karim Mossaoui were named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #12
Pompey Eke It Out
Fleetwood Town 0 – 1 Portsmouth
A few changes for this one. McLennan at DL, Devera and N'Gala starting at DC. Fernandez and Toral at DM and MC, Barcham back at AML, Holmes at AMR and Chaplin with his first team debut in Harris' false nine position.

9 – Jon Toral takes a shot that surprises everyone from the top of the box and earns a corner.

18 – Chaplin takes his first attempt on goal.

40 – GOAL! Barcham crosses in, but it's intercepted. The defender fumbles it through his feet and Antoine-Curier is the sly fox to nab the ball and rush into the area for a beautiful top corner shot.

45 – Half time. On the momentum of that goal. Barcham and Holmes have been terrible though.

58 – Antoine-Curier and Chaplin seem to have a fairly good understanding with each other. Chaplin looks very confident for his first league match.

90 – Full time of a drab match. We'll take those three points all the way to the bank though. My first win over Fleetwood as a manager. Solid performance from the entire team. Bradley Orr was Man of the Match as a 7.6. Chaplin managed a 7.1 in his debut. Very pleased with that.

Sat. 25 October, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #13
Confident Defense Continues to Stymy Opposition
Portsmouth 3 – 0 Bradford
Our regulars are back, de Leeuw on the left wing and Chaplin starts up top again.

5 – GOAL! Oh my! What a strike! Ferry passes to Mossaoui. The winger cuts inside and unleashes one hell of a howitzer on goal. The back of the net bulges, the crowd cheers and we're up a goal.

24 – GOAL! Horror at the back for Bradford. Bradley shoots from Ferry's corner, but it's stopped by Darby. Unfortunately he trips over the ball and spins it into his own goal.

43 – Fantastic save from van Crooy. He gets his fingertips on a ball that's whipped toward goal. He's able to deal with the resulting corner as well.

45 – Half time. Ferry and Ertl are tired. I'll try and get 15-20 minutes out of them here.

62 – Chaplin will come off and we'll move to a 4-5-1. Toral on for him and Wallace for Ferry.

77 – PENALTY! Taylor puts a wrong foot on Antoine-Curier in the box! The French forward steps up and drives his shot dead center. The keeper dives wide and we're up three goals.

90 – Full time. Excellent win at home and that's three straight clean sheets in the league. Bradley is Man of the Match, though Mossaoui was also fantastic. His goal was something else. Hopefully a goal of the month or better candidate.

Toral Injured
Jon Toral had picked up a knock late in the match and it appears to be a twisted ankle. He'll miss 4-5 weeks. The Arsenal midfielder has made 12 appearances (5 starts) and has scored one goal.

Tue. 28 October, 2014
Team of the Week
Sonny Bradley and Karim Mossaoui have been named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Wed. 29 October, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #14
van Crooy Keeps Another Clean Sheet
Portsmouth 1 – 0 Crawley
Fernandez will start at DM, Barcham at AML and Connolly as the false nine.

16 – Andy Barcham cuts inside nicely and takes a shot that is fought off by Spiegel.

37 – van Crooy is putting in another strong performance.

40 – Bradley hits the post with a header.

44 – Connolly takes a running shot and just misses wide.

57 – Mossaoui's header grazes the crossbar.

58 – GOAL! Hugo Fernandez's first of the season! Ferry crosses in, Bradley heads it back for the Spaniard who boots it into the onion bag.

63 – Kenji Gorré is causing all sorts of problems for us down our left.

77 – Subs. We'll bring on N'Gala for Orr and Parrett for Ferry.

90 – Full time. Another clean sheet for Delano van Crooy. That's four in a row. He put up his best rating in a Portsmouth shirt, an 8.5. However, Dan Butler was named Man of the Match at an 8.7. Sonny Bradley has assists in two straight games. We're rolling.

Third in the table, one point off Brentford at the top. Heady days, boys.

NoSkillz · 11-01-2013, 09:59 AM

Enjoying this dynasty. Keep it up!

GoldenEagle · 11-01-2013, 10:08 AM

Reading along as well.

Grover · 11-01-2013, 11:15 PM

Thanks guys!

Grover · 11-03-2013, 08:54 PM

Sun. 02 November, 2014
FA Cup Draw
We will host League 2 side Newport County in the second round of the FA Cup. The match will be on the 29th of this month.

Tue. 04 November, 2014
Team of the Week
Delano van Crooy, Sonny Bradley, and Dan Butler were named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Wed. 05 November, 2014
Parrett Wants Out
Dean Parrett has requested a transfer. He's upset that he hasn't been good enough to get into my team.

Harris Back
Ashley Harris has recovered from his twisted knee and is back in training. The forward has been excellent this year with six goals and five assists in 10 appearances.

Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #15
Sixth Clean Sheet is at Sixfields
Coventry City 0 – 1 Portsmouth
We're going to go with a 4-5-1 for this match with Antoine-Curier up top alone. Wallace, Ferry and Fernandez will be the midfield triumvirate. N'Gala will give Webster a spell in the back four.

Our scouts told us that Coventry struggle against this formation. We'll see.

2 – We spent the first 76 seconds in and around their box, making havoc, but only getting one shot on goal.

11 – GOAL! Jed Wallace slides around a defender and takes a deft left-footed shot that sees its way to goal.

45 – Half time. A good lead, but it could and should be more. We're stifling them in midfield.

66 – Daniels has a golden opportunity to level Coventry, but his shot is smothered by van Crooy.

90 – This back four and Delano van Crooy have really found themselves. A sixth straight outstanding performance. Hugo Fernandez was Man of the Match, a rock as the anchor man sitting just ahead of that back four.

We are now top of League 1!

Butler Reaches Limit
Dan Butler has picked up an automatic one match suspension after collecting 5 yellow cards.

Tue. 11 November, 2014
Johnstone's Paint Trophy South (Quarterfinal)
Brentford Advance 5-4 on Pens
Portsmouth 1 – 1 Brentford
Chaplin will get a start up top, Fernandez as the anchor man.

18 – Chaplin takes a wicked shot from 30 yards that just misses the post.

30 – GOAL! Melvin De Leeuw's first for the club! He cuts inside of the right back and fires from 20 yards out.

45 – Good lead at half time. We should be able to do enough to keep the lead.

62 – GOAL! Will Grigg is the first man in nearly seven matches to put the ball past Delano van Crooy.

90 + 3 – An unbelievable sequence of saves from the Brentford keeper to keep the ball out of goal. Four saves in about fifteen seconds. Wow.

This match is going to penalties.

Van Crooy saves Vincent right off the start! Antoine-Curier, our third shooter is saved and it evens things up. Mossaoui, our fifth shooter is saved and we're out of the Cup.

Sat. 15 November, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #16
Swindon Bring Pompey Back to Earth
Swindon Town 3 – 1 Portsmouth
We'll go with our typical XI with Harris back at the false nine.

7 – Swindon are attacking the wings well early.

11 – GOAL! It's Andy Barcham! He takes the pass from Antoine-Curier, cuts inside the defender and fires for the near post. The keeper gets his fingertips on the ball but the shot is too strong.

21 – van Crooy makes a great fingertip save to force a corner.

23 – GOAL! Swindon get the equalizer they deserve through Josh Thompson. His shot from the left finds the top right corner of goal.

31 – GOAL! Coulthirst puts Swindon in front. We've looked terrible since their equalizer and it really felt like this was coming.

45 – Half time. We have not been good.

70 – GOAL! Osman Sow makes it 3-1 Swindon. We've not improved.

90 – Full time. Ugly loss. Bradley Orr puts in a 4.9. Yup. A 4.9.

Grover · 11-04-2013, 12:08 PM

Wed. 19 November, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #17
Chaplin Nets Brace For First Two Goals
Portsmouth 4 – 0 Port Vale
Parrett and Fernandez in midfield. Orr starts again for lack of a better, healthier option.

7 – GOAL! Sonny Bradley heads in the corner to put us in front early.

32 – GOAL! It's Conor Chaplin's first ever goal for the senior side! Antoine-Curier plays a little pass for him and Chaplin is able to round the keeper and walk it over the line.

45 – Good value for our lead at the half.

51 – GOAL! And what a shot from Mickael Antoine-Curier! Parrett tries to play a pass for Chaplin that's tackled away, directly onto the Frenchman's cultured right foot.

60 – Wallace comes on for Fernandez, who had picked up a knock.

81 – We are in complete control.

84 – GOAL! Chaplin picks up a loose ball in the box and slams it home with the inside of his left boot. That's his second.

90 – That's a nice rebound victory. Conor Chaplin's 9.1 makes him Man of the Match, but Antoine-Curier, Webster, Bradley and Butler were all over 8. Great performance all around.

Thu. 20 November, 2014
Toral Back
Jon Toral has returned to full training after a twisted ankle.

Sat. 22 November, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #18
Chesterfield Equalize Way Late
Portsmouth 2 – 2 Chesterfield
Chaplin will start with Harris up top. Jed Wallace will start at AMR. N'Gala for Webster and McLennan for Butler. Devera will start for Orr. Orr deserves some time off.

6 – Wallace works in a cross for a corner.

18 – Ertl picks up an injury. Wallace moves to MC and Craddock comes on at AMR.

28 – GOAL! Tankovic puts the visitors in front, heading home a corner.

45 – Half time. We'r enot doing much. That needs to change.

49 – Chaplin with an absolutely agonizing miss.

63 – Agyemang will come on for Chaplin.

73 – GOAL! Agyemang puts in the cross for Ashley Harris to tap in! We're level!

85 – GOAL! Ashley Harris passes diagonally for Tom Craddock who slots it past the keeper to his left.

90 +2 – GOAL! Tankovic! Chesterfield claw it back near the death. It takes a deflection and goes in.

Full time. That one should have been a loss, then a win, but was neither. So I suppose that's not awful.

Ertl Out
Johnny Ertl will miss 10-12 days with a bruised shin. The matches have been coming thick this month, so this doesn't help us out at all.

Tue. 25 November, 2014
Team of the Week
Sonny Bradley and Adam Webster were named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week

Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #19
French Flair as Pompey Win Late
Portsmouth 4 – 2 Colchester United
Connolly and Parrett gets starts.

3 – GOAL! Daniel Jenner catches van Crooy way too far from his goal and easily puts it by the keeper.

This is the first new gen player I have seen score a goal.

27 – GOAL! The keeper comes out to clear by the sideline, Connolly takes it from 40 yards out and scores! Amazing!

37 – GOAL! Sanchez Watt puts the visitors back in front. He swings inside of Orr (who else?) and places it past van Crooy.

44 – GOAL! Level again! De Leeuw crosses, Antoine-Curier hits the post, but it bounces for Mossaoui! He fires into the open net!

45 – Half time. Maybe lucky to be level. Bradley Orr has got to go. We're definitely in the market for a right back on loan or by any other means.

59 – Devera comes on for Butler, who is playing at a 5.3. Barcham is on for de Leeuw and Toral is on for Parrett.

75 – Barcham has picked up a knock. That's really all the subs have done.

79 – Colchester dominating. Our old friend Matthew Dolan has entered the game for them.

82 – Jenner hits the outside of the post!

86 – GOAL! SUPER SUB! Andy Barcham gives it to Antoine-Curier, who gives it back as the winger cuts around the fullback and slots pas the keeper! What a goal!

90 – Toral comes off injured. We now have 10 men.

90 + 2 – GOAL! Mickael Antoine-Curier! Devera nods a ball on and the forward outruns the defender, shooting past the keeper.

90 + 4 – Full time. WOW! What a crazy game! Antoine-Curier is Man of the Match with 1 goal and 2 assists, 8.4 rating. What a total team effort to come back and win that match. Fantastic. I love it.

Toral & Barcham Injured
Jon Toral has been injured again and will miss up to 4-5 weeks with a fractured arm. Poor kid can't catch a... wait, that's cruel to say.

Andy Barcham suffered that contagious twisted ankle and will miss 4-5 weeks.

Sat. 29 November, 2014
FA Cup Second Round
Ashley Harris' Strike Show
Portsmouth 2 – 0 Newport County
4-2-4 with two central midfielders for us: Parrett and Wallace. De Leeuw on the left, our usual two up top.

10 – GOAL! Marvelous header from Ashley Harris on Mossaoui's cross. Breathtaking!

34 – Bradley has a header go juuust wide.

45 – Half time, but not entirely comfortable with it. A couple of players haven't look too good.

81 – Harris has a free kick graze the bar. Nothing happening in the second half.

83 – GOAL! Another fantastic strike from Ashley Harris! It's a volley from Orr's pass. He is the heartbeat of our attack.

90 – Full time. We're through to the third round thanks to Ash Harris. What a player. Good defending, though Parrett was looking complacent. Not something I like to see when he's fighting for a place.

We have been given £25.41K for the win.

Grover · 11-04-2013, 03:31 PM

Mon. 01 December, 2014
Parrett Skips Training
Practice!? Midfielder Dean Parrett apparently doesn't need any. The bastard has decided to skip training and has accepted his warning. Time to ship the cancer out.

Board Confidence
The board is delighted with the leadership qualities I am demonstrating. The team's performance in the league being the overall highlight. However, the fans are not happy with Bradley Orr's performances. Who is?

Tue. 02 December, 2014
Team of the Week
Mickael Antoine-Curier has been named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Wed. 03 December, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #20
De Leeuw Steals a Late Point
Oldham Athletic 2 – 2 Portsmouth
We move back to a defensive midfielder with Hugo Fernandez healthy.

3 – van Crooy makes a great diving save to turn a shot around the post.

15 - 23rd in the table Oldham is seeing a lot of the ball here.

33 – GOAL! Dom Dwyer puts Oldham in front, threading between Butler and Bradley.

40 – Butler is off injured. Fernandez to left back, Wallace on in midfield with Ferry.

45 – Half time. Down a goal to the next to last team in the table. Unacceptable.

52 – We seem to be terrified to put a cross in.

53 – GOAL! Melvin de Leeuw! From a cross! Bradley Orr into the center of the box, into the Dutchman's feet and into goal.

66 – Terrific save by van Crooy! Dwyer breaks in and takes a high shot, van Crooy does just enough to turn it over.

77 – A Harris free kick is easily held.

82 – GOAL! Hiwula and Oldham hit us on the break. He turns Devera inside-out and beats van Crooy. Ugh.

90 + 1 – GOAL! Melvin de Leuuw squeezes between two defenders with the ball into the box and slots home. WOW!

Full tine. De Leeuw was amazing. The rest of the team was eh. We should be beating teams like Oldham. No excuses.

Butler Injured
Dan Butler has suffered a groin strain and the left back will miss three weeks.

Sat. 06 December, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #21
Chaplain Bosses Play, Helps Earn Win
Portsmouth 2 – 1 Leyton Orient
Chaplin will play for a tired Harris. Wallace at AMR, Parrett is begrudgingly at MC.

1 – Chaplin gets a crazy shot off that forces a corner.

34 – Atkinson misses just wide for Orient. Not much going on in this match so far. Shots from distance from either side, but nothing threatening.

45 – GOAL! Chaplin outlets to Wallace who fires from a great angle and runs with arms aloft to the supporters!

58 – GOAL! Ooh and it's a great one from Conor Chaplin! He's sneaks in behind two defenders and Antoine-Curier plays him in. Great movement.

64 – van Crooy makes a great save on danger man Batt.

72 – Craddock will come on for de Leeuw.

79 – We are withstanding an immense spell of pressure from Orient.

90 – GOAL! Shaun Batt pulls one back. That's the danger man, volleying home a cross.

Full time. It's a solid win, dictated by Conor Chaplin's excellent second half. Could have been better, could have been worse. It keeps us in good position.

Tue. 09 December, 2014
Team of the Week
Bradley Orr has been named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Sat. 13 December, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #22
Pompey Show Why They're Top
Notts County 0 – 4 Portsmouth
Bottom against top. Let's do better than we did against Oldham.

Pretty standard fare in the lineup. Fernandez at DM, McLennan at DL.

8 – GOAL! There's the start we wanted! Orr crosses in, Antoine-Curier's shot is blocked, but Mossaoui pounces on the rebound and fires it in.

27 – Ashley Harris just misses with a fantastic shot.

30 – GOAL! Adam Webster doesn't miss his volley from Harris' free kick! Two goal lead!

34 – GOAL! Another Harris assist! His free kick is more of a pass for De Leeuw who volleys it in!

45 – We look great at the half and nothing will be changed.

60 – Silent first 15 of the second half. Just the way we like it.

71 – Chaplin will come on for Harris and Wallace for Hernandez.

75 – PENALTY! Leacock trips de Leeuw! Ferry steps up and nets it with ease!

86 – Magnificent save low from van Crooy.

90 – Full time. Fantastic overall team performance. Webster was Man of the Match, but just about everyone else was over 7.5. Great win on the road. We are undoubtedly overachieving at this juncture.

Grover · 11-04-2013, 06:31 PM

Tue. 16 December, 2014
Team of the Week
Delano van Crooy, Adam Webster, Simon Ferry and Karim Mossaoui were named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Sat. 20 December, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #23
Antoine-Curier Levels At The Death
MK Dons 3 – 3 Portsmouth
With the week off we're at full strength, though Fernandez is at DM again. Spirits are high among the squad, hopefully they can kick on in this and propel themselves through the holiday period.

2 – GOAL! And they do! De Leeuw cuts in from the left and works a shot, it's saved, but the rebound falls for Antoine-Cuier.

8 – GOAL! Dons strike right back! Stephen Gleeson's first of the season is a rocket from 20 yards. No chance for van Crooy who was diving low for it.

36 – De Leeuw earns a corner working in from the left again.

37 – GOAL! Samuel puts the hosts ahead. Gleeson feeds him the ball, he turns and fires.

45 – Half time. Down a goal, Harris playing very badly, as are both central defenders. They seem motivated from the team talk, so we'll give them a chance to start off here.

48 – GOAL! Harris is tripped in the box, but Mossaoui snags the ball and fires near side. No chance for the keeper!

61 – GOAL! Samuel heads in a flick on from Akpon into the net. Dons back in front.

