Bittersweet century for Portsmouth academy graduate

By Will Rooney
Published 17th Feb 2019, 12:03 BST
Updated 18th Feb 2019, 10:49 BST
Ben Close has scored in two matches on the bounce. Picture: Joe PeplerBen Close has scored in two matches on the bounce. Picture: Joe Pepler
Ben Close has scored in two matches on the bounce. Picture: Joe Pepler
It was a proud moment for one of Pompey’s own – but disappointing at the same time.

Ben Close made his 100th appearance for his boyhood club at Southend on Saturday.

After making his first-team debut as an 18-year-old at Yeovil in September 2014, the academy graduate has continued his promising progress at Fratton Park.

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And it looked like Close would bring up his ton in perfect style against the Shrimpers.

Ben Close has scored in two matches on the bounce. Picture: Joe PeplerBen Close has scored in two matches on the bounce. Picture: Joe Pepler
Ben Close has scored in two matches on the bounce. Picture: Joe Pepler

Pompey were 3-0 up just after the half-hour mark, with Close arrowing home a half-volley either side of goals from Bryn Morris and Oli Hawkins.

But the Blues let their advantage slip, with Simon Cox’s hat-trick condemning the visitors to a sixth-successive league game without a victory.

Close was delighted to become the latest Fratton Park centurion.

But he admitted it was a bittersweet occasion.

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