Pompey pre-season ends with promising Robins draw

Pompey rounded off their pre-season with a confident performance in a 0-0 draw at Bristol City.
Danny Rose, centre, puts Bristol Citys Scott Golbourne under pressure in todays pre-season friendly at new-look Ashton Gate    Picture: Neil MarshallDanny Rose, centre, puts Bristol Citys Scott Golbourne under pressure in todays pre-season friendly at new-look Ashton Gate    Picture: Neil Marshall
Danny Rose, centre, puts Bristol Citys Scott Golbourne under pressure in todays pre-season friendly at new-look Ashton Gate Picture: Neil Marshall

The Blues produced a performance full of promise against the Championship side at Ashton Gate.

There were chances throughout for Paul Cook’s side in an open game in front of a crowd of 5,317.

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They couldn’t convert any of the host of efforts they carved out, though, although they could be pleased with their standard of their display.

The only negative was the sight of Jack Whatmough limping off in the first half.

It proved a pleasing first 45 minutes from Cook’s side at a much renovated Ashton Gate.

Carl Baker had a number of pot shots from outside which were off target, as he showcased a willingness try his luck.

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Pompey’s best chance of the half came after 13 minutes when Christian Burgess glanced Milan Lalkovic’s header wide.

There was a smart stop from debut-making David Forde to keep out Joe Bryan’s angled drive after 26 minutes.

The keeper also produced some confident takes and punches from corners in an assured start.

Michael Doyle was off target with a chance from 20 yards after 30 minutes.

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But there was sour note to Pompey’s afternoon when Whatmough was forced off.

The defender was hurt when challenging Joe Bryan on the touchline and limped off after trying to continue.

The first chance of the second half fell to Baker who dragged his shot wide from 25 yards.

Then Forde had to be alert to take Jonathan Kodjia’s cross after a driving from the Robins striker.

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The keeper did spill a delivery after 63 minutes, though, which Pompey scrambled away.

There was a flurry of activity as Forde then kept out Kodjia’s effort when he burst clear on goal.

Sub Luke Freeman then saw his 25 yarder deflected for a corner, before Forde plunged low to his left to keep out Hordur Magnusson’s header.

Pompey replied with a couple of chances of their own as Richard O’Donnell dived full-length to keep out Baker’s goalbound 25 yarder.

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Then Roberts’ deflected drive was cleared off the line by Luke Ayling as Pompey upped the pressure.

Cook’s side continued to push and Doyle had two efforts outside the box well saved by O’Donnell.

But the Blues couldn’t get the goal their display probably deserved.