62 – Orr, McLennan and Harris will come off for Devera, N'Gala and Chaplin.

75 – Antoine-Curier goes close, bewildering that he missed.

80 – Devera scores, but is ruled offside.

85 – N'Gala heads into the crossbar.

90 + 3 – GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! Mickael Antoine-Curier! The ball bounces free, he turns a defender inside-out and unleashes a rocket into the top corner. The away fans are going wild. What an incredible goal at the death!

Full time. Mickael Antoine-Curier. That is all.

Sun. 21 December, 2014
Toral and Barcham Back
Jon Toral and Andy Barcham have returned to training. Hooray.

Mon. 22 December, 2014
Fleetwood Approach
Fleetwood Town have invited me to attend an interview with the club's board as they wish to discuss the possibility of hiring me as manager. I politely decline their request. I am quite happy here at Portsmouth.

Butler Back
Dan Butler has returned to full training.

Tue. 23 December, 2014
Team of the Week
Mickael Antoine-Curier was selected in the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Fri. 26 December, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #24
Rovers Take the Game to Pompey
Portsmouth 0 – 2 Doncaster Rovers
They're weakest against a 4-5-1, so that's what we'll do. Wallace, Ferry and Ertl. Harris starts alone up top.

20 – It's a slick pitch in the driving rain. We've had a few shots, but nothing threatening. Doncaster have had their opportunities as well.

36 – GOAL! Stipe Perica puts the visitors in front, volleying in Nicco's cross.

44 – An unbelievable spell of possession that led to Mossaoui hitting a post and Harris earning a corner but it comes to nothing. Some inspired play.

68 – We'll move to two forwards and Ertl will come off for Antoine-Curier.

89 – PENALTY! Orr concedes. Tony Watt converts. A tough home loss. We played ok, but below our standard. We need to be better and beat teams like this at home.

Sun. 28 December, 2014
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #25
Pompey Keep Finding Late Goals
Gillingham 2 – 3 Portsmouth
The classic one day off between games. Holmes and Barcham return to the lineup, along with Parret. Chaplin starts as well.

6 – Incredible long pass from Fernandez onto the boot of Antoine-Curier, the shot was pushed out for a corner.

20 – GOAL! Antoine-Curier! Orr plays in Chapin who chips ahead for the Frenchman. He takes it low and beats the keeper with the angle.

31 – GOAL! And a magical one at that from Devera! He takes the corner, spins around and fires left-footed into the top corner.

42 – GOAL! James Spencer is unmarked on the counter and he's played in from a long ball. He pulls one back for the hosts.

44 – Barcham is injured and will come off for De Leeuw. Toral will come on for Parrett who is looking complacent.

57 – Holmes is exhausted. Jed Wallace will come on for him.

72 – De Leeuw makes an inch-perfect tackle in our own half, comes up with the ball, outlets to Antoine-Curier down the left and he wins a corner. Great sequence.

78 – GOAL! Gillingham are level, it's a mistake by McLennan, he heads back and German s right there to put it in.

84 – GOAL! A huge goal from Conor Chaplin! Wallace plays it across the box for him and the left-footed forward places it in!

90 – Another late win. A good one, but I'm tired of the nervy finishes. McLennan was a 4.9, mostly for that backwards header. Devera was Man of the match with an 8.2. Nobody else really had a great game besides Chaplin's 7.7.

N'Gala Hits Limit
Bondz N'Gala will be suspended for one match after reaching the 5 yellow cards limit.

Mon. 29 December, 2014
In Demand
Bolton Wanderers President Phil Gartside wishes to speak with me about their open management position. I respectfully decline.

Tue. 30 December, 2014
Team of the Week
Joe Devera was selected to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Grover · 11-04-2013, 06:59 PM

I should note that Portsmouth were predicted to finish 20th.

Grover · 11-04-2013, 07:49 PM

Fri. 02 January, 2015
Bournemouth Want Talks
AFC Bournemouth President Jeff Mostyn has invited me to attend an interview with their board. Another club wants me to be their manager. Why give it up when I'm ahead of these teams in the table? I decline.

Sat. 03 January, 2015
FA Cup Third Round
De Leeuw Brace Buries Bury
Portsmouth 3 – 0 Bury
We'll field a strong squad for this. Except Orr, the only player below a 7.0 rating overall on the team.

2 – GOAL! - Trademark De Leeuw cutting in from the left and firing left-footed into the right corner. Great goal.

27 – GOAL! A second for the Dutchman! Harris' corner from the right finds Bradley, he spins and passes to De Leeuw who fires from just inside the top of the 18. Another great goal.

52 – GOAL! Great football from Orr and Mossaoui on the right, the winger pass across for Harris who takes a beautiful 20 yard shot and finds net.

56 – With the lead we make some changes as a few players have become complacent on the pitch. Orr, Butler and Ferry come off for McLennan, Devera and Wallace.

78 – We may concede one with the team looking so complacent at the moment. Bury is getting a lot of action and possession in our third.

90 – Chance! De Leeuw's attempt at a hat trick hits the side netting!

Full time. Great game from the left winger. Sonny Bradley was excellent as well. Positive results with a couple of tough games coming up.

We have been given £63.53K for winning against Bury.

Sun. 04 January, 2015
FA Cup Draw
We will travel to Brittania Stadium on 24th January to face Premier League side Stoke City in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Wed. 07 January, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #26
De Leeuw Saves Pompey Again
Peterborough 1 – 1 Portsmouth
The Posh are 5th, so this is an important match. The same side that beat Bury will take the field.

11 – We've had a couple of chances, but both strikers have struck wide.

36 – A nice ball is worked in for Antoine-Curier, but the shot is saved.

44 – GOAL! Marcello Trotta puts the hosts in front, receiving a long lob from Shaun Wright-Phillips and blasting it in. Terrible time to give up a goal.

73 – GOAL! This match is level! De Leeuw slides in from the left and blasts with his right foot into the back of the net.

90 – Full time. Very good result considering the way we went down. De Leeuw picks up another Man of the Match award. Bradley Orr was fantastic in the second half. We stay two behind Brentford, but level with Sheffield United.

Sat. 10 January, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #27
Antoine-Curier Stunner Dulls Blades
Portsmouth 1 – 0 Sheffield United
Speaking of third place Sheffield United, here they are. You may fondly remember them beating us 4-0 earlier in the season.

David Bentley, who tormented us in the last match is injured.

Chaplin starts for a tired Harris. Everyone else will go.

2 – Wow. Florent Cuvelier has his goal ruled offside late. Well after I thought we were down a goal barely into the match.

16 – Forde makes a diving save on Antoine-Curier.

37 – Some really nice play between Orr and Chaplin to win a corner.

45 – United really came alive in the last ten minutes of the half. Dominating in our third, getting shot after shot. We need to possess the ball better.

56 – Barcham will come on for De Leeuw. Toral for Wallace and Devera for Orr.

78 – Phenomenal save from van Crooy to keep this game level. The rebound is hoofed away by N'Gala.

88 – GOAL! Mickael Antoine-Curier with the late, late goal! The sold out Fratton Park is rocking!

90 – Full time. Wow. What a great finish. I would have been content with the draw, but a win against a team level on points with us is so massive. We were dominated for the majority of the match and managed to pull that out.

Tue. 13 January, 2015
Team of the Week
Dan Butler and Simon Ferry were named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week.

Wed. 14 January, 2015
Hull City Approach
Hull City President Assem Allam has invited me to attend an interview. I decline.

Grover · 11-04-2013, 08:37 PM

Sat. 17 January, 2015
Ertl Injured
Johnny Ertl sustained a broken cheekbone in training. Ouch. He'll miss 4-5 weeks.

Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #28
Bournemouth Set-Pieces Take the Points
Bournemouth 2 – 1 Portsmouth
Fernandez starting for the injured Ertl and Harris is back up top.

9 – GOAL! Mickael Antoine-Curier! De Leeuw sends him in as he tackles the ball free and the keeper is easily beat.

29 – GOAL! The hosts are level. Gordon crosses for Ritchie who had slid between the center backs. He heads it past van Crooy.

37 – GOAL! And now they're up. Harte's corner finds Pitman on the half-volley.

45 – A bad first half. We take off de Leeuw and Bradley for Barcham and N'Gala.

50 – Barcham puts two shots on goal early on.

69 – Toral will replace Mossaoui.

90 – Disappointing loss. We need to do better when we're ahead. Too many up and down performances by defenders. Van Crooy, Bradley, Mossaoui and de Leeuw were all under 6.0 today. Awful. Antoine-Curier was named Player of the Match.

Wed. 21 January, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #29
Pompey Scrape By York
Portsmouth 1 – 0 York City
Our typical XI. Need to press on for a victory to hold our position.

10 – Doughty has been influential down the left for York.

45 – Halftime. 64% possession, but 7 off-target shots. Have to do better.

49 – GOAL! Mossaui's 12th of the year! Harris plays him in from the right and his shot evades the outstretched keeper.

72 – Antoine-Curier, Ferry and Fernandez will come off for Chaplin, Toral and Wallace.

86 – York are putting immense pressure on our end, but the back four are remaining resilient. A team effort in defending right now.

90 – Solid. Very workmanlike 1-0 win. Nobody was outstanding. Sonny Bradley's 7.2 was Player of the Match. It's essential we win these types of games if we want to win promotion.

Sat. 24 January, 2015
FA Cup Round Three
Prem Boys Make Easy Work of Pompey
Stoke City 3 - 0 Portsmouth
Playing the big boys! Wallace will play for Ferry. Chaplin for Antoine-Curier.

10 – Brilliant save by van Crooy. It's evident we'll be on the back foot today.

22 – Stoke's shooting has been terrible. They're dominating us, but can't finish.

42 – Another strong save from van Crooy.

45 – Halftime. Somehow still 0-0. McLennan will replace Butler.

49 – GOAL! Stoke make the breakthrough from Robert Huth.

55 – GOAL! Brek Shea doubles Stoke's lead with a great blast from a tight angle.

56 – Toral comes on for Chaplin, we move to a 4-5-1.

67 – Ferry comes on for Wallace.

82 – GOAL! Tom Ince puts icing on the cake for Stoke, drifting into the middle and firing left-footed past van Crooy.

90 – About what I expected.

Tue. 27 January, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #30
Yeovil Score Three in Seven Minutes, Earn Draw
Yeovil Town 3 – 3 Portsmouth
A few different starters. Barcham, Holmes, Chaplin and N'Gala at right back.

23 – GOAL! Antoine-Curier's 16th of the year! Chaplin plays a pass that lets the Frenchman slips between defenders and beat the keeper.

42 – GOAL! Jed Wallace rockets a free kick off the underside of the bar.

45 – Halftime. This is comfortable.

54 – GOAL! Former Manchester City youth product Ismael Miller gets on the end of a cross and taps it past van Crooy.

55 – GOAL! Unbelievable double salvo from Yeovil. Hollands from the dot blasts it by van Crooy.

57 – GOAL! Yeovil again, but at the wrong in! Ricky Holmes crosses, Chaplin misses, but Webster knocks in the own goal.

61 – GOAL! An incredible 8 minute passage as Miller scores off a corner. It's 3-3! Can Pompey stop Yeovil in the second half.

70 – Holmes is injured and comes off for Parrett. Devera comes on for N'Gala.

90 – Full time. That seven minute period was insane. We held on, just about. Should have won, but a draw might also be considered lucky.

Sat. 31 January, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #31
Brilliant Harris Propels Vital Win
Portsmouth 3 – 1 Bristol City
Big match. Bristol City are fourth to our second.

11 – GOAL! Antoine-Curier is the recipient of Harris' pass. He beats the keeper to the top right corner of goal. Great shot!

45 – Halftime. Not much to report on here, but we've got the lead. Always a positive. I'd like to see more than the forwards get in on the action.

50 – GOAL! De Leeuw pounces as Antoine-Curier is dispossessed by Connolly in the box. The Dutchman picks up the loose ball and fires it home.

61 – GOAL! Milsom pulls one back for Bristol by beating the defense.

82 – GOAL! Sonny Bradley's 5th of the year! Headed home from Harris' corner.

90 – Very good win. Bradley was Player of the Match, but Harris pulled the strings with two assists. Important win over a team that is now four points behind us in the table.

Grover · 11-04-2013, 10:30 PM

Sun. 01 February, 2015
The board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. They are pleased with the performances in League 1, but are disappointed with Dan Butler's recent performances.

Sat. 07 February, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #32
Stunning Win For Shrews
Shrewsbury Town 3 – 2 Portsmouth
A match we should be winning, though we lost the last encounter. It's strange to think there's only 15 matches left to the season.

23 – Drab match so far, nobody really taking control.

38 – GOAL! Jon Taylor puts the hosts in front. Wilkinson plays him in and it's an easy shot for a goal.

44 – GOAL! Ashley Harris equalizes! His free kick is headed away by Donacien, but Harris recovers it with a left-footed blast into the right corner of goal.

57 – Wilkinson heads wide of goal.

62 – Orr and Antoine-Curier are coming off for Chaplin and N'Gala.

66 – GOAL! INSTANT IMPACT! Chaplin powers through the left back and a central defender before blasting the ball off his right foot into goal. Just four minutes after coming on!

69 – GOAL! Conor Wilkinson equalizes! He's been a thorn in our side all afternoon and he finally gets a goal he probably deserved.

80 – GOAL! March scores and Shrewsbury improbably take the lead!

90 – Terrible loss. Van Crooy was especially bad. We go from a 2-1 up to a 3-2 loss. We fall to third, level for second, but behind on goal differential.

Wed. 11 February, 2015
Ertl Returns
Johnny Ertl has returned to full training after recovering from a broken cheekbone.

Sat. 14 February, 2015
Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #33
Harris and Co Roll Over Crawley
Crawley 0 – 3 Portsmouth
We're able to use our regular XI with the week between games.

15 – Orr crosses for Harris, it's flicked to Mossaoui and he drives it straight at the keeper.

20 – GOAL! Ashley Harris! More beautiful, flowing football from Portsmouth. Mossaoui passes to Harris who rips it from 20 yards. Great stuff.

32 – GOAL! Antoine-Curier! Partridge misjudged the flight of the ball and headed it straight down to the Frenchman. An easy finish from there.

45 – Halftime. Good lead on the road. Need to keep the levels up play in the match up. No let downs.

65 – Crawley have dominated possession this half, but we're defending quite well.

68 – GOAL! Ashley Harris' second! Assisted by Simon Ferry.

69 – Wallace and Chaplin will come on for Ferry and Harris. Of course, the order to sub them had been made before the goal.

72 – Butler is off injured, Devera comes on.

90 – Full time. Great road victory. An impressive one at that. Bradley struggled and so did Devera when he came on, both under 6. To be fair, Devera was playing out of position at left back. However, Harris was Player of the Match for his 2 goals and 8.8 rating.

Butler Injury
Dan Butler has sustained a damaged elbow and will miss two weeks.

11-04-2013, 06:59 PM	#47
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	2014 League 1 Table I should note that Portsmouth were predicted to finish 20th. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner Last edited by Grover : 11-04-2013 at 07:15 PM.

11-04-2013, 07:49 PM	#48
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	January 1 - 15, 2015 Fri. 02 January, 2015 Bournemouth Want Talks AFC Bournemouth President Jeff Mostyn has invited me to attend an interview with their board. Another club wants me to be their manager. Why give it up when I'm ahead of these teams in the table? I decline. Sat. 03 January, 2015 FA Cup Third Round De Leeuw Brace Buries Bury Portsmouth 3 – 0 Bury We'll field a strong squad for this. Except Orr, the only player below a 7.0 rating overall on the team. 2 – GOAL! - Trademark De Leeuw cutting in from the left and firing left-footed into the right corner. Great goal. 27 – GOAL! A second for the Dutchman! Harris' corner from the right finds Bradley, he spins and passes to De Leeuw who fires from just inside the top of the 18. Another great goal. 52 – GOAL! Great football from Orr and Mossaoui on the right, the winger pass across for Harris who takes a beautiful 20 yard shot and finds net. 56 – With the lead we make some changes as a few players have become complacent on the pitch. Orr, Butler and Ferry come off for McLennan, Devera and Wallace. 78 – We may concede one with the team looking so complacent at the moment. Bury is getting a lot of action and possession in our third. 90 – Chance! De Leeuw's attempt at a hat trick hits the side netting! Full time. Great game from the left winger. Sonny Bradley was excellent as well. Positive results with a couple of tough games coming up. We have been given £63.53K for winning against Bury. Sun. 04 January, 2015 FA Cup Draw We will travel to Brittania Stadium on 24th January to face Premier League side Stoke City in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Wed. 07 January, 2015 Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #26 De Leeuw Saves Pompey Again Peterborough 1 – 1 Portsmouth The Posh are 5th, so this is an important match. The same side that beat Bury will take the field. 11 – We've had a couple of chances, but both strikers have struck wide. 36 – A nice ball is worked in for Antoine-Curier, but the shot is saved. 44 – GOAL! Marcello Trotta puts the hosts in front, receiving a long lob from Shaun Wright-Phillips and blasting it in. Terrible time to give up a goal. 73 – GOAL! This match is level! De Leeuw slides in from the left and blasts with his right foot into the back of the net. 90 – Full time. Very good result considering the way we went down. De Leeuw picks up another Man of the Match award. Bradley Orr was fantastic in the second half. We stay two behind Brentford, but level with Sheffield United. Sat. 10 January, 2015 Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #27 Antoine-Curier Stunner Dulls Blades Portsmouth 1 – 0 Sheffield United Speaking of third place Sheffield United, here they are. You may fondly remember them beating us 4-0 earlier in the season. David Bentley, who tormented us in the last match is injured. Chaplin starts for a tired Harris. Everyone else will go. 2 – Wow. Florent Cuvelier has his goal ruled offside late. Well after I thought we were down a goal barely into the match. 16 – Forde makes a diving save on Antoine-Curier. 37 – Some really nice play between Orr and Chaplin to win a corner. 45 – United really came alive in the last ten minutes of the half. Dominating in our third, getting shot after shot. We need to possess the ball better. 56 – Barcham will come on for De Leeuw. Toral for Wallace and Devera for Orr. 78 – Phenomenal save from van Crooy to keep this game level. The rebound is hoofed away by N'Gala. 88 – GOAL! Mickael Antoine-Curier with the late, late goal! The sold out Fratton Park is rocking! 90 – Full time. Wow. What a great finish. I would have been content with the draw, but a win against a team level on points with us is so massive. We were dominated for the majority of the match and managed to pull that out. Tue. 13 January, 2015 Team of the Week Dan Butler and Simon Ferry were named to the Sky Bet League 1 Team of the Week. Wed. 14 January, 2015 Hull City Approach Hull City President Assem Allam has invited me to attend an interview. I decline. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

