Hartlepool v Pompey: Don't expect fireworks if history repeats itself

When the Fratton faithful speak about their favourite Blues game of all time, the same matches will continue to crop up.

The 2-0 win over Tottenham at Wembley, the two 4-1 victories over Southampton and the 2008 FA Cup final will always be high on the list for any Pompey fan.

But a certain fixture has been overlooked.

A fixture that has produced more drama than any other in recent years – Hartlepool v Pompey at Victoria Park.

Three out of the Blues’ past four visits have ended in 0-0 draws – stellar stuff!

It was a run that started under Guy Whittingham back in 2013, but it was proudly taken on by Andy Awford.

Awford managed to secure not one, but two stalemates in the cauldron of football that is Victoria Park.

Overall, that amounts to a 1,994-mile round-trip for Pompey fans, who have seen a return of zero goals.

This sort of stuff goes down in football folklore.

Last season, Paul Cook’s side buckled the trend and recorded a 2-0 win against the Monkey Hangers, courtesy of strikes from Kal Naismith and Conor Chaplin.

The Blues were also held to a 0-0 draw by Hartlepool in December.

So, if history is anything to go by, Pompey fans – bring a book this weekend!