'Worst performance for club', 'Some dreadful crosses', 'Showed character and fight': Neil Allen's Portsmouth ratings after FA Cup shock at Chesterfield
Neil Allen
·4-min read
Chesterfield's Liam Mandeville tries to get the better of Jack Sparkes. Picture: Nigel French/PA Wire
Former Blues skipper Tom Naylor settled matters with a first-half header which deservedly gave Paul Cook’s impressive non-leaguers victory.
It was a season’s worst display from John Mousinho’s men, particularly in the first half, and here are our Pompey player ratings...
Early scare when his kick was blocked by Grigg and there will be questions over his decision to come and punch the ball from the free-kick which Naylor headed home. Positioned himself well to claim other shots, but largely had little to deal with. (Photo: Jason Brown)
(Replaced by Zak Swanson on 46 mins) Saw very little of him attacking down the right, very much restricted to defensive duty. Did okay overall and assured as ever, but was taken off at half-time over concerns over being on a yellow card.
(Replaced by Sean Raggett on 11 mins) Injured his left leg when outmuscled off the ball by Will Grigg and was forced off.
Pompey’s best defender and retained that characteristic composure, although one loose pass did present Colclough with a decent second-half chance. Overall, however, a decent display, particularly after the reshuffle following Poole’s exit. (Photo: Jason Brown)
(Replaced by Abu Kamara on 60 mins) Looked well off it and one of his last contributions was the covering Jacobs beating him too easily inside Chesterfield’s box in a great position. Took a knock after declining to use his right foot to play a pass and came off shortly afterwards.
Tried his best to get Pompey going and, more than many of his team-mates, showed character, fight and a determination frustratingly lacking from others. Comfortably Pompey’s man of the match. (Photo: Jason Brown)
Probably his most ineffective Pompey display yet, particularly in the second half when the team needed his inspiration. Disappeared from action at times rather than dictating player and will be a match to learn from. (Photo: Jason Brown)
(Replaced by 60 Kusini Yengi on 60 mins) No heroics this time from the teenager, who struggled to get into the match. Nonetheless, plenty of effort and endeavour from the youngster, even if a quiet match.
Had a bright first half but quickly faded after the break, unable to make things happen. Was eventually swopped to the left wing with Kamara moving to the right, only to produce some dreadful crosses when Pompey needed him most. So disappointing. (Photo: Jason Brown)
Barely involved, although not helped by appalling service. Regardless, little came off, with errant flicks and lay-offs and too easily handled by the Chesterfield defence. A rare, rare off-day. (Photo: Jason Brown)
(Replaced by Gavin Whyte on 44 mins) There had been a few surges through the heart of the Chesterfield defence and one lovely ball to the far post which was met with a Bishop header. However, worryingly, he went down after closing a man down outside the box, with a hamstring issue. It ended his game immediately and was substituted .
Paddy Lane 's early goal attempt is blocked by ex-Pompey captain Tom Naylor. Picture: Simon Davies/ProSportsImages
(Replaced Regan Poole on 11 mins) Strong as ever and produced one lovely turn in the first half to lose a player. Fortunate not to concede a penalty in the second half.
(Replaced Tino Anjorin on 44 mins) Could not inspire the Blues with a desperately disappointing performance, particularly in the second half. Has found it tough to shine at Pompey and this was another forgettable display.
(Replaced Joe Rafferty on 46 mins) Introduced as Rafferty was on a yellow and did okay, but barely raided that right flank. Can be one of the few who can escape criticism, defending well.
(Replaced Jack Sparkes on 60 mins) Dreadful upon his introduction, failing to get past the right-back and too often making the wrong decision. Eventually switched to the right and did little better. Comfortably worst performance of an encouraging time at Pompey.
(Replaced Terry Devlin on 60 mins) Gave Pompey a bit of height and muscle, but even that wasn't enough to find a way through Chesterfield's defence. At least he put himself about a bit, unlike others.
Pompey's Tino Anjorin is on the charge against Chesterfield in the FA Cup. Picture: Simon Davies/ProSportsImages
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