11-04-2013, 08:37 PM	#49
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	January 16 - 31, 2015 Sat. 17 January, 2015 Ertl Injured Johnny Ertl sustained a broken cheekbone in training. Ouch. He'll miss 4-5 weeks. Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #28 Bournemouth Set-Pieces Take the Points Bournemouth 2 – 1 Portsmouth Fernandez starting for the injured Ertl and Harris is back up top. 9 – GOAL! Mickael Antoine-Curier! De Leeuw sends him in as he tackles the ball free and the keeper is easily beat. 29 – GOAL! The hosts are level. Gordon crosses for Ritchie who had slid between the center backs. He heads it past van Crooy. 37 – GOAL! And now they're up. Harte's corner finds Pitman on the half-volley. 45 – A bad first half. We take off de Leeuw and Bradley for Barcham and N'Gala. 50 – Barcham puts two shots on goal early on. 69 – Toral will replace Mossaoui. 90 – Disappointing loss. We need to do better when we're ahead. Too many up and down performances by defenders. Van Crooy, Bradley, Mossaoui and de Leeuw were all under 6.0 today. Awful. Antoine-Curier was named Player of the Match. Wed. 21 January, 2015 Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #29 Pompey Scrape By York Portsmouth 1 – 0 York City Our typical XI. Need to press on for a victory to hold our position. 10 – Doughty has been influential down the left for York. 45 – Halftime. 64% possession, but 7 off-target shots. Have to do better. 49 – GOAL! Mossaui's 12th of the year! Harris plays him in from the right and his shot evades the outstretched keeper. 72 – Antoine-Curier, Ferry and Fernandez will come off for Chaplin, Toral and Wallace. 86 – York are putting immense pressure on our end, but the back four are remaining resilient. A team effort in defending right now. 90 – Solid. Very workmanlike 1-0 win. Nobody was outstanding. Sonny Bradley's 7.2 was Player of the Match. It's essential we win these types of games if we want to win promotion. Sat. 24 January, 2015 FA Cup Round Three Prem Boys Make Easy Work of Pompey Stoke City 3 - 0 Portsmouth Playing the big boys! Wallace will play for Ferry. Chaplin for Antoine-Curier. 10 – Brilliant save by van Crooy. It's evident we'll be on the back foot today. 22 – Stoke's shooting has been terrible. They're dominating us, but can't finish. 42 – Another strong save from van Crooy. 45 – Halftime. Somehow still 0-0. McLennan will replace Butler. 49 – GOAL! Stoke make the breakthrough from Robert Huth. 55 – GOAL! Brek Shea doubles Stoke's lead with a great blast from a tight angle. 56 – Toral comes on for Chaplin, we move to a 4-5-1. 67 – Ferry comes on for Wallace. 82 – GOAL! Tom Ince puts icing on the cake for Stoke, drifting into the middle and firing left-footed past van Crooy. 90 – About what I expected. Tue. 27 January, 2015 Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #30 Yeovil Score Three in Seven Minutes, Earn Draw Yeovil Town 3 – 3 Portsmouth A few different starters. Barcham, Holmes, Chaplin and N'Gala at right back. 23 – GOAL! Antoine-Curier's 16th of the year! Chaplin plays a pass that lets the Frenchman slips between defenders and beat the keeper. 42 – GOAL! Jed Wallace rockets a free kick off the underside of the bar. 45 – Halftime. This is comfortable. 54 – GOAL! Former Manchester City youth product Ismael Miller gets on the end of a cross and taps it past van Crooy. 55 – GOAL! Unbelievable double salvo from Yeovil. Hollands from the dot blasts it by van Crooy. 57 – GOAL! Yeovil again, but at the wrong in! Ricky Holmes crosses, Chaplin misses, but Webster knocks in the own goal. 61 – GOAL! An incredible 8 minute passage as Miller scores off a corner. It's 3-3! Can Pompey stop Yeovil in the second half. 70 – Holmes is injured and comes off for Parrett. Devera comes on for N'Gala. 90 – Full time. That seven minute period was insane. We held on, just about. Should have won, but a draw might also be considered lucky. Sat. 31 January, 2015 Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #31 Brilliant Harris Propels Vital Win Portsmouth 3 – 1 Bristol City Big match. Bristol City are fourth to our second. 11 – GOAL! Antoine-Curier is the recipient of Harris' pass. He beats the keeper to the top right corner of goal. Great shot! 45 – Halftime. Not much to report on here, but we've got the lead. Always a positive. I'd like to see more than the forwards get in on the action. 50 – GOAL! De Leeuw pounces as Antoine-Curier is dispossessed by Connolly in the box. The Dutchman picks up the loose ball and fires it home. 61 – GOAL! Milsom pulls one back for Bristol by beating the defense. 82 – GOAL! Sonny Bradley's 5th of the year! Headed home from Harris' corner. 90 – Very good win. Bradley was Player of the Match, but Harris pulled the strings with two assists. Important win over a team that is now four points behind us in the table. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

11-04-2013, 10:30 PM	#50
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	February 1 - 14, 2015 Sun. 01 February, 2015 The board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. They are pleased with the performances in League 1, but are disappointed with Dan Butler's recent performances. Sat. 07 February, 2015 Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #32 Stunning Win For Shrews Shrewsbury Town 3 – 2 Portsmouth A match we should be winning, though we lost the last encounter. It's strange to think there's only 15 matches left to the season. 23 – Drab match so far, nobody really taking control. 38 – GOAL! Jon Taylor puts the hosts in front. Wilkinson plays him in and it's an easy shot for a goal. 44 – GOAL! Ashley Harris equalizes! His free kick is headed away by Donacien, but Harris recovers it with a left-footed blast into the right corner of goal. 57 – Wilkinson heads wide of goal. 62 – Orr and Antoine-Curier are coming off for Chaplin and N'Gala. 66 – GOAL! INSTANT IMPACT! Chaplin powers through the left back and a central defender before blasting the ball off his right foot into goal. Just four minutes after coming on! 69 – GOAL! Conor Wilkinson equalizes! He's been a thorn in our side all afternoon and he finally gets a goal he probably deserved. 80 – GOAL! March scores and Shrewsbury improbably take the lead! 90 – Terrible loss. Van Crooy was especially bad. We go from a 2-1 up to a 3-2 loss. We fall to third, level for second, but behind on goal differential. Wed. 11 February, 2015 Ertl Returns Johnny Ertl has returned to full training after recovering from a broken cheekbone. Sat. 14 February, 2015 Sky Bet League 1 Match Day #33 Harris and Co Roll Over Crawley Crawley 0 – 3 Portsmouth We're able to use our regular XI with the week between games. 15 – Orr crosses for Harris, it's flicked to Mossaoui and he drives it straight at the keeper. 20 – GOAL! Ashley Harris! More beautiful, flowing football from Portsmouth. Mossaoui passes to Harris who rips it from 20 yards. Great stuff. 32 – GOAL! Antoine-Curier! Partridge misjudged the flight of the ball and headed it straight down to the Frenchman. An easy finish from there. 45 – Halftime. Good lead on the road. Need to keep the levels up play in the match up. No let downs. 65 – Crawley have dominated possession this half, but we're defending quite well. 68 – GOAL! Ashley Harris' second! Assisted by Simon Ferry. 69 – Wallace and Chaplin will come on for Ferry and Harris. Of course, the order to sub them had been made before the goal. 72 – Butler is off injured, Devera comes on. 90 – Full time. Great road victory. An impressive one at that. Bradley struggled and so did Devera when he came on, both under 6. To be fair, Devera was playing out of position at left back. However, Harris was Player of the Match for his 2 goals and 8.8 rating. Butler Injury Dan Butler has sustained a damaged elbow and will miss two weeks. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-16-2013, 07:03 PM	#2
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	Season Expectations, Playing Squad & Tactics The absolute minimum expectation is that Alfie Heathcote achieves promotion from Sky Bet League Two this season. The young manager is expected to achieve this without a transfer budget and the club spending £35,225 of their allocated £40,000 per week for the squad. Goalkeepers Phil Smith (33), John Sullivan (25) About equal in talent, Smith will likely get the nod most weeks out due to his experience. Defenders Bondz N'Gala (23), Joe Devera (26), Danny East (21), Marcos Painter (26), Dan Butler (18), Sonny Bradley (21), Yassin Moutaouakil (26) Painter will be the left back and is the most talented of this group. Devera is equally adept in the center or on the right, but will likely pair with DM/DC candidate Johnny Ertl, if a defensive midfielder is not utilized. This is an area to be upgraded through a Bosman signing. Midfielders Shaun Cooper (29), Johnny Ertil (30), Jed Wallace (19), Ricky Holmes (26), Simon Ferry (25), Romain Padovani (23), Andy Barcham (26), Tom Craddock (26) Ferry and Ertl are the stars here and are likely to pair together while other options are exercised in the back four. Barcham and Craddock could form a strong pair on the wings. Forwards David Connolly (36), Patrick Agyemang (32), Ashley Harris (19), Ryan Bird (25) Plenty of options, though none of them really get the blood pumping. Four forwards gives the option of playing two up top with a an off-center midfield. Tactics The club will be playing a variation of a 4-2-4 with two central defenders flanked by supporting full backs. A defensive midfielder will hold deep, looking to tick over the attack and recycle possession. He will be played with a central midfielder in an advanced play-making role. They will be flanked by two attacking wingers, who will be working to a pair of forwards. An attacking forward and a supporting target man who will look to hold up possession and bring others in to play. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-16-2013, 08:01 PM	#3
collegesportsfanms Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2004	Grover, glad to see an FM14 dynasty on these boards, especially since the beta version is now out. Question... is Steam a requirement to play FM 14? Do you have to have steam installed and running? I have no issue with steam personally, but my computer tech (who is about 70 years old and always grumpy anyways), absolutely hates Steam. Any time he does anything to my computer and finds Steam on there, I hear about it for days upon days. Hearing him gripe and complain for weeks is just not worth the price to get FM14 if I have to have Steam to run it.

