Promotion rivals fail to truly capitalise on inactivity of Pompey during festive period
POMPEY’S inactivity over the festive period deprived them of League One’s top spot.
Nonetheless, only Lincoln City were able to truly capitalise on the Blues’ three-game sidelining.
Certainly it’s an outcome which could have been considerably worse for Kenny Jackett’s frustrated side during their 17 days without a game.
It was on December 18 when Pompey led the table for the first time in almost two years following a 2-0 triumph at Hull City.
They haven’t played since – through coronavirus and then a frozen pitch.
Yet fears that others would breeze past while the Blues were out of action didn’t quite materialise.
As it transpired, others would also be affected by cancellations during the busy Christmas schedule, leaving Jackett’s men presently in third.
Of the top eight, Ipswich Town and Peterborough United joined Pompey in not fulfilling any of their three matches.
Accrington Stanley and Hull each played one match. Crucially for Hull, they won theirs to edge ahead of the Blues and sit second.
As for Stanley, they managed a draw from their single outing. As we know, Saturday’s game with Pompey was called off because of freezing weather.
Charlton Athletic must surely be kicking themselves over failing to take advantage, with their three games reaping just two points.
Lee Bowyer’s side drew against Swindon Town and Plymouth Argyle, before losing 2-0 at Hull on Saturday.
As a consequence, they clawed back two points on Pompey, but climbed just the one place to sixth.
Remember Doncaster Rovers? The side which required victory over Shrewsbury Town to become leaders at Christmas ahead of Pompey.
Well, they haven’t played since losing that December 22 fixture and remain two points adrift of the Blues, lying in fourth place.
Of course, the big winners during the festive period were Lincoln – triumphing in all three of their games.
There were thumping wins over Northampton Town and Burton Albion, followed by victory at AFC Wimbledon, clubs which are all in the bottom six.
In the process, they swelled their goal difference by nine, and positioned themselves four points clear at the top of League One.
Michael Appleton’s men actually now stand six points ahead of Pompey, albeit having played a game more and with an inferior goal difference.
Yes, the Blues remain the joint-highest scorers in the division – and possess the second-best defensive record. Incidentally, their goal difference of +17 is the best in the league, by three.