Fratton faithful give Marquis support as striker shoulders the Rochdale draw blame

POMPEY fans on social media have leapt to John Marquis’ defence after the striker said he felt responsible for Pomey’s failure to beat Rochdale on Sunday.

The Blues front man missed three golden opportunities in the second half at the Crown Oil Arena – wasted chances which proved costly as Kenny Jackett’s side returned south with only a goalless draw to show for their efforts.

It prompted the former Doncaster Rovers ace to write a heartfelt message to the Fratton faithful on Twitter, with Pompey’s joint-top scorer last season apologising for his lack of killer instinct against Dale.

But rather than mock him for his misses, the vast majority of responses put a collective Twitter arm around Marquis and encouraged him to keep going in these difficult times. Here’s a selection of the views shared.

Fair play John slow starts to games aren't acceptable but as long as you recognise the problems and have desire and effort to resolve them with your team mates you will have my full support.

I cant speak for every pompey fan but I feel most would agree…

Fair play mate, hopefully when we see Jacobs playing behind we will see more chances falling to ya.

Can imagine if you’re only getting one or two chances per game the pressure to put them away is causing you to snatch at them.

More chances = more goals common sense really #PUP.

Wouldn't even worry ya self with it mate must have felt weird you having a few chances seeing as most games the ball is 20ft over your head towards the corner flag.

So probably took you by surprise.

Fair play for this statement, John but you’ve nothing to apologise for.

Any striker worth their weight in gold still has bad games or misses opportunities.

With your work ethic anybody can see that you care.

John not your fault the team we have playing the right way would create you a bucket load of chances.

Rather then the stale brand of football your being asked to play at the minute.

Unfortunately John you are played solo up front and without being too critical getting up to head the ball is not your strongest feature along with shooting from a distance.

You need to be played with Harrison.

Not johns fault

at all.

Playing under Kenny must be bloody hard work.

How can he go from smashing it at Doncaster to standing mostly on the halfway line for us cause there is such a lack of service.

Great statement but Sunday was more than one. Fair play for admitting it John. Head up.

No need to apologise John, you were probably just shocked to actually get a couple decent deliveries for once.

Took us all by surprise that.