10-17-2013, 11:21 PM	#4
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	Ah, betas may result in corrupted files. Fun. I have a back-up copy saved but it's for July 11 at the takeover. I'll write a bit into the season this time before posting! __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-21-2013, 02:17 PM	#5
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	July 2013 Into the Swing of Things – Friendlies and Preparation Sat. 13 July, 2013 Pompey Make First Loan Signing In a bid to bolster competitiveness throughout the squad we have started by signing 30 year old right back Alan Dunne on season long loan from Millwall. This was perhaps our weakest position on the field and the veteran's presence should greatly improve the quality there. Mon. 15 July, 2013 McDermott Joins We have signed Bournemouth's attacking left midfielder Donal McDermott on a season loan. McDermott will immediately start on the left and give Bachram some serious competition. Tue. 16 July, 2013 Rossi Added to Strike Force Stoke City's 19 year-old forward Karim Rossi has joined the club on season long loan. He'll inject some much needed youth and pace to our forward lineup and could see time immediately as a starter. Friendly Portsmouth 2 – 1 Brentford Wed. 17 July, 2013 Dolan Added to Midfield Mix Middlesbrough's Matthew Dolan has joined us on a season long loan. The 21 year-old central midfielder looks to add competition to Simon Ferry for the starting position and may make it possible for us to play two MC instead of off-setting the DM and MC. Kiernan Bolsters Defense Wigan's Rob Kiernan has joined the club on a season-long loan. The 22 year-old central defender will likely start. We're feeling good about all these free players. Thu. 18 July, 2013 Friendly Portsmouth 1 – 4 Sheffield Wednesday Tue. 23 July, 2013 Friendly Gillingham 2 - 1 Portsmouth News & Notes Patrick Agyemang will be tutoring U18 forward Jack Maloney. Youth team member Bradley Tarbuck has signed a professional contract. Thu. 25 July, 2013 Pompey Sign Mossaoui Karim Mossaoui has agreed terms with us on a two year contract. The 25 year-old right winger had been a free agent, having previously played for Helmond Sport in the Jupiler League. I like his technical skills, he may not have gotten a chance to play regularly over the past few years, but he'll have a chance here. Sat. 27 July, 2013 Friendly Havant & Waterlooville 1 – 4 Portsmouth Mon. 29 July, 2013 Friendly Port Talbot 0 – 3 Portsmouth Fri. 2 August, 2013 Profit We've been given £1,500 because of a sell-on clause for a player awesomely named Andrea Mutombo. We'll also rake in an extra £4,500 over the next 18 months. Scouts We have signed Jan Heijkers as a scout. He'll provide a presence in Holland. We have also signed Ben Stevens, he'll provide a continued presence in England. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-21-2013, 07:37 PM	#6
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	Sat. 3 August, 2013 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #1 Stuck in the Mud: Pompey and Bulls Grind Out Draw Portsmouth 1 – 1 Oxford United 12 – A chance! The ball is worked in beautifully after 12 consecutive passes. Karim Rossi heads at the keeper. 15 – GOAL! David Connolly! It's the captain receiving a pass from midfield and weaving his way into the box, firing it home. 25 – Connolly nearly nets a brace, just whisking it past the post. 34 – GOAL! Andy Whing has leveled the affair. Hunt's long throw-in bounces around in the box and lands favorably for the Oxford midfielder to slot into the net. 45 – McDermott struggled in the first half. If we're to win, he needs to contribute down the left. 56 – We're being restricted to long-range shots, Connolly blasts one wide from 35 yards. McDermott has a chance inside the six yard box, but the Oxford keeper does well to parry the shot. 70 – Perhaps too late to make effective changes, McDermott and Rossi come off for Barcham and Agyemang. We need something from wide positions. 90 – Connolly floats in a wonderful ball, but Agyemang is just a step offside as he scores. The ground was on their feet for the winner, but it wasn't to be. Oxford won the midfield battle for possession, though we held the overall edge 52-48. We had 12 shots , 5 on target to their 2/2. We really should have won this game, but most of our shots were wayward and from outside of the 18. We've got to do a better job of working the ball in and creating quality shots that have a chance. Not a bad result for our first match, but better things have to come. Patrick Agyemang picked up an injury, sustaining whiplash after he fell heavily against Oxford. Incidentally, this was after his goal was ruled offside. He'll miss 6-9 days while he pouts about it in a corner. Sun. 4 August, 2013 Ticket Sales The club has announced they've sold 10,980 season tickets this year. Not bad for a club in the fourth division. Mon. 5 August, 2013 Pompey Sign Keeper We have signed 22 year-old Dutch keeper Delano van Crooy on a one year deal. He is highly rated by our Dutch scout and we're hoping he can provide some competition to the position. Tue. 6 August, 2013 Capital One Cup (First Round) Swindon Win 4-1 on Penalties Swindon Town 0 – 0 Portsmouth 12 – Our first attack that comes to anything. Rossi lays off a nice pass for McDermott cutting in from the left, but the winger fires into the side netting. 22 – Ashley Harris loops in a free kick that's just too far ahead of Rossi. 27 – Rossi launches a shot 40 rows deep. We are surprisingly spending a fair amount of time in the Swindon third. Intercepting passes, making solid tackles and keeping the possession ticking over. We're just not getting shots on goal. 56 – Not much had happened in the past half-hour, but Rossi puts in a perfect cross, Moussaoui can only run it into the post. 70 – Moussaoui comes off for Barcham, with McDermott switching to the right. 90 – Scoreless and headed to extra time. Craddock will come on for the exhausted Ashley Harris. 91 – van Crooy does well to parry a blast from Simon Dawkins. 105 – Swindon get unlucky as Mohamed El-Gabas strikes the post. 105 + 2 – Alan Dunne is injured. Butler moves to right back and Painter comes on to the left. 107 – Swindon open the second half of extra time with some dangerous set-pieces and we're able to clear out three consecutive corners. 120 – And the match will go down the drama of penalties. Rossi and Craddock both misses and it's easy for Swindon to win the shootout. A tough loss, but we showed we can play with a League 1 side all the way through. Bondz N'Gala, who is trying to earn a contract put in a 9.00 rating and was Man of the Match. He might see a contract come his way after that performance. Thu. 8 August, 2013 N'Gala Seals Deal I offered N'Gala a deal, extending it through the remainder of the season and he has happily signed on. He's got potential, let's see if he can develop it. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-21-2013, 10:02 PM	#7
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	August 10 - 20, 2013 Sat. 10 August, 2013 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #2 Connolly and Barcham Pull The Strings Accrington Stanley 1 – 5 Portsmouth 19 – GOAL! And what a finish it was by David Connolly. Barcham cross from the left and the captain dives in with his left foot to drive it past the keeper. 34 – GOAL! Accrington have a number of dangerous corners, failed marking on our part, but they can't finish any of them properly. Winnard has pass intercepted by Barcham, who gets it back inside for Rossi and it's 2-0. 45 – What a half for Andy Barcham. Two superb assists, but he is exhausted. I'll try and get him to the hour mark before replacing him. 47 – GOAL! Rossi and Connolly combine this time with the captain getting his second of the match. The pressure is really starting to pile up on Accrington. 57 – GOAL! Simon Ferry's indirect free kick is crossed to the edge of the 6 and Bondz N''Gala cooly slots it home. We're putting on a show now! 59 – GOAL! Barcham intercepts a pass and bursts down the left flank, he crosses in for Connolly and that's the hat trick! 70 – We make some changes with Ferry, Barcham and Connolly coming off. All had wonderful games and deserve the rest. Craddock, Dolan and Holmes to replace them. We'll look to play it a little more cautious and attempt to preserve the clean sheet. 74 – Great save from van Crooy has he stretches out to stop a curling shot. The corner and resulting pressure are dealt with accordingly and a goal kick eventually ends Accrington's small spell of dominance. 79 – GOAL! Danny Webber pulls one back for the hosts. Wilson sends in a long corner from the left flank toward the right post and the forward taps home his first goal for the club. 90- Full time. Connolly was Man of the Match because of his hat trick, but Barcham's three assists were close behind. Ferry and N'Gala were also fantastic and Karim Rossi showed he can form an effective partnership with Connolly. We were attacking in spades today and it was beautiful. Van Crooy has looked excellent in his two starts. Tue. 13 August, 2013 Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week Bondz N'Gala, Andy Barcham, Simon Ferry and David Connolly have all been named to the team after their hugely impressive performance last week. Sat. 17 August, 2013 Johnstone's Paint Trophy Draw We will be facing Plymouth Argyle in the JPT South first round. The match will be at Home Park on September 3. Similarly to Portsmouth, Plymouth had deep financial troubles and have fallen from the Championship to League 2. Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #3 Dunne Does in Shrimpers Portsmouth 2 – 1 Morecambe 4 – GOAL! Alan Dunne with a laser beam off a free kick from the top of the box. That's the fullback's first goal from the club. 25 – Simon Ferry raced into the box and unleashed a shot that rattled the crossbar. McDermott gets on the end of a cross, but chips it over. We are playing with the some verve. 45 – Half time. We are holding 63% possession and have shown no signs of letting up. 12 shots with 5 on target in the half, Morecambe have had to commit 11 fouls just to keep us in check. The lads need to press on and get the second goal that they deserve. 51 – McDermott is still struggling to get his shots on target. He has another opportunity sent into the side netting. 53 – GOAL! Alan Dunne send in a cross to the back left post from deep on the right and Andy Barcham continues his blistering form, directing a header toward the right post and in. 69 – Both fullbacks, Dunne and Painter have been putting in some tantalizing crosses from deep on their respective flanks. Dunne is getting much more space from McDermott being utilized as an inside forward. 81 – With time winding down and some tired players out there, Ertl, Ferry and Connolly come off for Cooper, Harris and Padovani. 82 – A scare as Keith Ellison is called offside for a goal that would have pulled the Shrimpers within one. 90 – Full time. A fantastic win fueled by right back Alan Dunne's early goal and later assist. Ferry was excellent again as the deep lying play maker and Barcham has been terrific on the left. Tue. 20 August, 2013 Dunne Named Alan Dunne was named to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week after his storming performance against Morecambe. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-22-2013, 09:44 AM	#8
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	August 21 - 30, 2013 Sat. 24 August, 2013 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #4 Stout Mansfield Take the Spoils Mansfield Town 1 – 0 Portsmouth 17 – We are showing signs of that free flowing football again. Barcham is able to work his way in from the left, but his shot hits the outside of the left post. 36 – Simon Ferry forces a tough save from Mariott on his direct free kick. 42 – Mansfield has an attack snuffed out by Painter and he finds Connolly moving down the left flank. He passes inside for Barcham, but his shot is miles off target. 45 – Half time. Dominating possession, but only 4 shots (2 on target). Need better penetration. 60 – Early changes to try and get on the front foot with a goal. Ferry, McDermott and Rossi come off for Mossaoui, Wallace and Harris. 62 – Connolly has a goal disallowed from a set pieces, just offside when heading in Jed Wallace's cross. 78 – The team is finally coming alive, winning corners and set pieces and putting tremendous pressure on Mansfield's defence but they are resilient. 81 – GOAL! Murray finds Holman cutting through the Portsmouth defenders and he puts the ball past van Crooy to give Mansfield a deserved 1-0 lead. 90 – Full time. We couldn't break Mansfield down and in the end paid the price as their dogged defending and persistence paid off in a goal. It's our first loss of the young season, and while disappointed in the players, there's a long way to go yet. We controlled posession, had 7 on target shots, but had to rely on fouling Mansfield, who managed 13 shots (3 on target). A frustrating loss for sure. Sat. 31 August 2013 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #5 Ten Men Pompey Hold Off Late Surge Portsmouth 2 – 1 Chesterfield 9 – Chesterfield with the first real chance as Darikwa crosses for Ugwu who puts it over goal. 27 – Some nice interplay finally gets a shot on target, but Connolly's shot is easily parried away. 29 – Painter gets a yellow card and gives away a free kick in a dangerous area, but the set piece flies harmlessly over goal. 35 – Dunne takes a free kick and skims the top of the crossbar. So close! 45 – GOAL! Ertl dances around a tacking defender and passes to Connolly in the box. The captain turns from a defender and fires left-footed in the left corner of goal. Great work all around! That's his sixth goal this season. 46 – Right off the whistle van Crooy is forced to make a save as Chesterfield break to begin the half. 49 – GOAL! Connolly finds Rossi who takes a chance from the top of the box and sends the ball past a diving keeper. 2-0 Pompey! 51 – RED CARD! Marcos Painter's second yellow gets him sent off. Senseless! We have the lead, but this makes trying to win that much harder. Connolly will come off. McDermott and Mossaou will drop back to midfield, rather than an attacking position. Wallace replaces the forward as a central midfielder. Alan Dunne comes off for Sonny Bradley and we play with three center backs. A 3-1-4-1, if you will. We adopt a more defensive approach and will look to get players behind the ball, waste time and try and keep things narrow. 56 – Typical Donal McDermott. Steals the ball from inside our own half, storms down the left, cuts inside and fires 20 rows deep. The broad side of the barn remains untouched. 80 – We're getting chances, despite playing down a man. McDermott skimmed the bar with a header and Wallace put a free kick over. 86 – GOAL! Setting up for a nervy finish. Bradley heads a corner away but Eoin Doyle seizes it in the center of the box and strikes it pass van Crooy. 90 – Full time. After seven minutes of pure hell from Chesterfield the final whistle blows and we walk out winners. Connolly was Man of the Match scoring and setting up a goal. It's a good bounce back after the Mansfield loss, but now we've lost Painter for one match through suspension. In other news, Karim Rossi sustained a stubbed toe (what?) and will miss 9-12 days. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-22-2013, 12:17 PM	#9
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	September 1 - 14, 2013 Sun. 1 September, 2013 Loan Repayments Glorious news in club finances as we have two loans we are now expected to pay back at £120,000 per month. Board Confidence The board is satisfied with my coaching of the club. They are disappointed with the team's performance in the Cap One Cup. The club recorded a loss of £313,000 last month. Which is awesome considering we are now paying £240,000 a month back to the lovely banks. Tue. 03 September, 2013 Agyemang, Craddock Injured The Ghanian forward twisted his ankle in training and is expected to miss up to seven weeks. Tom Craddock suffered a thigh strain and is expected to miss a month. Now we're a bit light in the forward department. Johnstone's Paint Trophy South (First Round) Plymouth Dominate Penalties 4-1 Plymouth Argyle 2 – 2 Portsmouth Connolly and Harris up top, Matthew Dolan gets his first start in midfield. Butler is at left back for the suspended Painter. 7 – Harris has the first chance on goal, but it's harmlessly into the keeper's hands. 14 – The hosts earn a corner after a strong shot is deflected out by Kiernan. 41 – GOAL! Ruben Reid puts the hosts up front with a ferocious right-footed shot that finds the bottom corner of goal. 43 – Harris misses two chances in two minutes to level affairs. 45 + 1 – GOAL! Holmes plays a pass to Alan Dunne who crosses deep and it's Connolly with a running header to equalize. That's seventh this season! 57 – Ashley Harris sends a free kick over goal. He has a great work rate. He's all over the pitch, but the barn door evades him. 64 – GOAL! And it's Harris providing the assist. McDermott slides a pass to Harris, who slides one for Holmes charging in from the right. He slots it past the keeper and we've got the edge. 67- GOAL! Very briefly. Lane wins a header to Boco who is alone down the left. He fires a shot that beats the shocked van Crooy. 80 – Harris with a shocking miss. Dolan gets him the ball in perfect position and he fires wide. 84 – Dolan comes off with a knock, replaced by Padovani. 90 + 1 – Plymouth's Allen with a terrific effort that grazes the crossbar. That ends regulation and we're off to the thrill of penalties once more this season. Plymouth go first with Fioro and Harris surprisingly hits his to equalize. Young beats van Crooy and Connolly hits the cross bar, giving the hosts the edge. Reid goes to make it 3-1 and Padovani is very easily saved with a weak effort. Nelson steps up and confidently sends Plymouth into the next round. We are clearly terrible in penalties. Ousted from two cup competitions because of them. Frustrating. Holmes was our best player down the right wing and Dolan was very good until his injury. Bradley was our rock in defense today and while Harris was solid, like McDermott needs to work on his finishing. Sun. 08 September, 2013 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #6 Wing Dings! Pompey Wingers Have a Field Day Cheltenham Town 2 – 5 Portsmouth Painter is back in the starting XI, McDermott moving back to the left with Mossaoui in on the right. Both are playing as out and out wingers. 4 – GOAL! It's the two wingers linking up. Connolly wins the ball in deep midfield and gives it to McDermott. He storms inside from the left and crosses for the back post. Mossaoui is there to head it past the diving keeper. 9 – Brilliant save! Van Crooy rushes off his line as Barker sprints into the box solo. The forward goes to take his shot, but the Dutch keeper's body is there to block the ball. 23 – GOAL! Connolly approaches the box, as the two center backs close in, he shunts the ball left for McDermott. The winger strikes at goal and it whizzes by the keeper. We're showing signs of dominance on the road. 41 – GOAL! The hosts pull one back on a corner. Van Crooy dives, but the ball strikes the crossbar. N'Gala attempts to head clear, but it's onto the foot of Troy Brown who slots it into an empty net. 51 – We are struggling with Cheltenham's deep crosses. They've had another go off the crossbar and van Crooy is struggling with his positioning resulting from their bounces. 58 – Looking for a repeat of the first, McDermott crosses for Mossaoui, but it's safe hands from the keeper. 71 – van Crooy impresses again tipping a shot out for a corner after N'Gala was beaten by his name. 76 – GOAL! Ashley Harris has found the barn door! Connolly frees Mossaoui down the right and he centers a cross for Harris who toes it in with a wonderful volley. 84 – GOAL! McDermott with a brace! Mossaoui crosses from the right, Connolly flicks it back slightly and McDermott is right behind him to smash it into goal. 90 + 1 – GOAL! Mossaoui with a brace. The wingers have been terrifying Cheltenham all day long and it's McDermott who crosses low for the Moroccan. 90 + 2 – GOAL! It's merely consolation, but Gornell beats our defense to make it 5-2. Full time. McDermott picks up Man of the Match with his two goals and assists. Mossaoui adds two goals and an assist of his own, while Connolly also had two assists. Passing was the name of the game here and we were at it beautifully. The win moves us to fourth after six games, right in the thick of the promotion race with 40 games to play. Sat. 14 September, 2013 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #7 Pompey Wake Up In Final 15 Burton Albion 1 – 3 Portsmouth Rob Kiernan has been a bit jaded, so Sonny Bradley will start with N'Gala in central midfield. We're still waiting for the majority of our forwards to get fit, so Harris goes alongside Connolly. 7 – GOAL! Rene Howe scores an odd one. Cook sends in a short cross and Howe heads it past a completely stumped van Crooy. The Brewers take the early lead. 26 – A slow game since the Burton goal and Bradley has come down with an injury. Danny East replaces him. 36 – Connolly has had four good chances over the course of the game so far and has sent all of them wide. 45 – Half time. With the struggles offensively we make two changes. Johnny Ertl comes off because of a knock, the DM replaced by Matthew Dolan. Connolly is coming off for Karim Rossi, who is returning from his dire stubbed toe. 57 – McDermott has taken a knock, but we've already used all three subs. He'll have to suffer through. He does get in a nice cross for Ferry, who earns a corner from his shot. 66 – Now Mossaoui has picked up a knock. We might be slightly less effective on the wings from here on out. 78 – GOAL! Ashley Harris levels the affair! He takes Mosaoui's pass as he's striding into the box, takes one touch and fires home. Get in! 82 – GOAL! Karim Rossi on his return from injury nets his fourth of the year! Ferry pass in, Rossi split s the defenders and the keeper's legs! 86 – GOAL! Now it's raining! Harris sends in a corner that bounces around and is blocked three times before falling for Donal McDermott. The winger slots it home easily and we are cruising in these last 15 minutes. 90 – Full time. Fantastic comeback as we score three goals in the final 15 minutes to take a stunning win from Burton. Bondz N'Gala continues to impress and was named Man of the Match. McDermott, Rossi and Harris also put in fantastic performances. Bad news though. After taking five or so games to get going, McDermott twisted his ankle and is going to miss 6-7 weeks. I think we'll be okay with Andy Barcham starting, but this is definitely a blow. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-22-2013, 07:39 PM	#10
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	September 17 - 30 Tue. 17 September, 2013 Wallace Wants Out Jed Wallace has rocked the club by handing in an official transfer request. Wallace doesn't believe he can get first team football here and right now he's probably fourth on the central midfielder list. We've accepted his offer and will look to see if we can make some profit from him. Sat. 21 September, 2013 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #8 Ten Men Pompey Hold Fleetwood Portsmouth 1 – 1 Fleetwood Town Rossi and Kiernan are back starting for this match. Barcham will indeed start on the left in place of the injured McDermott. 12 – Johnny Ertl picks up a yellow card for a cynical tackle in our half. Fleetwood's movement ends with a nice save from van Crooy. 18 – GOAL! What sumptuous football! Connolly to Mossaoui to Rossi who slots past the diving keeper. 1-0 to the hosts. That's Rossi's fifth this season. 28 – GOAL! Frantic defending as we're in sixes and sevens on the corner. It bounces free from van Crooy and Ikpeazu is there to level the visitors. 45 – Half time. Dunne is struggling at fullback. But he'll stay in. We're doing OK, but need to push on to get three points. 50 – RED CARD! Bad news as Johnny Ertl is shown an early bath. He makes another ill-advised tackle at the half-way line and the referee is right there to send him making. Connolly comes off for Dolan. N'Gala shifts to right back and Dunne is replaced by Sonny Bradley. 53 – Rossi earns a corner, now operating as a loan striker. He couldn't unlock the defense, but his shot did enough. Fleetwood is definitely trying to stretch us wide on the pitch, but we are handling the crosses quite well. 65 – Dolan forces a save from an excellent free kick. 71 – Simon Ferry has taken a knock and will be replaced by Romain Padovani. 74 – Fleetwood have had two free kicks from the top of the box in the last few minutes and Schumacher has sent them both over goal. 85 – Fleetwood starting to press with the advantage. More and more crosses coming in. van Crooy and the back four have handled the pressure very well. N'Gala is putting in another Man of the Match performance. 90 – Full time. N'Gala is named Man of the Match once again with a fantastic game. Mossaoui was our second best player with his assist on Rossi's goal. The Karim to Karim connection on display. We need to cut out the cautions. Second match this year we've had to deal with ten men. We move to second with 17 points, four behind Plymouth. Johnny Ertl has been suspended for one match. Tue. 24 September, 2013 Craddock Back Tom Craddock has returned to full training after missing three weeks with a thigh strain. He's made two substitute appearances and has a 6.70 rating. Wed. 25 September, 2013 Wallace Crocked In bad news for club and player, Jed Wallace has sustained a broken toe. The wantaway player will need to see a specialist and is expected to miss 2-3 months. Sat. 28 September, 2013 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #9 Josh Carson Brace Sees Off Blue Army York City 2 – 1 Portsmouth With Ertl suspended, Dolan will play as a halfback in the defensive midfield position. N'Gala is averaging a 7.98. To think, I almost released him. 9 – GOAL! N'Gala was ever present heading away corner after corner. Carson heads home a cross for the hosts after he lost two defenders and the keeper. 15 - GOAL! The captain! Barcham crosses to the top center of the box and Mossaoui nods it down for Connolly. He coolly passes the ball into goal. 39 – GOAL! Josh Carson has a brace. He gets free in the area and easily finishes Jarvis' cross. 41 – Connolly is injured. Ashley Harris will replace. 45 – Half time. The back four, aside from N'Gala are putting on a shocker. Absolutely terrible. N'Gala is a rock. 52 – Harris is getting opportunities, but is once again being wasteful. 59 – We are not closing them down quickly enough. 61 – Dunne is exhausted and Kiernan has been terrible both are subbed. Bradley and Cooper in at DC and N'Gala is shifted to fullback. 66 – PENALTY! Cooper brings down Carson in the box, but Howard strikes the penalty off the crossbar! 85 – Harris grazes the bar. 90 – Full time. I tell the team I'm disappointed in them for the loss. I praise N'Gala and the team reacts angrily. Interesting to note. York rises to 3rd and drops us to 4th with their victory. Simon ferry suffered a dead leg after an accidental collision and will miss 6-8 days. The midfielder has a 7.33 rating in 9 games. He is arguably our best overall player in terms of skill. David Connolly has suffered a groin strain and is expected to miss 4 weeks. The hits just keep on coming. He's averaging a 7.52 with 7 goals and 4 assists in 10 appearances. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-23-2013, 09:55 AM	#11
