Gaffer for a day: Pompey 1 Carlisle 1

Graham Berry, 32, from Clanfield, gives his verdict on Pompey's 1-1 draw with Carlisle.
Pompey were disappointed not to win but Carl Baker put in a lively display, netted once and went close to scoring again several times. Picture: Joe PeplerPompey were disappointed not to win but Carl Baker put in a lively display, netted once and went close to scoring again several times. Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey were disappointed not to win but Carl Baker put in a lively display, netted once and went close to scoring again several times. Picture: Joe Pepler

Extremely frustrated, no doubt?

Definitely. It was positive we created so much, while Danny Rose hit the post and their keeper thought he was Manuel Neuer.

However, yet again we struggled to break a team down and cannot score goals at Fratton Park when needed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It was worrying they played for 63 minutes with 10-men and managed to get a point. We had enough chances to win, yet failed to do so.

Who stood out for you?

Carl Baker looks class, took his goal well and was unfortunate not to score another.

His ability to get the ball down and create something out of nothing was apparent and if he can stay fit he could easily be our player of the season.

I don’t think there is any comparison between him and the other attacking recruit of the summer – Milan Lalkovic.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Baker has a positivity, he is always looking to shoot. Even if the ball goes over the bar I don’t mind, we need more shots on goal.

You didn’t rate Michael Smith very highly.

I didn’t rate him when he was with us last season, I thought he was a donkey which didn’t offer anything.

There was a moment on Saturday when Gary Roberts played the ball back to him with no keeper and he was just waiting.

Well, their defenders are always going to tackle you there.

If he is our 20-goal man then we may have some issues this season.

How do you view the season ahead?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

I am concerned. Saturday was a bit of deja vu, like watching a re-run of last season.

All teams need to do is put 10-men in the penalty box and they can have a point at Fratton Park.

Paul Cook needs to go with a different option up front, not play one at home, it’s the wrong formation.

We have to get two strikers on the pitch.

The opposition need to be stretched more.

That is what someone like Noel Hunt can do.

I was a bit disappointed to hear a few boos at the end.

But I don’t think fans can tolerate too many home games when we fail to beat 10-men.

Related topics: