Pompey var bedst da de vandt 4-0, og det med den 5.sejr i de seneste 6 kampe, men lige inden det blev 2-0, blev gæsterne nok snydt for et straffe. Ingen tvivl om at 4-4-2 formation passer bedst.
Keith Curle, Northampton manager:
“We had the two best chances in the first half but we need to be more clinical,” he said.
“Ryan Watson is disappointed he didn’t hit the target but when we get into those areas at the very least we need to work the goalkeeper.
“We nullified Portsmouth in the first half and caused them problems but then the goal just before half-time gives them a lift.
“Goals change games and Portsmouth showed their quality when the game expanded in the second half.
“We need to defend better and when we create opportunities like we did in the first half tonight we need to be more ruthless.
“These are the difficult times and the challenges we face but the performance in the first half was a positive, we gave ourselves a good platform and a foundation whilst also looking a threat.
“We are trying to build an identity in what is a very difficult division and I think the fans understand where we are at and what we are about.”
Kenny Jackett, Portsmouth manager:
“Our finishing was clinical, although – as ever – we had to work hard. There were times when I don’t think the scoreline reflected the game.
“But I was very pleased with the players and we were able to earn a clean sheet, with my keeper making a really good save.«Our finishing was clinical, although – as ever – we had to work hard.»
“It took us a while to break them down and there was a key time at the start of the second half when we scored two quick goals to really put us in pole position.
“Goals are always big for your forward players and we’ll need all of them, while also having to give them service.
“Now we look forward to facing two very strong sides in Charlton and Lincoln, and will have to be at our best to keep this run going.”
“John is on a really positive run, but whether he scores or not, he always gives everything to the team, which is a good basis to work off.
“We’ve tried hard to give him more and more support and provide the opportunities for him to get those goals.
“Ronan also found a bit of form and once he scored, you could see the confidence. He worked well with Lee Brown down the left.”
League One, Fratton Park, 27. oktober 2020.
Portsmouth – Northampton 4-0 (1-0)
39 min 1-0 John Marquis
47 min 2-0 John Marquis
50 min 3-0 Ronan Curtis
83 min 4-0 Marcus Harness
Pompey (4-4-2): MacGillivray; Johnson, Whatmough, Raggett, Brown; Williams (Morris 90+2), Naylor (c), Cannon (Close 90), Curtis; Marquis, Harness
Gule kort: Williams, Harness
Bænken: Bass, Mnoga, Nicolaisen, Pring, Hiwula, Close, Morris