Chaplin backed to start against Plymouth

Conor Chaplin in action against Peterborough. Picture: Joe Pepler

• Is that right, you’re giving all the players a 6?

Well, no-one was horrendous and no-one shone, not a lot stood out.

If I’m going for anyone as star man, it is Kal Naismith. At least he gave it a go and kept on trying to change things.

He definitely looked like he was the most interested, even if he did appear to be frustrated at times.

At Northampton earlier in the season Matty Kennedy drove the team on – and Kal showed the same attitude. It’s just we never looked like getting back into it.

• How much of a miss was Brett Pitman?

I was pleased Curtis Main got the nod over Conor Chaplin, he deserved another opportunity after playing well at Gillingham and scoring at Charlton.

Pompey tried to play a similar game to when Pitman is up there but couldn’t pull it off.

The general reaction on Twitter centred on why Chaplin wasn’t starting but Main warranted his chance. The fact he didn’t take it must have left him very disappointed.

You want your striker scoring and the fact Conor did when he came on means he should play against Plymouth.

• What about the game?

It was scrappy, so scrappy, with the ball bouncing around and players from both teams miskicking.

That first half had 0-0 written all over it, there was absolutely nothing to get excited about.

At least there were three goals in the second half but it still wasn’t the greatest of games.

• Finally, what’s your opinion on a new deal for Kenny Jackett?

It is quite refreshing in the current climate which sees managers come and go very regularly.

Obviously he has impressed the Eisners and Mark Catlin also likes him. They believe he is the man to take this club forward.

I think it shows a bit of ambition from the club and delivers the message to supporters that stability is the key.

Certainly it should stop some moaning about him this side of Christmas – but that can easily change into the new year.

• Rich’s ratings: Luke McGee 6; Gareth Evans 6; Christian Burgess 6; Oli Hawkins 6; Matt Clarke 6; Danny Rose 6; Ben Close 6; Jamal Lowe 6; Kal Naismith 6; Matty Kennedy 6; Curtis Main 6