‘Joy to watch’, ‘buzzed around’, ‘hit and miss’, ‘absolute rock’
Pompey maintained their winning pre-season with a 2-0 success at Bognor Regis on Saturday.
First-half goals from Jordan Williams and Kusini Yengi secured a deserved victory for John Mousinho’s men, who really should have added to their tally against their seventh tier hosts.
Christian Saydee, in particular, missed some chances after being introduced in the 62nd minute along with eight other substitutes – and here are our Pompey player ratings…
Will Norris 6 (Jordan Archer, 46 mins). Barely called upon with the Blues in such control, although will be disappointed that a couple of passes out from the back down the left were uncharacteristically intercepted, by Calvin Davies on both occasions.
Jordan Williams 8 (Terry Devlin, 62 mins). More proof of his natural attacking play, capped by opening the scoring when he finished off Paddy Lane’s pull-back inside the box. Loves to get forward at every opportunity and very comfortable in the final third. Conor Shaughnessy 7 (Ryley Towler, 62 mins). Composed as ever, making defending look easy and effortlessly keeping possession. Stood up well against the physicality of
Callum Barlow. Operated as the right-sided centre-back alongside Tom Mcintyre. Tom Mcintyre 7 (Jamal Baptiste, 62 mins). Paired with Shaughnessy in the centre of defence and always looking to bring the ball out. Made a couple of cracking blocks in timely situations and also had a goal ruled out late in the first half for offside. Connor Ogilvie 7 (Jack Sparkes, 62 mins). Beginning to gain an understanding with Josh Murphy down the left and embarked on a few overlaps, in the first half especially, with the winger finding him. Defensively an absolute rock.
Marlon Pack 7 (Owen Moxon, 62 mins). Kept things ticking over for Pompey and, with the calibre of the attacking four in front, he made sure they were supplied with the ball.
Tom Lowery 7 (Ben Stevenson, 62 mins) Buzzed around, barely misplacing a pass and keeping things very simple. Enjoying a strong, injury-fee pre-season, thankfully.
Paddy Lane 7 (Sean Patton, 62 mins) Claimed an assist for Williams’ opener and gave Bognor left-back Ollie Downs a torrid time during his time on the pitch. Operating on the right flank at times, the Northern Irishman is looking bright. Sammy Silvera 7 (Callum Lang, 38 mins). Operated behind Yengi was full of energy and movement, putting the ball into the box for Pompey’s opening goal scored by Williams. Showed some delightful skill at times and was