OLI’S IN LIKE A HAWK TO SINK THE COD ARMY
Pompey go six points clear after victory
OLI Hawkins marked his 50th Portsmouth appearance with a goal to send Kenny Jackett’s men six points clear at the top.
Striker Hawkins’ second-half header was enough to earn Pompey their 10th win in 14 games since the start of the season at the expense of 10-man Fleetwood.
Manager Jackett, whose side had taken just two points from their three previous home games, said: “I thought it was a comprehensive and well-deserved win.
“I’m pleased that if it is going to be a tight game, and many are, that we get that quality moment, the delivery, the first header and the centre forward finishing it off on the line, which is his job.
“By the end it was a crucial moment and one that we took advantage of.
“Defensively, I thought we were very sound.
“Always in the latter part of the game I’m looking for us to break and maybe get another goal to make it a little bit more comfortable but it doesn’t seem to be our way, we’re always biting our nails.
“Hawkins provides a really good platform for us to play off of.
“I thought in the first half we didn’t quite get the runners off him, the timing wasn’t quite right, where he either wins flicks or holds the ball up and sets it back.
“I did think we were the better team and deserved to win. I’m pleased with the quality we produced for the goal, which was our key moment and has got us the three points.”
The game was deprived of any real chances, with neither goalkeeper having much to do. Pompey’s first genuine opportunity came in the 18th minute when Ben Thompson his placed shot from the edge of the box narrowly just over the bar.
In the 36th minute, Hawkins almost punished the Cod Army after sloppy play at the back led to the forward stealing possession, but his 20-yard strike was again off target.
Jackett switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation at half-time, and five minutes after the interval the deadlock was broken.
Dion Donohue’s corner was nodded on by captain Tom Naylor and Hawkins’ powerful header from close range ended up being the match-winner.
The best chance for the away side came in the 78th minute when Lewie Coyle’s cross was cleared to Ryan Taylor, but his shot from 30 yards went well over.
Fleetwood’s afternoon got worse six minutes from the end when Nathan Sheron picked up his second booking and was dismissed.
Fleetwood boss Joey Barton was upset with referee Lee Swabey.
Barton said: “Maybe it’s the biggest attendance they’ve officiated in front of. I thought it really affected them to the point we got a player booked for taking too long on a throw-in. “They had a similar player when they were winning 1-0 take at least double the amount of time to no booking. He sent
Nathan Sheron off for winning the ball. He books him after not giving a foul because Shez doesn’t allow their player to run through.
“He gets back and wins the ball. Everybody in the stadium baring the referee see that and decides to give Nathan a second yellow.
“We can’t appeal it because it’s a second yellow card. It’s ridiculous.
“The ref sent young Nathan Sheron off for winning the ball, bizarrely he books him after not giving a foul.
“But, unfortunately at this level, the officiating on the whole leaves a lot to be spoken about. They have got to be more consistent.”