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	October 1 - 15, 2013 Tue. 01 October, 2013 Board Update The board is satisfied with the coaching of the team. They are extremely pleased with the signing of Karim Mossaoui, the fans love him. They are disappointed with the loss to York. So am I. The club recorded a loss of £521,000 last month. However, we sold 824 kits and made £55,550 in merchandise! Devera Back Good news! Joe Devera has returned to full training following a double hernia. Sat. 05 October, 2013 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #10 Rochdale Steal Win at Fratton Park Portsmouth 0 – 1 Rochdale Harris come into the fold again with Connolly out for the semi-long term. Dolan starts at MC for the exhausted Simon Ferry. 25 – It's been a slow match. Ertl has picked up a knock, but should be okay. It'll be assessed at the half. 33 – There's no penetration past midfield for either team. 34 – GOAL! Spoke too soon. Henderson puts Rochdale up one nothing, nodding one back to Jenkins, receiving the return past and beating van Crooy. 45 – Half time. We've been on the back foot and look uninspired. Nobody looks terrible, but they don't look good either. 62 – Cooper on for Ertl and Craddock on for Harris. Looking for a goal. 72 – Barcham hits the elbow of the goal frame. Heads drop across the ground. 90 – Full time. A turgid performance. N'Gala pulled in a 7.9, but the attack was disappointing. We only managed 4 shots with 2 on target. Simply unacceptable. Agyemang Back Patrick Agyemang has resumed full training after recovering from a twisted ankle. Ertl Injured More bad news as defensive midfielder Johnny Ertl has suffered a groin strain. He is expected to miss four weeks. Sun. 13 October, 2013 Sky Bet League Match Day #11 Ashley Harris Stars in Pompey Win Plymouth Argyle 1 – 3 Portsmouth Third hosting seventh. The match is being televised. We're winless in three, two losses on the trot. Rossi is unavailable on international duty, so Craddock and Harris form an uninspiring starting duo up top. Dolan starts at DM for the injured Ertl. 13 – GOAL! Barcham crosses from the left flank and Harris heads it home. The visitor's section is going wild! 17 – GOAL! Harris again! Ferry takes a headed passes from Mossaoui and threads it through to Harris. The keeper gets a hand on it, but isn't strong enough to keep the ball out. 45 – We look great at the half. Some excellent pressure in the Plymouth half. Harris has been phenomenal. 53 – GOAL! Barcham cuts inside and lays off for Mossaoui who one times his shot on the volley to beat Cole. 54 - Padovani is on for the injured Ferry. He's only taken a knock, but better to be safe than sorry. 61 – Plymouth go close when van Crooy comes out a bit too far. Harvey shoots, but drills the bar. 72 – Great save from van Crooy! He tips a headed effort just over goal. N'Gala clears the corner away. 90 + 2 – GOAL! Merely consolation, but Marvin Morgan cuts inside N'Gala and unleashes a brilliant left-footed shot that beats van Crooy near side. Full time and a terrific win. A great way to come back after a draw and two losses. Harris picks up the deserved Man of the Match with an 8.9. Barcham an 8.3, Mossaoui and Kiernan an 8.4. A team effort all around. Just need to start beating the teams we are clearly better than. Mon. 14 October, 2013 Moutaouakil Wants Out After a chat with the fullback, it's been decided we'll try and find a new club for him. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-23-2013, 03:11 PM	#12
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	October 18 - 31, 2013 Fri. 18 October, 2013 Painter Signs Deal Marcos Painter has signed a new 2 year contract with the club. He has been quite good as our left fullback. 7.22 rating in 12 matches. Sat. 19 October, 2013 Sky Bet League Match Day #12 Harris Penalty Seals the Points Portsmouth 1 - 0 Bury Rossi back in for Craddock. Everything else remains the same from the previous match. This is one of those danger matches we really should win. Bury is 19th in the division and has struggled mightily. 14 – Shot from distance by Rossi is sent out for a corner. Bury deal with the set-piece. 37 – Rossi pulls back a cross in the box for Barcham, but Jensen does well to get down and save. He's looked quite good when called upon for the visitors. 56 – Ferry wins the ball in midfield, out for Mossaoui and his cross bounces off the crossbar and out for a Bury throw. 63 – Harris' free kick nails the crossbar. We're getting a touch unlucky here. 75 – Padovani is on for Ferry and Holmes for Mossaoui. Both are tired and Ferry had picked up a caution. 76 – PENALTY! A foul on our corner and Bury concede. It's Ashley Harris stepping up and sending it into the top right corner of goal! 1-0 Pompey! Cool and collected finish. 90 – Full time. The penalty seals a nervy win in which we never really got going. To no one's surprise, Bondz N'Gala is once again Man of the Match in a tight affair. He's been incredible. The win moves us into second with Plymouth drawing and York losing. Oxford drew with Accrington. Sun. 20 October, 2013 Connolly Back Big sigh of relief. David Connolly is back in full training after recovering from his groin strain. Tue. 22 October, 2013 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #13 Wycombe Take the Spoils with Comeback Win Portsmouth 2 – 3 Wycombe Wanderers McDermott is back and starting on the left. Cooper is back and starting at DM. N'Gala gets a day off and Bradley will pair Kiernan at DC. 4 – Alan Dunne has taken an early knock, but should be able to shake it off. 8 – GOAL! Mossaoui with a great individual effort. Works his way from the right to the top center of the box and blasts it right-footed past the keeper. 29 – Rossi has the entire defense beat by about two yards, but the side official judges him offside. 38 – PENALTY! Mossaoui concedes near the edge of the area. Matt Bloomfield steps up and levels the match at one. 45- Half time. We're level because of a silly penalty. Let's get back in front. The majority of the squad is motivated for the second half. 52 – GOAL! McDermott picks up a yellow card in midfield, Arnold sends in a looping free kick and Stewart puts a powerful header past van Crooy. 83 – GOAL! Wycombe seals it with Tom Hopper skirting around the defence and slotting home neatly into the bottom right corner of goal. 89 – GOAL! Maybe not! Rossi is freed down the left, jinks past Hause and hits a hopeful looking shot that finds its way in. 90 – Full time. Rossi's goal was merely consolation and we slump to a disappointing home loss to Wycombe. Cooper was dreadful with a 5.7 rating at DM. Rossi and Ferry were our best at 7.3. We fall to fourth, four behind Plymouth who are once again first and level with Mansfield on points at 26. Sat. 26 October, 2013 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #14 Up and Down, but Pompey Eventually Win Torquay United 3 – 5 Portsmouth Connolly is back in the lineup, pairing with Rossi. East starts for a tired Dunne. 4 – GOAL! It comes from a cross on the left. Barcham to the far post, it's Mossaoui heading home. His fourth goal of the season. 7 – Connolly just misses right. Ferry is battling hard in midfield to win possession back. 10 – GOAL! Connolly! Rossi wins possession and attempts to shoot. The shot is blocked by the Torquay defender, but Connolly volleys it past the keeper. 22 – GOAL! Torquay pull one back as Asante slots past van Crooy. 28 – GOAL! And a brilliant one at that. Mansell skips over a tackle and loops one over van Crooy from 20 yards. 33 – East is cautioned for protesting us not being given a penalty. Nice. Real smart. 45 – Half time. Ferry has a knock and is coming off. So is East. Devera will make his first appearance at fullback. Padovani is on for Ferry. 61 – GOAL! Asante is the fox in the box. Van Crooy saves the first shot, Asante taps it home. Torquay take the lead. 71 – PENALTY! Torquay concede as Rossi breaks into the area. Devera steps up and calmly slots it past the keeper. The match is level once more! 73 – GOAL! Mossaoui breaks into the area, cutting in from the left. He evades three defenders it passes it past the keeper! Pompey back in front! 90 + 1 – GOAL! Barcham ends it with style, drifting in from the left and firing from the top of the box. Full time. Great comeback win to seal three points. 2-0 to 2-3, to 5-3, we'll take that. Great resilience from the team to get back and win it. Mossaoui's two goals earn him player of the match. Padovani came on at half time and provided two assists from midfield. We managed 15 shots on target and 25 overall. Fantastic. That's what I want to see every match. We're up to third on 26 points, just one behind Plymouth and Mansfield. Sun. 27 October, 2013 FA Cup Draw We will play League 1 side Wolverhampton Wanderers in the first round of the FA Cup. We won it in 2008! Wolves find themselves in League 1 after falling from the Premier League and Championship in successive seasons. We will be playing at the Molineux on 9 November. Ertl Back Johnny Erl has resumed full training after missing three weeks with a groin strain. Tue. 29 October, 2013 N'Gala Blow We've taken an injury hit to Bondz N'Gala who will miss up to two weeks with a bruised head after a robust challenge in a training session. He has a 7.84 rating in 13 appearances this season. He was nearly released before starring in the Swindon Town Capital One Cup tie. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-24-2013, 02:47 PM	#13
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	November 1 - 14, 2013 Fri. 01 November, 2013 Board Confidence The board is still satisfied with my coaching. They and the supporters are pleased with Mossaoui. They're still hurting over the 2-1 loss to York. The club recorded a loss of £442,000 last month, but sold 646 kits and £40,780 in merchandise. Sat. 02 November, 2013 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #15 Butler's Blast Wins the Day Portsmouth 1 – 0 Exeter Painter is out due to yellow card accumulation and N'Gala is out due to his head injury. Butler steps in a left back, Bradley at center back. Will we be up and down, or can we string together a pair of wins. It'd be nice to see one at home again. 4 – McDermott has a chance, getting a wild ball in from the right, but he fires straight at the keeper. Rossi then works his way in and puts it just to the wrong side of goal. 32 – Connolly has to come off injured and it's Ashley Harris coming on for him. He has an immediate chance with a free kick and fires over. 37 – Exeter make a nice cross in the box and a shot. Van Crooy makes a great diving save. 45 + 3 – GOAL! Dan Butler! The left back bursts iside and fires a shot that is saved by the Exeter keeper. The persistent defender pounces on the rebound and fires it into goal. 51 – McDermott and Rossi miss an opportunity inside the six yard box. 58 – Dolan has taken at a knock and Padovani will replace him at DM. 74 – McDermott has gotten into good positions all day, but continues to struggle with his shooting. 90 – Full time. Butler's injury time blast is the winner and we're grateful to put two wins in a row together for the first time in awhile. Butler is Man of the Match and deservedly so. Sonny Bradley was nearly as good, dominating defensively. The win moves us into second on 29 points, one behind Plymouth. Dolan and Connolly Injured Central midfielder Matthew Dolan 6.98 in 10 appearances has sustained a bruised thigh and will miss up to 2 weeks. David Connolly is injured once more with a bruised thigh and will miss up to 2 weeks. 12 appearances and 8 goals, 4 assists for the 36 year-old. Wed. 06 November, 2013 Butler Named Dan Butler has been named to the League 2 Team of the Week. Sat. 09 November, 2013 FA Cup First Round Wolves Battle Past Pompey Wolverhampton 1 – 0 Portsmouth Connolly and Dolan are out, so Harris plays as the false nine and Ertl is back in at DM. Wolves are certainly a better side than we are. Chances are we'll have to cope with them for most of the afternoon. 6 – Ashley Harris had a free kick in a decent area and you can probably guess where he sent it. 14 – Ertl works into the box and takes a shot. We're showing some promise. 21 – Harris sends in a corner that bounces to McDermott, his shot is wide. 26 – Kevin Doyle is in for Wolves, but his shot lands harmlessly on top of goal. 37 – We concede a corner from a bad pass and a good save by van Crooy. We are playing very well in our own half. 45 – Harris is having a bad game at half time. We tell him to prove a point. 57 – Subs. Harris comes off for Barcham, who moves to left wing. McDermott moves to AMC. We'll play with one forward. Kiernan comes on at DM for the exhausted Ertl. Ferry may be our next sub. 64 – Wolves starting to assert themselves in the match. Stephent Hunt has a goal ruled offside after a great build up. 70 – The back four continues to cope and excel. Bradley and N'Gala standing out. 79 – GOAL! Wolves finally take the lead they deserve. Ricketts crosses from the left to Zofcak who heads past van Crooy. 88 – A half chance! But Hennessey easily holds onto Kiernan's shot. Full time. It's a tough loss, but we were outplayed for the majority and Wolves goal was very, very well deserved. The entire back four played extremely well and should be applauded. Wolves took 19 shots and had 8 on target, compared to our 5/2. Completely outplayed. And that runs me into another first round cup exit. Wed. 13 November, 2013 Duo Resume Training Matthew Dolan and David Connolly have both returned to full training after missing a couple of weeks with bruised thighs. Thu. 14 November, 2013 Butler Injured Dan Butler is expected to miss four weeks with a thigh strain. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-24-2013, 05:07 PM	#14
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	November 15 - 30 , 2013 Sun. 17 November, 2013 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #16 Bottom of the Barrel Wimbledon Snatch Win AFC Wimbledon 1 – 0 Portsmouth We're televised against bottom Wimbledon. Rossi is on international duty with the Swiss U21 team, so Connolly and Harris will pair up top. And we're wearing our away whites for the first time this year. 5 – Sweeney has a free kick for Wimbledon hit the bar. 16 – GOAL! Jack Midson puts the hosts in front. Sweeney puts him between two defenders and the rest is easy. 33 – We are being overrun. 45 – Half time. No changes, except swapping Harris and Connolly's roles. 61 – Padovani on for Ferry, Barcham for Connolly. 67 – McDermott wastes an opportunity by misfiring wide. 90 – Full time. Well, it doesn't get much more embarrassing than losing to the team at the foot of the table on national television, does it? Kiernan and N'Gala were solid as always, but the attacking players struggled heavily. We'll need to look at this moving forward. Not a good result. We hang on to fourth position, three behind Oxford. Wed. 20 November, 2013 Moutaouakil Wants to Stay Now the fullback wants to be removed from the transfer list. We'll accept the request. Sat. 23 November, 2013 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #17 Pompey Dominate, Held to Draw Portsmoth 0 – 0 Scunthorpe Dolan starts at DM, Rossi and Harris up top. 4 – PENALTY! McDermott gets a shot on, chases the rebound and is tackled in the process. Ferry steps up and drives it right at the keeper. So disappointing. 31 – Plenty of shots on target, but all of them directly at the keeper. 66 – Padovani and Connolly are on for Ferry and Harris. 82 – Almost! Padovani hits the cross bar, but Rossi is offside as he puts the rebound home. 84 – Connolly hits the post and then heads a cross into the keeper's arms. He then wins a corner off the counter attack. 90 – Full time. Marcos Painter is Man of the Match, but overall it's a disappointing draw with a team well below us in the pecking order. Tue. 26 November, 2013 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #18 Rossi Assists Twice in Pompey Win Portsmouth 2 – 1 Southend United Southend are 19th in the league and have lost four of their last five away games. This is an absolute must win for us. Typical lineup with Rossi and Connolly up top, McDermott and Mossaoui on the wings. Ferry at MC, Ertl at DM, Painter, Bradley, N'Gala, Dunne at the back and van Crooy between the sticks. We'll attempt a higher tempo and to get the ball into space against their 4-4-2. We're at Fratton Park, we want to put on a show. 4 – Some nice early build up passing from Ertl and Ferry, ultimately Mossaoui is ruled offside. 8 – GOAL! David Connolly! Ferry tackles the ball from Laird into Connolly's path and he slots it past the keeper. 10 – van Crooy makes a low save from a shot at the top of the box and another from the right. He's responding well to Southend's immediate pressure. 31 – GOAL! Oh my! Rossi puts in Mossaoui who dribbles into the six yard box from the right and nutmegs the keeper. What a goal! 37 – Hurst needs to be closed down on the left. He's put in two strong shots, van Crooy has done well to save both. 45 – Up two goals at the half. We need to continue the pressure. 54 – Mossaoui has picked up an injury and has to come off. Bad news. McDermott will move to the right and Barcham will come on as the left winger. 65 – Rossi takes a shot from distance, but the Southend keeper easily holds. 72 – GOAL! Southend have found a way back in through Barry Corr. Thompson cross from the right and finds Corr at the near post. 75 – Rossi is worked in well, but the shot fizzes just wide of the post. 90 – Full time. It's a deserved 2-1 win for the club. Even after giving up the goal and moving to an entirely defensive and negative tactical stance, we managed some excellent possession and attacking verve. Unfortunately we weren't able to add to the scoreline. Finally able to beat a bottom of the table club, as odd as that sounds. Alan Dunne was Man of the Match, silent but strong at right full back, shutting down the Southend left all day long. Mossaoui Injured As feared, Karim Mossaoui will miss around two months with a sprained ankle. The right winger has been a revelation since signing with the club on a free transfer in July. He has made 18 appearances, scoring 7 goals and making 4 assists. Sat. 30 November, 2013 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #19 Portsmouth Just Hang On For Draw Hartlepool United 1 – 1 Portsmouth With Mossaoui out, Barcham on the left and McDermott as an advanced playmaker on the right. Joe Devera starts for a very tired Alan Dunne at right back and Kiernan starts for N'Gala in the center. Also, Dolan in for Ertl at DM. 16 – GOAL! Harris steals the ball in the Pompey half and finds Rossi as the outlet. Rossi runs in all alone and fires it in! Great counterattacking football from our side. 26 – Post! Harris hits it and a wayward bounce could have seen another goal. They are really working hard for one another in the final third. 45 – Half time. We look good, moving the ball around fairly freely. When on the back foot, we have looked sturdy. Van Crooy has come up big a couple of times. Bradley has picked up a caution and Painter a knock, so we'll keep an eye on the back four to start the second half. 46 – GOAL! Not even 30 seconds into the second half and Joe Ironside has tied the affair for the hosts. 52 – Distribution is poor and it feels as if another Hartlepool goal is coming. 56 – van Crooy making some fantastic saves as we can't seem to get out of our own end. We finally manage a shot and Ashley Harris loops it over goal. 75 – Harris has a free kick on the edge of the box and fires it into the wall. He fires the rebound harmlessly wide of goal. 90 – A draw. We probably deserved to lose with the way Hartlepool manhandled the second half, but we'll escape with the point. Painter and Sonny Bradley were fantastic in the back four, with van Crooy disappointing with a 6.0 rating. I thought he was a fair bit better than that, though I suppose he gets fault for the Ironside goal. His passing was atrocious as well. We finish November in 3rd, just two behind Oxford. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-24-2013, 08:00 PM	#15
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	December 1 - 15, 2013 Mon. 02 December, 2013 Board Confidence The board is still satisfied with my coaching of the team. They and the fans are still super pleased with Karim Moussaoui. However, they are disappointed with the 1-0 loss to Wimbledon. As am I. Sat. 07 December, 2013 N'Gala Injury Ugh. Our star player has suffered a calf strain in training. He'll miss up to five weeks with the injury. Bradley and Kiernan will be relied on more and more. N'Gala has a 7.81 rating in 17 appearances. Sat. 14 December, 2013 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #20 Ashley Harris Plays Super Sub With Brace Portsmouth 3 – 0 Newport County Typical lineup with Rossi and Connolly up top. Newport sit in 10th, so a home win here would be good business. 2 – Great work in the first minute to get the ball into the box. Dunne comes out of nowhere to force a shot and win a corner. Very positive start. 20 – GOAL! Ferry with a superb back heel to McDermott cutting down the right. His left-footed shot beats the keeper at the near post. That's McDermott's fourth goal of the season. 45 – The half ends with a corner. Ferry finds Sonny Bradley wide open, but his volley is straight at the keeper who parries it away. 56 – Harris coming on for Connolly, who had picked up a knock. 64 – Harris sends a free kick into the wall, Ertl wins the rebound and fires over goal. 70 – Moving the ball around the park from right to left and back very well. Ferry gets a shot on goal from the movement. 75 – GOAL! Rossi with a lovely ball puts Ashley Harris through one on one. The keeper comes out and Harris chips it by! 90 + 2 – GOAL! Harris again as he slips by the defense and makes it 3-0 for good measure. Full time. Rossi picks up Man of the Match with his pair of assists, but Ashley Harris did a bang up job coming on with just over a half hour remaining. Painter, Bradley, Dunne, Ferry and McDermott were also excellent. Solid team performance and we're up to second position. Injury Report Fullback Alan Dunne, who has a 7.39 rating and one goal in 20 appearances sustained a bruised rib and is expected to miss 12 days. David Connolly, who is really starting to break down has suffered from a gashed leg and will be out for 3-4 weeks. Ashley Harris will not mind more playing time in his stead. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-25-2013, 10:08 AM	#16
