Kammy & Co hand over unwanted record

The occasion was the visit of Luton to Fratton Park in the old division two, with the youngster blooded by then-boss Ian St John in a midfield role.

The result was a 2-0 defeat – and the start of the longest winless sequence in the Blues’ history.

That was until a goalless draw at Hartlepool last night eclipsed it and inscribed a new entry into the record books.

Guy Whittingham’s men have now gone 20 matches without a victory – the most wretched run in the club’s 115-year history.

Previously, it was September 6 until December 13, 1975, when Pompey chalked up their previous worst of 19 games.

Up until that point the Blues had won two, drawn two and lost one of their opening five matches in the 1975-76 campaign.

Then came the Luton game, with St John blooding a youthful side, including Kamara alongside fellow youth product Steve Foster.

A League Cup 1-1 draw at Leicester, defeat at Carlisle and then elimination to the Foxes in the second leg of the cup quickly followed.

A total of five draws in their next six matches at least ensured points were still trickling in.

Then came nine straight defeats – equalling a club record.

This season’s Pompey matched that but Tuesday night’s Victoria Park draw ensured it was not stretched further.

Still, it wouldn’t be until December 13, 1975, when the Blues would get their next win – a 1-0 triumph at Nottingham Forest thanks to Bobby McGuiness’ strike.

Pompey’s form for the remainder of the season was patchy.

It resulted in their relegation to division three after finishing bottom.

Top scorer that season was Norman Piper with 11 goals, while Kamara went on to feature 21 times, scoring four goals in the process.

Back to the present day, and Whittingham’s men take on Carlisle at Fratton Park on Saturday.

They will be looking to avoid making it 21 matches without a win.

However, like St John’s side, relegation is also unfortunately on the cards for the new record holders.