Jackett hails his winning Brett
PITMAN DELIGHTS BOSS WITH DEBUT DOUBLE
PORTSMOUTH boss Kenny Jackett is backing Brett Pitman to banish his Ipswich nightmare after firing his new club to victory with a debut double.
Former Bournemouth ace Pitman fled Portman Road to return to the south coast after starting just four games for the Tractor Boys last season.
After the Channel Islander earned Jackett (right) victory in his first match in charge, the ex-Millwall chief said: “He has come in as club captain and I am really pleased that he is here.
“It is a fresh start for him after it not quite working out at Ipswich.
“And there is a lot for him to build on.
“For forwards, scoring goals is great and is a fantastic currency – and long may it continue with Brett.
“It will certainly give him a lot of confidence going forward.”
Pitman got his first just seconds into the second half when he dribbled his way into the area before curling his shot past Josh Lillis in goal. And then Pompey’s new hero secured all three points for the home side in the 92nd minute when he headed in Gareth Evans’ cross.
But the game was not without its drama with both teams finishing with 10 men.
Premier League referee Lee Probert dished out straight reds to Rochdale’s Keith Keane and Portsmouth’s Jamal Lowe. Despite this, Rochdale manager Keith Hill thought the referee was “right” in sending off his player, and instead slammed Keane. Hill said: “Keane has made a terrible decision which has made an impact on the result. I was really happy with the start but the game was handed over to the opposition with Keith Keane’s sending off, which was the right decision from the referee.”