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	Dec 15 - 31, 2013 Tue. 17 December, 2013 Team of the Week DC Sonny Bradley, AMR Donal McDermott and MC Simon Ferry were selected in the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week. Sat. 21 December, 2013 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #21 Pompey Just About Beat Rovers Bristol Rovers 0 – 1 Portsmouth Rovers are 23rd in the league. Another must win match for us. No offense to Bristol. With Connolly injured again, Harris starts. He would have anyway with his form in the second half last weekend. Everything else is basically the same. Devera at right back with Devera needing a rest. 13 – Ertl and Harris have picked up knocks. 18 – Barcham works in one on one for a shot, but it's parried away. 20 – Failing to impress ourselves upon them. We win the ball back, and turn it over the next pass and they work in a shot. Frustrating football so far from us. 37 – Kiernan goes really close with a header from Harris' corner. 45 – Half time. And level with a far inferior team than us. We need to push on. 47 – Norburn gives away a dangerous free kick and Harris forces a good save. Another foul and the same situation. We're starting to dominate with this, but one wayward pass and it fizzles out. 57 – Ertl coming off for Dolan because of the knock he took early on. Craddock on for Harris who is tired and has struggled. 68 – We're getting some chances, but the end result is lacking. 80 – GOAL! Rossi! And what a build up. Dolan and Ferry involved in midfield, push it to Rossi, who sends it left for Painter. His cross comes back and lands at the feet of Rossi. Portsmouth with the breakthrough. 90 – Full time. Stringing together some wins at the right time. When the matches are going to come thick and furious through the holiday period. Painter was our best player today with his defending and superb assist on Rossi's goal. Bradley wasn't far behind him though. Thu. 26 December, 2013 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #22 Late Penalty Gifts Dag & Red Victory Portsmouth 2 – 3 Dagenham & Redbridge East will be the right back, as we seem to be rotating a trio of them quite freely recently. The rest of the squad is about as you would expect. 9 – GOAL! Sonny Bradley rises above all defenders to bury home the header from Ashley Harris' corner. 19 – GOAL! Ogogo works in a pass to Woodall who takes a clean right-footed shot to beat van Crooy low. 27 – GOAL! Woodall threads a pass to Murphy who gets in one on one with van Crooy and beats the keeper. 45 – Half time. It all started so well, but quickly went downhill. We've got to regroup and get a goal back in the first 20 minutes or so. My assistant believes our recent form has led to some players being a bit over confident. 47 – GOAL! Andy Barcham quickly levels this game! Ashley Harris sends a cross through the defense and the left winger converts his chance. 49 – Harris has to go off injured. Craddock comes on for him. Ferry and Ertl are struggling in midfield, so I pull them off for Padovani and Dolan. 73 – Painter picks up a caution for excessive fouling. 75 – PENALTY! Kiernan concedes and Rhys Murphy makes us pay. 3-2 Dag & Red. 84 – Craddock goes close off the side netting. Half the ground thought it was in. 90 – Full time and I am furious. This is a match we should have never lost. Most of the team was okay. Van Crooy, Kiernan and Rossi were abhorrent. Sonny Bradley was great again. We need to beat teams in the lower half. No excuses. Sun. 29 December, 2013 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #23 Bird is the Word in Portsmouth Win Portsmouth 3 – 2 Northampton Town A home match against a bottom half side. We should win this. Like the last match. Bird starts up top with Rossi. Holmes also gets a start. 6 – GOAL! Bird lays off for Rossi and the Swiss forward powers it in. 13 – GOAL! Embarrassment for Delano van Crooy as he turns the ball into our net from a Northampton corner. The own goal levels the match. 18 – GOAL! And now the visitors are firmly in front. Widdowson's corner comes in for Morris and he volleys it in. 22 – GOAL! Ricky Holmes! Some fancy work between he and Dunne to evade defenders and Holmes rockets it in from just outside the six yard box. 45 – Half time. It's been thrilling. Action at both ends and anyone could go in front. We need to go in front. 51 – GOAL! And we do go in front! Rossi finds McDermott who can cross from the left onto the head of Bird. Easy goal! 90 – Full time. We slogged the game down in midfield to be certain we would take three points. Ugly, but every win is crucial. Ryan Bird was Man of the Match. He and Holmes did well coming on cold off the bench to start today. Mon. 30 December, 2013 N'Gala Back Bondz N'Gala has returned to full training after missing 3 weeks with a calf strain. Tue. 31 December, 2013 Contract Extensions GK Delano van Crooy and DC/DR Bondz N'Gala have signed contracts with the club through 2015. Chief Scout Mark Kelly and youth coach Mark Chamberlain have also signed deals through 2015. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-25-2013, 02:34 PM	#17
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	Half-Way Point League Table __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-25-2013, 04:43 PM	#18
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	January 1 - 15, 2014 Wed. 01 January, 2014 Board Confidence The board is still satisfied and pleased with the Mossaoui signing. They are also still upset with the 1-0 loss to Wimbledon. Connolly Back David Connolly has returned to full training after missing 3 weeks with a gashed leg. Youngster Turns Professional Pompey youngster Fahad Rwakarambwe had signed his first professional deal. He's rated at 5 stars potential for League 2. He's a central midfielder and will be one to watch. Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #24 Pompey Overcome Corr for Draw Southend United 3 – 3 Portsmouth Padovani and Dolan start in midfield. East at right back. 2 – McDermott drifting inside from the right, takes a shot that misses wide left. 10 – McDermott looking threatening cutting in. This team he forces a save from the Southend keeper. 15 – Barcham firing over goal. Our wingers seem to be getting the best chances early on. 16 - GOAL! But it's Karim Rossi converting his chance! McDermott breaks him free through the center of the defense and Rossi easily beats the keeper. 23 – East has been dominating his man on the right. He's been winning the ball, intercepting passing and tackling with verve. 26 – The ground oohs and aahs as Barry Corr has a goal ruled out. 34 – GOAL! Andy Barcham takes a pass from Rossi and cuts in from the left. His first attempt is saved by Urwin, but he persists and kicks the ball over the line. 35 – GOAL! Barry Corr has his goal now. Atkinson hits the post and the rebound lands right at the feet of the Southend forward. 41 – Joe Devera's header from a corner is cleared off the line. 42 – GOAL! Southend hit on the break. Yussuff crosses for Atkins who heads past a diving van Crooy. 45 – Half time. Ugh. What a turnaround. East looked very good in the first half of the half, but awful in the next 22 minutes. We need to pick it up. 57 – Pressure in the final third amounts to a missed shot from Dolan. 63 – Rossi, having a solid game has to come off injured. Agyemang comes on. With East continuing to be bad, Moutaouakil comes on for him. 70 – GOAL! Corr is the fox in the box and easily puts Hurts's cross past van Crooy. Bad news with that goal. 79 – GOAL! Joe Devera thumps home Ashley Harris' corner with his head. Tie game! 90 – Full time. We had to fight tooth and nail for that one. Barry Corr dominated and deserved another goal or two. Another tough point here. Time to press on in the new year. Barcham was quite good. East was ugly. Rossi Injured And as feared, Karim Rossi will be on the sidelines for up to 2 months after spraining his ankle. The forward, on loan from Stoke has 9 goals and 6 assists in 23 appearances. Sat. 04 January, 2014 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #25 Second Half Goals Crush Accrington Portsmouth 4 – 1 Accrington Stanley It'll be the pairing of Craddock and Harris up top. A lot of tired players in this one on just three day's rest. Accrington are playing with 3 attacking central midfielders. No wide players at all in the attacking phase for them. We'll have to be wary of Joao Teixeira. 15 – Despite their midfield numbers, we're moving the ball quite easily. An attack is worked in and Craddock shoots wide. 23 – GOAL! Eugen Bopp with a tidy strike from the left side of the box off a nice pass from Will Hatfield. 36 – Harris works in and McDermott earns a corner. Bradley heads it wide of goal. Good chance there. 45 + 1 – GOAL! A long free kick from Harris is headed out from Hatfield. Unfortunately for the visitors it ends up on the left foot of Donal McDermott and this game is level. 50 – A good work into the box from Accrington results in a shot from Pericard that is held by van Crooy. 56 – GOAL! Andy Barcham with a fine individual effort! His first shot from the left is saved, but he gets his own rebound and slams it in! 64 – GOAL! We've been waiting all year to see one of these go in! A laser beam from an Ashley Harris free kick about 25 yards from goal on the right. 83 – GOAL! Tom Craddock's first for the club! McDermott holds well in midfield, turns and passes to Craddock in the box. The forward pivots and fires. We've put this well out of reach. 90 – Full time. What a win! Great comeback from the goal at the end of the half all the way through to the finish. McDermott was Man of the Match, Barcham, Harris, Craddock and Dunne all put in terrific performances. Not too bad for a tired team! Webster Back From Loan Finally a decision I've been waiting for. Central defender Adam Wesbter has returned from his loan spell out at Aldershot where he made 22 appearances for the Skrill Prem team. He has a ton of potential and every chance to step into our starting XI. Tue. 07 January, 2014 Mossaoui Returns Good news everyone! Karim Mossaoui has returned to full training after being out with a sprained ankle. In 18 appearances the right winger has contributed 7 goals and 4 assists. Sat. 11 January, 2014 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #26 Oxford Feeling Bullish, Trample Pompey Oxford United 4 – 2 Portsmouth We travel to Oxford locked in with them on points for second. We've got the slight edge on goal differential, but let's not be bashful. We want to win this. Connolly is starting up top with Harris. Bradley and Kiernan pair in defense. Adam Webster will be on the subs bench, I may try and get him involved. Much like at the start of the year, we need to watch out for Constable, Whing and Rose. 13 – Kiernan makes a couple of nice tackles in the box and forces a shot wide. 16 – A bad clearance leads to a shot on the volley from Connolly that forces a corner. 26 – Most of our shots coming from a distance. Any time we try and work it in the ball is dispossessed and cleared away. 39 – GOAL! It's Jake Wright from Hunt's throw-in. Wright finds himself unmarked for the easy header and the hosts take the lead and second place for the time being. 43 – GOAL! Double your fun. Townsend's corner is right on Onyenuga's foot. 45 + 1 – GOAL! It looks hopeless for Pompey as we concede our third from set-pieces. This time it's another Hunt throw-in, with Constable heading it in. We looked a shambles in those last six minutes. 46 – GOAL! Wow. Bradley misses the ball on a hoof in from Oxford, it skips by and Constable races on to it and beats van Crooy. This has turned ugly. 70 – With the game out of hand, we take off Bradley, Ferry and Ertl. Coming on will be Webster, Dolan and Padovani. This will be Webster's debut. 74 – GOAL! A mere consolation, but some nice work from McDermott and Connolly to work the ball in for Harris, who beats the keeper to his left. 90 – GOAL! Harris adds another when he volleys Newey's botched clearance into goal. Full time. Ugly. We even injured three of their players. We drop to third, Chesterfield is in fourth, level on points. It's going to be a battle for promotion. At least Harris looked good toward the end of the game. Really our only bright spot. Mon. 13 January, 2014 Mossaoui Out Again Bad luck for Karim Mossaoui as he's set to miss another 2-3 weeks with a virus. Wed. 15 January, 2014 Cooper Exits Club Shaun Cooper has departed Portsmouth after his contract expired. The defensive midfielder averaged a 6.17 in four appearances this season. __________________ Come On You Irons! 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10-25-2013, 07:18 PM	#19
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	January 16 - 31, 2014 Sat. 18 January, 2014 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #27 Back Four Provides Foundation for Big Win Portsmouth 3 – 0 Mansfield Town Mansfield is 8th, just outside of the playoff positions. This would be a good rebound win for us. Webster will pair with Bradley in defense. I want Webster to get playing time, probably has the best potential of anybody we've got. 5 – GOAL! And it's Webster on his full debut! He takes the corner from Harris and turns it into goal with a curling right-footed shot. 12 – GOAL! Ashley Harris with his 11th of the season. Barcham crosses from the left, it deflects off Black's foot and into the path of the Pompey forward. 23 – Mansfield nearly pull one back through Holman but it rockets off the crossbar. 32 – More possession from Mansfield. They work in a shot, but Crooks' effort goes wide. 45 – GOAL! Unlucky for Mansfield. Harris tries to shoot, but is dispossessed on a diving tackle by Watson. The ball goes straight to Connolly and he powers it through. 52 – Camp Pompey in Mansfield's final third to start the second half. 59 – With a comfortable 3-0 lead, we make some changes. Dunne is tired and N'Gala will replace at right back. Dolan will replace Ferry at MC. 69 – Connolly is sprung free, but can only shoot into the keeper's body. Great chance. 90 – Full time. Sonny Bradley wins Man of the Match, but plaudits go to the back four all around. Webster a 7.9, Painter an 8.3 and Bradley and 8.5. Can't ask for much more from these players. Harris was excellent again at an 8.2 as he continues to develop. Barcham added two assists. Fleetwood slip up at the top and Oxford takes first. We hang onto third as Chesterfield also win. Wed. 22 January, 2014 Wallace Signs Deal In a 180 from his previous stance of wanting out, Jed Wallace has signed a new one year contract that will keep him at the club until 30 June, 2015. Sat. 25 January, 2014 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #28 Shrimpers Eke by Pompey Morecambe 1 – 0 Portsmouth Away to 19th in the league. Important fixture to take all three if we want to avoid the hassle of promotion playoffs. Same starting lineup as the previous game. Let's stick with what works for now. 3 – GOAL! Portsmouth heads drop across the field. A ball gets away deep in our end, nobody chasing by Amond and he easily beats van Crooy one on one. 21 – We look timid at best when defending. Sheepish. Letting them get to the byline to send in crosses. Another Hyde performance to follow last week's Jekyll. 42 – The game had slowed down for a stretch, but livens up with some great work around the area, but we shoot wide. 45 – Down 1-0 to a terrible goal. Need to regroup and win this match. 47 – Connolly is into the box, but fires into the side netting. 66 – Connolly has picked up a knock. We'll bring Craddock on and move to an attacking philosophy. 85 – Ferry goes close, but shoots over goal. 90 – Full time. Ugh. Marcos Painter is Man of the Match, but it's little consolation. Webster was credited with making the error on the game's only goal, but came back with a strong second half performance. Once again dropping points to the teams we HAVE to beat. So disappointing. We fall to fourth, six points off of Fleetwood. Mon. 27 January, 2014 Mossaoui Returns Once again, Karim Mossaoui has returned to full training. Painter Honored Marcos Painter was selected to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week Tue. 28 January, 2014 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #29 Connolly the Star in Pompey Clean Sheet Wycombe Wanderers 0 – 3 Portsmouth We're away to dead last in the league. If we lose to them again, heads will roll. Dolan starts at MC, Butler at DL and N'Gala with Bradley at DC. 18 – GOAL! It's Connolly's 11th of the year. Barcham to Dolan to Connolly cutting into the box and he passes it into the back of goal. 26 – Thought that was leveled, but Sam Wood gets it all wrong and puts it wide and over. 45 – Seems like a total free-for-all any time we're near the box. Wycombe in sixes and sevens in defense, but we can't get it through or past anybody. Up a goal at the half, but it should be more. 61 – Former Portsmouth youth player Paris Cowan-Hall hits the post driving in from the right. 69 – Wycombe can do nothing right, every shot they take heads wide. 75 – GOAL! Connolly's 12th of the year and second today! Harris' corner is headed away by Ridehalgh, but Connolly pops up to send it home. 78 – GOAL! Matthew Dolan's first! Harris takes a free kick into the wall, but passes the rebound low to Dolan who dribbles forward and pushes it past the keeper. Dolan putting a stamp on a fine performance with his goal. 90 – Full time. Well deserved and we're definitely in Jekyll and Hyde mode. Big win, big loss, big win. What's next for us? Connolly, Dolan, Dunne, N'Gala, Bradley, Butler and Kiernan all manage 8.0+ ratings. That's where we want to be. Oxford have fallen to fourth, level on points with us. Chesterfield is one up on us in second and Fleetwood lead the way with 59. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-26-2013, 12:57 PM	#20
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	February 1 - 14, 2014 Sat. 01 February, 2014 Board Confidence Not much has changed. The board is still satisfied with the coaching of the team. They are still tickled pink with the signing of Mossaoui, who hasn't played in two months. They're also upset with the 4-2 loss to Oxford. Aren't we all? Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #30 Pompey Struggle in Bore Draw Portsmouth 0 – 0 Torquay United Torqauy are 18th. Let's hope the right version of our squad shows up today. McDermott is a bit jaded. He'll get a rest and Holmes will start at AMR. Mossaoui is about a week away in terms of fitness. 16 – We win a couple of corners through some excellent positioning and heading. We've had it in a dangerous position a couple of times. 24 – Harris smashes the crossbar with a corner. 32 – Connolly is set free by Harris, but can only shoot wide. 44 – Holmes has been doing a very nice job of running straight at his marker. He's turning him inside-out. 60 – Connolly isn't even trying. Perfect pass to him, rather than work into the box, he fires wide. 62 – We move to a classic 4-5-1 with Dolan replacing Connolly and moving to midfield. 69 – Harris works Holmes in from the right, but the winger sends it off target. 90 – Full time and a smattering of boos from across Fratton Park as we walk off the field with a disappointing nil-nil draw. Painter picks up Man of the Match, Dunne and Ertl also put in 8+ performances, but it's not enough when three points aren't included. Should not be losing to teams like this. Tue. 04 February, 2014 Players Named Marcos Painter and Matthew Dolan have been named to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week. Sat. 08 February, 2014 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #31 Exeter Fight to Earn Draw Exter City 2 – 2 Portsmouth Mossaoui is back! He'll be on the right, McDermott on the left. Otherwise, we're pretty much as one would expect. Exter sit in 13th, we'll see how it goes. 1 – Mossaoui is inches away from getting his head to a cross and a first minute goal. He looks up for this. 21 – GOAL! Donal McDermott! Mossaoui is the assist man, running his man ragged down the right and sending the cross for the back post. McDermott is there for an easy tap in. 38 – GOAL! Sam Parkin finds the equalizer for Exter, heading home Barkhuizen's cross from the top of the six yard box. 44 – GOAL! Arron Davis is unmarked on a corner and is able to easily shuttle the ball into the gaping net. We're letting ourselves down here. 45 + 1 – GOAL! Sonny Bradley with a replay of what happened at the opposite end just under two minutes ago! Half time. We're lucky it's 2-2 and unfortunate we don't have more. It's been that kind of game. 68 – Mossaoui is injured again. McDermott moves to the right as an inside forward, Barcham will come on to the left. We'll also bring Dolan in at MC and N'Gala at right back for Ferry and Dunne. 74 – A certain goal is saved as Barcham crosses in for Harris, but his shot is right into the keeper's chest. 85 – We're working hard for the winner, but Exeter and their keeper, Krysniak are stopping us at every turn. 90 – Full time and it's a draw. Bradley is Man of the Match, with Painter also putting in another 8+ performance. We have to hope Mossaoui's injury isn't too serious, he was having a great game before going down. There's no story about his injury, so we assume he'll be okay. Back to back draws knocks us to 4th with 55 points. One out of third, 5 out of second and 8 out of first. Ouch. Wed. 12 February, 2014 Rossi Back Karim Rossi has returned to full training after missing six weeks with a sprained ankle. The forward, on loan from Stoke City has scored 9 goals and added 6 assists in 23 appearances. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-26-2013, 11:39 PM	#21
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	February 15 - 28, 2014 Sat. 15 February, 2014 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #32 McDermott Paces in Win Portsmouth 3 – 1 AFC Wimbledon We dropped three points to them in the road fixture when they were bottom of the table. Now we need three points more than ever. Mossaoui is a bit tired, so McDermott and Barcham will post the wings. 16 – Harris forces a terrific save from Worner on a free kick, the rebound falls for Ertl, but it's well wide of the target. 31 – RED CARD! Harry Pell is given his marching orders for Wimbledon after taking down Ferry with a studs up tackle. Can we impress ourselves upon the match with the extra man? Barcham has a chance alone in the box, but shoots wide. 38 – We're really taking control of the match, but the quality in shot selection is lacking. 45 + 3 – GOAL! The breakthrough comes in the waning moments of the half, but it's there. McDermott crosses from right to left for Barcham who runs onto the ball and strikes it home. Half time. The only change is bringing on Matthew Dolan for a struggling Simon Ferry. 54 – GOAL! We catch Wimbledon napping and launch a counterattack through midfield. Dolan passes on to Harris, who outlets to McDermott. Worner gets a hand on the shot, but it still squirms through. 59 – Ertl is injured and Kiernan will come on. Barcham has also picked up a knock. Mossaoui will come on as his sub, shifting McDermott to the left. 84 – GOAL! Dolan outlets to Dunne who crosses for McDermott at the back post. He heads it home and celebrates his brace. 90 + 2 – GOAL! Francomb beats van Crooy at the near post. The only black mark on an otherwise terrific game. Full time. McDermott contributed in all three goals and was Man of the Match. We hang on to fourth and create some distance to fifth. We're three points out of second with games against both Chesterfield and Fleetwood remaining. Seems as if Ertl is fine, which is good news. Barcham and Connolly Injured Andy Barcham suffered a bruised rib after a strong challenge and is expected to miss 9-12 days. David Connolly sustained a bruised shin and is expected to miss 9-12 days. Wimbledon inflicts their casualties upon us. Sun. 16 February, 2014 Portsmouth Sign Parrett We have signed midfielder Dean Parrett on a free transfer from Bristol City. The player will join on a contract until June 2016 and will sign with us on 9 June, 2014. Tue. 18 February, 2014 Players Named Alan Dunne and Donal McDermott were both selected to theSky Bet League 2 Team of the Week. He's a bit slower than we'd maybe like, but is very good mentally and can pass the ball. He will provide good competition for Simon Ferry next year. Padovani Unhappy Romain Padovani has stated that he would like to leave the club. Limited chances behind Ferry and Dolan and the signing of Parrett have led the French midfielder to make up his mind. We'll do our best to find a club for him. Sat. 22 February, 2014 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #33 Irons Deny Pompey, Roll Them Over Scunthorpe United 3 – 0 Portsmouth We're playing at essentially full strength. Rossi and Mossaoui are both starting. This is certainly a game we need to take all three from. Though I can say that from here on out, I suppose. 11 – GOAL! What a free kick from Deon Burton! From just outside the 18 on the right hand side he sends in a beautiful curling shot to give the hosts the lead. 25 – McDermott has to come off injured. We have no ample left wing players riding the subs bench, so Craddock will make due. 41 – Mossaoui has a solid chance from the right, but his shot is headed for the sidelines rather than goal. 45 – Half time and though we've dominated proceedings, find ourselves behind. 65 – Ashley Harris with an opportunity, but it goes begging. 75 – GOAL! That should be it as Callum Ball doubles the Irons lead from Burton's excellent cross. 87 – GOAL! One more! Lussey with a phenomenal 25 yard free kick sends it right down the pipe. 90 – Another soul sucking loss to a team well below us. Completely outclassed. We stay om fourth, but are now four points out of 3rd and six points out of an automatic promotion spot. McDermott seems to have just taken a knock in game. He's fine and not showing up in any post match news feeds. Painter Reaches Limit Marcos Painter has picked up an automatic 2 match suspension after collecting 10 yellow cards. Tue. 25 February, 2014 Dunne Injured Alan Dunne has suffered a strained wrist after overexerting himself during training. He'll miss two weeks. Maksimenko On Trial With one eye on the future, we're trialing some free agents. The first of which is 23 year-old center back Vitalijs Maksimenko of Latvia. I like a lot of what he can offer, but his anticipation rated as a 4 is a big red flag for me. Not too great with positioning or stamina either. But he can mark and tackle decently and is quite determined. He'll be on trial for 3 weeks. Assistant manager Steve Allen thinks he'd be a leading League 2 player with the potential to be a leading Championship defender. I'm skepitcal. Fri. 28 February, 2014 Barcham Injured Injuries hitting the squad at precisely the wrong moment. Andy Barcham sprained an ankle and will miss up to 2 months. In 27 appearances Barcham has 6 goals and 8 assists. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-27-2013, 10:31 AM	#22
