Harrison and Hiwula partnership gives food for thought
A smile couldn't be raised by one of Pompey's most amiable characters – despite netting a wonder strike.
Ellis Harrison lashed home a thumping 25-yard shot to notch the Blues a stoppage-time consolation goal in their 5-1 defeat at Peterborough, sending the visitors out of the Papa John's Trophy.
Indeed, it was a tough evening for a second-string Pompey side against a full-strength Peterborough outfit that's as competitive as any in League One.
Fringe players such as Paul Downing and Bryn Morris struggled, while it proved too much for youngsters Harry Kavanagh, Harvey Rew and Harry Jewitt-White.
But it gave Kenny
Jackett a chance to look at those who could still play a substantial part in the promotion push - and there was one pairing he could take encouragement from.
Harrison started up front alongside Jordy Hiwula at London Road after both appeared off the bench at Bristol City in the FA Cup defeat on Sunday.
The duo were partnered together from the outset for the first time this season, both requiring match minutes after the three suspended matches in the league.
The first half, in particular, displayed heartening signs of a useful combination as they caused trouble for an adept thirdtier defence of Nathan Thompson, Frankie Kent and Mark Beevers.
In the early stages, they combined several times, with Hiwula often dropping deeper before continuing his runs into the box after giving possession to Harrison.
On 18 minutes, Pompey broke at pace and Hiwula found himself space on the right, only for Harrison's pass to take the ex-Coventry man too wide and his shot was blocked for a corner.
Still, from that set-piece, Hiwula's acrobatic overhead kick forced a fine save out of home keeper Christy Pym.
Concerns have been somewhat growing about John Marquis' barren run in the final third.
The ex-Doncaster man is first choice striker and top scorer with 12 but hasn't netted in his past eight outings after his latest blank at Bristol City.
However, it's not just Marquis whose firepower in front of goal has dried up
Ronan Curtis hasn't scored in the league since November 21. And after his blistering start to the season, Marcus Harness' drought in the third tier has lasted since October 27.
Ryan Williams bagged a double at Ipswich last month but that was the first time he's etched his name onto the scoresheet all season.
Michel Jacobs isn't long back from injury but he’s only notched on a solitary occasion in 11 appearances.
As comfortable as the
2-0 win at Hull was before Christmas, it was two own goals that decided the game. Before that, Pompey were held to a stalemate against Fleetwood.
Yet Hiwula and Harrison’s partnership should give Jackett food for thought.
The former extended his deal until the end of the season this month on the promise of more frequent minutes as the Blues have 27 fixtures to fulfil.
Harrison’s gone through somewhat of a dull patch even when he’s been introduced off the bench, with his strike at Peterborough only fourth of the season – and second from open play.
But the duo linked up encouragingly and could blossom into an effective option.