POMPEY POWER
Suffering Chairboys boss vows to hit back
Kenny Jackett’s Portsmouth beat pacesetters Wycombe Wanderers
GARETH Ainsworth does not expect back-to-back defeats to derail his Wycombe team’s push for promotion.
The league leaders were beaten by Portsmouth as inform Ronan Curtis and Ben Close found the target.
The Chairboys take on another team challenging for promotion in Coventry today and Ainsworth is not overly worried by the defeat to Kenny Jackett’s side.
Ainsworth said: “It’s not a massive concern as it is only the first time we have lost backto-back league games this season.
“Every side experiences a difficult run like we are.
“The expectation at the start of the season was to improve on last year’s performance, which at the moment we are on track to do.
“I only have 19 players to select a team from at the moment, so it’s a difficult time for us, but we will keep on fighting.”
Ainsworth added: “It was a good battle, a proper Boxing Day tie. They had the cutting edge, which we lacked throughout the match.
“The first goal was offside for me, but we aren’t going to dwell on it as we have had decisions go against us in the past.
“The second goal was the killer because, at 1-0, the opposition are nervous.
“We had some chances at the end, but fair play to Portsmouth, the better team won on day. I am really proud of my team and the fans as they never stopped singing all day.”
There was little between the two teams in the first half, but the home side took control after the break.
Defender James Bolton could have put them ahead early in the second half, but his powerful header cleared the crossbar and even Jackett admitted he should have hit the target. The mounting pressure proved all too much for Wycombe in the 66th minute when midfielder Close tucked in the loose ball after Ellis Harrison fired against a post from six yards out.
Pompey doubled their lead after good work from Marcus Harness allowed him to fire in a venomous cross from the right for the unmarked Curtis to apply the finish with a deft touch.
A late free-kick from Joe Jathe
cobson threatened to make it a nervy end to the game, but his strike skimmed a post.
Jackett admitted: “It was a hard game and Wycombe were a tough nut to crack, you can see why they are top.
“Gareth has done a fantastic job and I am pleased to say the key moments went our way.
“There were some good bits of finishing there and composure at the right time as well, which made the difference. “Wycombe are a terrific unit and make it hard for you all over the pitch and can score goals as well.
“I have a lot of respect for them and how far they have come.” Republic of Ireland international Curtis has now scored seven goals in his past eight appearances and the forward was once again picked out for special plaudits by Jackett.
He said: “Ronan’s goal gave us a little bit of breathing space. He is up there now with our top scorers and, hopefully, he can keep on improving and adding to his tally.”
Portsmouth boss Jackett, who takes his side to MK Dons, added: “I am pleased with him and for Ben because he has chipped in with some important goals and he took his one really well.”
Meanwhile, Pompey defender Bolton hopes he has done enough to keep his place for the trip to MK.
He said: “I need games – I need to be out on the pitch in order to keep my match fitness levels up. It’s going to be hard when you’re in the team for one game and then out of it for the next.
“I have to try to keep my place and do what I can, so picking up results like the last two games will obviously help.”
“That’s all part of being a footballer, though, and so you just have to get on with it and do your best when you do play.
“We’ve got confidence at the moment and hope we can get a few more over the festive period, starting at MK Dons.”