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	March 1 - 14, 2014 Sat. 01 March, 2014 Board Confidence The board is still satisfied with the coaching of the team. This has been underlined with the fans believing I am getting the best out of Marcos Painter. Still unhappy with that loss to Oxford. Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #34 Pompey Secure Vital Road Victory Chesterfield 0 – 2 Portsmouth Most important match of the year number one. Chesterfield is second in the league, six points above us. Let's cut the gap in half. Ertl is on the bench with Kiernan at DM in his place. Butler, Bradley, Webster and N'Gala make up the back four. Painter is on suspension and Dunne is injured, so it's a bit of a different look for us there. 5 – A real chance for Rossi as he's put in alone, but it's fired well over goal. 11 – Rossi denied by Lee this time as he gets a shot on right at the keeper. 15 – Buzzing in the attacking end, a goal is sure to come. 21 – Chesterfield being restricted to long shots. Delano van Crooy would be happy to see those all day long. 30 – Rossi has to come off injured. Connolly will replace him. 45 – Lee makes some fantastic stops leading up to half-time to keep Chesterfield level. We've got the edge in shots and possession. Just need to keep pressing. 47 – PENALTY! Edwards concedes. It's Simon Ferry stepping up and putting it into the top left corner! Pompey lead! 61 – Mossaoui has taken a knock and we're not going to take any chances. Ricky Holmes will replace him. 66 – GOAL! Holmes makes an instant impact skipping down the right with no marker and crossing into the center for a leaping Donal McDermott. That's his ninth of the season. 79 – Chesterfield working hard to try and get back into this, but they're still being held to long distance shots. 90 – Full time. Brilliant victory. Exactly the win we needed. The back four was huge today and Adam Webster was Man of he Match with his performance. N'Gala and Butler were excellent against the opposing wide players. Our attack was lacking, but McDermott was exceptional. We need to find a way to get him permanently. With our win, we succeed in making the table that much messier. We're fourth and four points separate 2nd and 5th. Fleetwood are six up on Chesterfield now. Sun. 02 March, 2014 Connolly Injured Again. Connolly suffered a gashed arm and will miss 6-9 days. He must be the most injury prone player ever. It's a miracle he's played 24 matches for us. It really is. Tue. 04 March, 2014 Team of the Week Delano van Crooy has been named to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week. Sat. 08 March, 2014 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #35 Pompey Dominate Cheltenham Portsmouth 4 – 1 Cheltenham Town Cheltenham is down in 17th. We'll use the same lineup that beat Chesterfield. 16 – Rossi picks up an errant back pass and glides into the box, but can only shoot wide. 27 – Another excellent move in and the best Harris can do is side netting. 29 – GOAL! Harris crosses deep from the right and finds Donal McDermott at the back post for his 10th goal this season! 45 – A good lead at the half, but we need to do more with our possession. 55 – GOAL! Teddy Gornell has just scored his 22nd goal of the season for Cheltenham. 60 – GOAL! Harris' corner finds its way in to Sonny Bradley and the lead is restored. 67 – N'Gala has had to come off injured. Webster moves to DR, Kiernan to DC and Ertl is on at DM. Harris is waning, so we bring on Craddock for him. 81 – GOAL! Marvelous free kick into the top right corner of goal from Johnny Ertl! 90 – Dan Butler has been injured. We throw on Jed Wallace because he complains about playing a lot. 90 + 4 – GOAL! Craddock with a great ball over the top for McDermott who slides it over to Rossi. The on-loan forward has 10 goals now! Full time. Fantastic win! Sonny Bradley picks up Man of the Match, with Simon Ferry and Donal McDermott being excellent as well. We're still three back of second, but we're four up on fifth. Eleven games to go and we're hoping to hit our stride. Sun. 09 March, 2014 Dunne Returns Alan Dunne returns to full training after missing 12 days with a strained wrist. Tue. 11 March, 2014 Bradley Named Sonny Bradley was named to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week. Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #36 Pompey Shoring up Title Ambitions Portsmouth 5 – 2 Burton Albion Dolan will start over Ferry at MC. Devera is also in at right back. 2 – GOAL! McDermott is off to the races and in the clear with only the keeper to beat. Easy side-footed finish to give the hosts the lead. 28 – Great work around the area and it falls for Dolan at the top of the box, but his shot is over. 35 – Rossi is worked in alone, but shoots wide. 45 – We look good at the half. Keep on keepin' on. 46 – Dolan is getting some chances to shoot, but he is just missing over goal. Rare to see my central midfielder taking so many chances. 48 – GOAL! Howe plays a pinpoint pass over the top and Eaves has the defense and keeper beaten. This game is level. 51 – GOAL! But not for long! Pompey are back on the attack with Ertl and Harris combining to find Rossi inside. He blasts it past the keeper. The hosts are back on top. 67 – GOAL! It's Rossi again! This time Dolan puts him through. Rossi takes a pair of touches before unleashing his shot. 73 – Tired players galore. Bradley, Dolan and McDermott coming off for Webster, Wallace and Craddock. 75 – GOAL! Mossaoui gets a loose ball on the edge of the area for a corner and drives it past the keeper. 77 – GOAL! Billy Kee pulls one back for the visitors with a nice right-footed shot. 82 – GOAL! Magical day for Karim Rossi! That's his hat trick. Harris puts the ball onto his foot, he dribbles past his marker and fires. 90 – Full time. Rossi was amazing, so was Harris. Ertl, Mossaoui and Kiernan had terrific performances. We are on our way. What a hat trick. Rossi Injured Karim Rossi, fresh off a fantastic hat trick, also suffered a bruised thigh and will miss 2 weeks. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-27-2013, 09:10 PM	#23
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	March 15 - 31, 2014 Sat. 15 March, 2014 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #37 Fleetwood Continue Title March Fleetwood Town 2 – 1 Portsmouth And here we go. Facing the top team in the league. Connolly up top with Harris. Both fullbacks are back. Kiernan and Webster in the center of defense. 8 – Mossaoui has to be removed injured and we bring on Ricky Holmes. That's not good for us. 24 – They're trying to bully us off the park. Connolly and Ertl have picked up knocks. Connolly's is not so surprising, though. 29 – GOAL! The breakthrough comes from Chris Dagnall. He's been a constant thorn in our side and finally makes us pay. 33 – GOAL! From the corner it's Chris Dagnall heading home. 45 – We have a long way to go to get back into this. 50 – Ashley Harris scores, but is adjudged offside. 76 – GOAL! Ricky Holmes hits Fleetwood on the counterattack and halves their lead! Great assist from Ashley Harris to set him up. 90 – Full time. We got close, but couldn't get close enough. Dunne, Webster, Painter and Ertl all put in really good shifts, but van Crooy and Connolly really, really disappointed. We're playing for second or third now. Mossaoui Injured Karim Mossaoui has sustained another twisted ankle and is expected to miss the next seven weeks. Tue. 18 March, 2014 Rossi Nammed Karim Rossi was selected to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week. Maksimenko Trial Ends He trained with us for three weeks, but I just don't like his lack of anticipation. He won't offer him a deal. Sat. 22 March, 2014 Rossi Returns Karim Rossi has returned to full training after recovering from a bruised thigh. Tue. 25 March, 2014 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #38 Pompey Show Steel Resolve in Comeback Rochdale 2 – 3 Portsmouth Fifth hosting fourth. We're three out of third, four out of second. Oxford is at Southend and Chesterfield is hosting Morecambe. Connolly will start. Holmes will go in at AMR. 12 – First on target shot comes through Ricky Holmes. 16 – GOAL! Héry puts Rochdale in front. Vine flicks a header to the outside of the box and the midfielder is there to volley it home. 19 – Big save van Crooy! It's coming across from a corner and he tracks it well, just getting his fingertips onto the ball. 45 – GOAL! Jamar Loza doubles the host's lead before the half. Vine is the assist man again, crossing to the center of the box for Loza's one-time volley. 60 – GOAL! David Connolly! Harris crosses from a throw in and Connolly is dead center of the six yard box to head home. 77 – GOAL! Connolly finds Ferry around the edge of the box and his shot squirms through! We're level late! 78 – Dolan is on for Ertl and Rossi for Harris. Let's go! 84 – GOAL! It's Karim Rossi and Pompey have the lead! Ferry's corner would have gone out, but the Rochdale defender heads it back into play and Rossi strikes it on the volley. Great goal! 90 – Full time. What a second half comeback! It wasn't looking good for awhile. Dunne picks up Man of the Match, but Connolly, Ferry and Webster also deserve plaudits for their play today. In other news, we're still fourth, but one point back of Oxford with a game in hand. Connolly Injured In unsurprising news, David Connolly has picked up yet another knock. He'll miss three weeks with a damaged elbow. Let's take a look at Connolly's injuries this year. 28/09/13 – Missed three weeks with a groin strain. 02/11/13 – Missed 11 days with a bruised thigh. 14/12/13 – Missed three weeks with a gashed leg. 15/02/14 – Missed 9 days with a bruised shin. 03/01/14 – Missed 7 days with a gashed arm Sat. 29 March, 2014 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #39 Pompey Get Lucky in Monumental Comeback Newport County 3 – 3 Portsmouth Jed Wallace starts at AMR, Matthew Dolan at MC. Bradley and Kiernan pairing at DC. 24 – GOAL! Poor defending on set-pieces as Plummer gets his head through a corner to put the hosts up a goal. 38 – GOAL! Richie Wilmott from a corner and Pompey are having all sorts of trouble defending set-pieces this afternoon. 41- GOAL! Doherty continues the scoring for Newport. This one from open player, a header from a nice cross. 56 – Wallace has put in some good effort from the right, but his crosses just go a bit off. 57 – GOAL! McDermott finds Rossi and with a half-hour left Pompey have a lifeline! 58 – GOAL! An interception off the restart and Wallace puts a ball over the top for Harris. Pompey within one! 72 – N'Gala on for Kiernan and Ferry for Ertl. Dolan will move to DM. 90 + 4 GOAL! GET IN! Sonny Bradley from a late, late corner, runs onto the ball and blasts it past the keeper. Full time. Holy crap what a match! Did not think we were going to earn a point out of this. Was resigned to the loss until McDermott earned that late corner. Wow. Fun note, Ashley Harris' goal in the 58th minute was his first in 16 hours. Bradley is named Man of the Match. He went from a 6.3 to an 8.2 half to half. Harris went from 5.4 to 7.9. Just an incredible turnaround. Along with Chesterfield, we have a game in hand over everyone else in the top seven, save York, whom we play next. We are now in third, a point up on Oxford and two behind Chesterfield. Fleetwood is nine up on us, we won't worry about them now. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-27-2013, 11:32 PM	#24
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	April 1 - 15, 2014 Tue. 01 April, 2014 Players Named David Connolly was selected in the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week. Board Confidence The board is satisfied with my coaching of the team. This has been underlined by good performances from Alan Dunne. The club is unhappy with the 2-1 loss to Fleetwood. Wed. 02 April, 2014 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #40 York Dominate Pompey Portsmouth 1 – 4 York City We need some revenge after losing to them in this fixture earlier in the year. Rossi and Craddock up top. Holmes at AMR. N'Gala at DR. Curious to see if it's the tactics stifling our recent first half play. When making changes, I've been playing a more direct style to get back into the previous two games. 18 – Our first real chances comes as N'Gala crosses for McDermott, but the winger hits the bar. 31 – Webster has taken a knock. He should be able to run it off, but we'll keep an eye on his fitness. 45 – Half time. A pretty tame half. York dominated possession, so we'll look to turn that around. 46 – GOAL! Ertl gives up a free kick from a dangerous spot and Jarvis finds the top left corner for his 16th of the year. 67 – Craddock just shoots wide. Our first shot in ages it feels like. 69 – GOAL! Richard Cresswell is free into the area and blasts it in. That's his 23rd and we're looking really disappointing at home. 73 – PENALTY! Platt concedes and Ferry converts. We're within one! That's Ferry's third of the year and his second converted penalty. 77 – GOAL! So much for that. Jerome Fyfield has his second of the year after he loses his man in the box and volleys home a cross. 86 – GOAL! Jarvis with another, this one is flicked on from a throw by Fyfield and Jarvis converts. 90 – What a let down. Ferry and Ertl were our only two players over 7.0. Terrible loss with a few games left. Not going to help our automatic promotion bid. Injury Blow Karim Rossi suffered a twisted ankle and our bad luck with forwards continue. He will miss 6-7 weeks, basically the remainder of the season. Fri. 04 April, 2014 Webster Gets Rewarded Adam Webster has been rewarded for his recent fine performances with a new two year, £170,000 contract. Webster is delighted to stay on as he has an admiration for the manager. Sat. 05 April, 2014 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #41 Pompey Turn Around Another Deficit Portsmouth 3 – 1 Hartlepool United We come into the match fourth. Oxford beat Fleetwood through an own goal to advance to third. A real rag-tag lineup today. Butler at DL, Dolan and Padovani in midfield, Wallace at AMR, a very tired McDermott at AML and Josh Bird with Harris up top. 7 – GOAL! Joe Ironside takes a cross from Jonathan Franks and heads it in. Not a good start for us. 20 – Bird has a chance after some great movement between McDermott, Dolan and Padovani. The shot goes wide. 26 – GOAL! We're on level terms. Butler throws in to Dunne, receives the pass and crosses for Josh Bird who heads it past the keeper. 45 – Half time. An interesting match so far, for sure. We look okay, but tired. This could be a concern as the game gets deeper. Just need a goal to leapfrog Oxford back into third. 59 – McDermott wins a corner, but nothing comes of it. We're playing some eye catching football in the attacking third. 63 – PENALTY! Harris is fouled in the box by Jack Baldwin and steps up to take his chance. GOAL! Into the bottom left of the old onion bag. We're back on top and into third for the time being. 72 – Jed Wallace with a terrific shot to force a corner. 75 – GOAL! Pinball in the box. Franks tries to head clear, but it finds McDermott who blasts it into goal with a left-footed shot. 90 – Full time. Vital win with Butler being our best player on the park. With just five games remaining we are in the driver's seat for automatic promotion. Harris and McDermott are in serious need of rest, but I don't see it happening in the stretch run. Fri. 11 April, 2014 Players Back Andy Barcham and David Connolly have returned to full training. Sat. 12 April, 2014 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #42 Pompey Edge Closer to Promotion Dagenham & Redbridge 0 – 2 Portsmouth Dag & Red are at the edge of the playoff places and will want to put on a good showing at home. Chesterfield is at Hartlepool, Oxford at Plymouth and Fleetwood are hosting Morecambe. 2 – Holmes has already picked up a knock. 6 – McDermott has a goal ruled offside. 27 – GOAL! It's Kiernan! Harris sends his free kick off the wall, gets the rebound and passes over to the defender along the edge of the area. He sends in a thunderous right-footed shot and gives Portsmouth the lead. 45 – A good half, though Sonny Bradley is not having his best game. We'll press onward. 69 – We need to make some subs, get some fresh legs on. Kiernan, Holmes and Harris are coming off for N'Gala, Wallace and Agyemang. 82 – Bingham takes a rocket of a shot from 25 yards, but van Crooy parries it away for a corner. The attack finally ends when Dag & Red hit the side netting. 87 – GOAL! Sonny Bradley's fifth of the year from a corner may have just given all three points to us! Get in! 90 – Full time! Bradley ends up being the Man of the Match with his late goal. Rob Kiernan was also the star. Our two central defenders were the best players on the pitch for us tonight and it showed in their goals. Playoff Spot Secured At the very least we have secured a League 2 playoff position. Harris Injury Bad news as Ashley Harris is set to miss 2 weeks with a bruised thigh. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-28-2013, 10:58 AM	#25
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	April 16 - 30, 2014 Thu. 17 April, 2014 Mossaoui Back Karim Mossaoui has returned after missing 5 weeks with a twisted ankle. Sat. 19 April, 2014 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #43 Pompey Hold On, Tighten Grasp on Third Portsmouth 2 – 1 Bristol Rovers Connolly will pair Bird up top. Otherwise it's pretty much business as usual. 2 – GOAL! Off to a flying start as Holmes comes in down the right and crosses centrally for Connolly. The injury-prone captain heads it in. 6 – Nervy! Van Crooy has to work hard to clear off his line as the attack comes fast and furious from Rovers. 35 – Bird has a chance as Connolly frees him, but the shot is aimed at the keeper. 40 – GOAL! Connolly gets an assist this time, crossing to the far post for McDermott who heads it in. 61 – An hour gone and Rovers are struggling to mount any time of comeback. We are currently in cruise control. 85 – GOAL! A glimmer of hope for Rovers. Dunne misplays a header and it bounces toward goal. Van Crooy comes out too far to grab it and Eliot Richards is there to make Pompey pay. 90 – Full time. It got a bit nervy in the last five minutes as Rovers pushed for an equalizer. It never came and we sigh a big sigh of relief. Sonny Bradley was our Man of the Match. Alan Dunne also had a solid game, as did Connolly and McDermott. And we've got a game on Monday. Mon. 21 April, 2014 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #44 Second String XI Earn Draw Northampton Town 2 – 2 Portsmouth Another match with a bottom of the table squad, but on only one day rest. This is a very tricky tie. In order to keep ourselves healthy it's a pretty different look eleven. Van Crooy, Butler, Webster, N'Gal, Devera, Dolan, Wallace, Barcham, Mossaoui, Craddock and Agyemang. 8- GOAL! Jed Wallace with a terrific flick on to Craddock who has both defenders beat. He aims for the right corner of goal and finds it with ease. 17 – GOAL! Town are level. Widdowson passes for Grant who crosses in for O'Donovan's left-footed volley. 22 – Joe Widdowson is having his way with Mossaoui down our right wing so far. 31 – GOAL! Town are in front from some bad Pompey defending. O'Donovan hits the crossbar, gets the rebound, is dispossessed, but Grant pops onto the ball and pushes it by van Crooy. 45 – Half time and we're down a goal. Need to take at least one point from this. 58 – We're playing a more direct game now, hoping to pull the goal back. 61 – PENALTY! Agyemang is fouled just inside the area on a really questionable call. Joe Devera steps up and sends it into the left corner. We're on level terms! 80 – Four corners back to back and Town does well to keep all of them out of their net. 90 – Well. It could have been a lot worse considering we used a second string XI almost all the way across the board. I knew coming in with one day of rest would make this a struggle, but we're still in third with two games left. Teams Promoted Fleetwood Town and Chesterfield have won promotion to Sky Bet League 1. Tue. 22 April, 2014 Bradley Named Sonny Bradley has been named to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week. Wed. 23 April, 2014 Harris Back Ashley Harris has returned to full training. Sat. 26 April, 2014 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #45 Ferry Penalty Earns Pompey Point Bury 1 – 1 Portsmouth The penultimate fixture. Points here will just about guarantee our promotion. Bird and Connolly are up top, McDermott and Holmes flanking them. 8 – GOAL! Osman Sow puts the hosts in front, heading in Keenan's deep corner from the left wing. 21 – Sow nearly has another as Bury continue to take it to us in our own zone. 29 – Unbelievable miss from Showunmi. He pulls in with van Crooy and just shanks the shot wide. 41 – Painter and Ertl have picked up knocks. Webster and Dolan coming on for them. 45 – Half time. Down a goal and trying to win some promotion. 55 – We are winning the possession battle, but it matters naught when we can't put shots on target. Every cross seems to find the first defender. 63 – PENALTY! Tommy Miller tugs on Bird's shirt in the box! Simon Ferry steps up and drives it down route one! This match is level! 64 – The rather ineffective Ricky Holmes is off for Karim Mossaoui. 90 + 3 – What a tackle from Bradley! Van Crooy falls and the ball is loose, Showunmi pounces, but Sonny Bradley makes an inch-perfect tackle that preserves the draw. Full time! A draw may put us over the top to League 1! Alan Dunne is Man of the Match, only Sonny Bradley had an exceptional game beside him. Ertl Injured DM Johnny Ertl with miss 9-12 days with a bruised rib. Tue. 29 April, 2014 Dunne Named Alan Dunne has been named to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-29-2013, 08:08 AM	#26
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	May 2014 Thu. 01 May, 2014 Hillier Signed We have signed 32 year-old English scout Sean Hillier to a one year contract. Sat. 03 May, 2014 Sky Bet League 2 Match Day #46 Two Goals in Three Minutes Promote Pompey Portsmouth 2 – 0 Plymouth Argyle Here we go. A win and we're definitely promoted. Usual XI for the most part. 2 – GOAL! Harris' corner is sent in to the near post and Sonny Bradley is there to capitalize! 3 – GOAL! It's a mistake Cole, the Plymouth keeper. Mossaoui tries to pass across and the keeper knocks the ball into his own goal. What a dream start for Pompey! 45 – What an opening first five minutes. The rest of the half was dull, but Ashley Harris is starring with two assists. 62 – Dunne and Mossaoui coming off for N'Gala and Holmes. 80 – Tick-tock. Ten minutes left. 90 – Full time! Ashley Harris was outstanding in the victory! What a way to win it, in the first 180 seconds. Brilliant stuff. PORTSMOUTH PROMOTED The supporters of Pompey are overjoyed that the club have secured promotion from Sky Bet League 2. The board and supporters have praised me and all are looking forward to seeing us back in League 1. We have been given a whopping £5,000 for finishing third in Sky Bet League 2. Tue. 06 May, 2014 Team of the Week Adam Webster and Sonny Bradley have been named to the Sky Bet League 2 Team of the Week. Sun. 11 May, 2014 Preseason Date Set We have set our preseason to begin on 16 June, 2014. Wed. 14 May, 2014 Playoff Final Set York City will face Oxford United for the fourth and final promotion spot to League 1. Mon. 26 May, 2014 York Earn Promotion York City have won the playoff final on penalties after a 2-2 draw with Oxford at Wembley. Financial Information We have paid out £145,000 to be shared among the squad for our third place finish. And as part of League 2's solidarity payment scheme, we have received the sum of £250,000 for participating in the league. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-29-2013, 01:31 PM	#27
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	June 2014 Mon. 09 June, 2014 Parrett Deal Official We have completed the signing of 22 year-old central midfielder Dean Parrett on a free transfer. Steve Allen, my faithful assistant believes that Parrett would be a decent signing for most League 1 sides, with the potential of becoming a decent Premier League midfielder. Fri. 13 June, 2014 World Cup Begins The World Cup has begun in Brazil. Here's a look at the groups. Group A: Brazil, Iran, Ivory Coast, Russia Group B: Argentina, Ireland, Mexico, Nigeria Group C: Algeria, Colombia, Japan, Portugal Group D: Holland, Paraguay, Slovenia, United States Group E: Canada, Denmark, Ecuador, Germany Group F: Australia, England, Italy, Uruguay Group G: Costa Rica, Croatia, Tunisia, Ukraine Group H: South Africa, South Korea, Slovakia, Spain We'll check in again when the group stages finish, to see how the knockouts go. Wed. 18 June, 2014 Sullivan Out We have sold 26 year-old goalkeeper John Sullivan to Chesterfield for a fee of £17,750. Mon. 23 June, 2014 Re-Signing With Pompey I've been offered a new contract from the board at Portsmouth and I've delightfully accepted. The stipulation in the deal is that we merely consolidate our position in League 1. My only stipulation to the club is that they find a suitable parent club so we can get some free loans in. Wed. 25 June, 2014 Best of the Best – Pompey Sonny Bradley has been voted Portsmouth's Player of the Year by the fans. The club's best XI has been announced and is as follows: GK: Delano van Crooy DL: Marcos Painter DC: Bondz N'Gala DC: Sonny Bradley DR: Alan Dunne DM: Matthew Dolan MC: Simon Ferry AML: Donal McDermott AMR: Karim Mossaoui ST: Karim Rossi ST: Ashley Harris League 1 TV Rights We have been given £444,000 for Sky Bet League 1 TV rights. Players Released The first of a few announcements coming. We've released U18 players Kane Cook and Kim Jae-Heon as their contracts have finished. Mon. 30 June, 2014 Player Movement The following loans have finished and the players will report back to their clubs. DR Alan Dunne, AMR/L Donal McDermott, DC/DM Rob Kiernan, MC Matthew Dolan and ST Karim Rossi. The following players have been released: GK Phil Smith, DR Yasin Moutaouakil, DL Liam Triggs, AMR Jack Maloney, MC Nick Awford, Josh Warren, George Branford and ST Ryan Bird. Nicholas Tarasenko, Harry Medway and Ben Close have failed to earn contracts with the club. The following staff have been released. Paul Hardyman, Alan Knight, Paul New and Ian Buckman. In addition, we will look to sell a few players to get our wages back under control. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-29-2013, 10:53 PM	#28
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	2012-13 Team Stats & Final League Table __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner

