Strong case for the defence: Ogilvie hails makeshift back line
CONNOR OGILVIE applauded Pompey’s patched-up defence after providing the backbone for a sixth successive win.
Robbed of Sean Raggett and injured pair Clark Robertson and Paul Downing, Danny Cowley had to turn to midfielder Shaun Williams at Gillingham.
The Irishman plugged the hole superbly, operating on the left of a back three which also included Kieron Freeman and Ogilvie.
Michael Jacobs’ deflected shot two minutes into stoppage time earned Pompey a 1-0 triumph over the Gills on Saturday.
Yet it was constructed upon a strong defensive display from a back line which, as Cowley labelled in the build-up, was without a centre-half.
Ogilvie told The News: ‘Sean is a massive loss, his presence in the back line is huge. Everyone had to step up – and we did that.
‘Willo (Williams) can play anywhere, he’s so good on the ball and the way he reads the game is superb. I thought he was excellent.
‘Gillingham made it hard for us and obviously the weather conditions weren’t great. It was a tough game, but we stayed resolute.
‘It was a battle out there, everyone had to step up and we got the three points.
‘When I was here we made it hard for teams, that’s what we pride ourselves on, and thankfully we got the win. The scenes at the end with the fans were excellent. We had a few chances and Gillingham had a few as well, thankfully we managed to put it away at the death.’
It was a return to the Priestfield Stadium for Ogilvie, who arrived at Fratton Park on a free transfer in August.
The former Spurs man made 171 appearances and scored 10 goals for the Gills.
He added: ‘It was good to see some of the boys, I was here for a while and know a lot of people down here. I wish them all the best for the season.
‘It was strange coming back, but it was enjoyable and we got the win.’