10-30-2013, 03:02 AM	#29
law90026 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Jan 2006	Congrats on the promotion!

10-30-2013, 04:59 PM	#31
britrock88 Pro Starter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Madison, WI	Hard not to at least skim through any of your dynasties, Grover.

10-30-2013, 05:35 PM	#33
Grover Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lisboa, ME	July 2014 Wed. 02 July, 2014 Capital One Cup We will host Yeovil Town in the first round of the Capital One Cup on 5 August. Thu. 04 July, 2014 Painter to Wigan We have sold Carlos Painter to Wigan. Despite his phenomenal season, we really needed to free up the salary and the £325,000 fee is more than we could have hoped for. Simon Ferry, Bondz N'Gala, Karim Mossaoui and Sonny Bradley are all immediately popping up in my inbox asking why I've sold Painter. Padovani to France We have also sold Romain Padovani to Le Poiré-sur-Vie VF for £70,000. Again, this is for the salary space. There's a couple of young men I'd like to bring in who can really help us push forward. Fri. 11 July, 2014 Keeper Signed We have signed 20 year-old Chilean goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux to a one year deal. Sat. 12 July, 2014 Arsenal Announce Link Arsenal have announced a link between their club and Portsmouth. Arsenal will be able to send players on loan to Pompey and the salary will be paid in full by Arsenal. Friendly Portsmouth 4 – 0 Sheffield Wednesday Sun. 13 July, 2014 World Cup Final Ivory Coast 1 – 2 Holland Fun stuff, England knocked out in the second round (again) on penalties (again) by Canada. Mon. 14 July, 2014 Defender Signed We have signed 18 year-old left back George McLennan to a two year deal on a free transfer. McLennan was previously part of the Reading setup. Tue. 15 July, 2014 McLennan Injured It only took one day, but George McLennan overexerted himself in the weight room and suffered aback strain. The new signing will miss 4-5 weeks. Wed. 16 July, 2014 Forward Signed We have signed 31 year-old French forward Mickael Antoine-Curier to a one year deal. Sat. 19 July, 2014 Toral Signs Arsenal midfielder Jon Toral has agreed to join the club on season-long loan. The 19 year-old is a highly touted prospect. Friendly Kettering 0 – 5 Portsmouth Tue. 22 July, 2014 Friendly Nuneaton Town 0 – 4 Portsmouth Sat. 26 July, 2014 Friendly Havant & Waterlooville 2 – 3 Portsmouth Sun. 27 July, 2014 Webster Honored Huge honors for Adam Webster as our central defender was named to the European U19 Championship Dream Team. Van Crooy Named I have appointed Delano van Crooy as captain. Johnny Ertl will be his vice-captain. Mon. 28 July, 2014 Friendly Portsmouth 0 – 2 Arsenal Wed. 30 July, 2014 Injuries Danny East will miss 5-6 weeks with a sports hernia. Dean Parrett will miss 3-4 weeks with a pulled hamstring. Thu. 31 July, 2014 Allen Leaves for City A big blow to the coaching staff as assistant manager Steve Allen has accepted a physio position with Manchester City's youth squad. __________________ Come On You Irons! West Ham United \| Philadelphia Flyers \| Cincinnati Bengals \| Kansas City Royals FOFC Greatest Band Draft Runner Up FOFC Movie Remake Draft Winner FOFC Movie Comedy Draft Winner