MK Dons 1-2 Pompey: they said what?

Here’s what those closest to the action had to say about the Blues’ victory.

Kenny Jackett – Pompey manager

It fell to the right person, he is obviously a goalscorer and a poacher and I’m delighted for him as one of a number of young players we are basing it around.

It has been a frustrating January for us, we’ve had a tough run and similarly that has happened to us where late goals have taken the points away, with no time to come back.

It’s a good feeling and I’m really pleased for the players because they kept going. I sensed some nervousness in the last 15 minutes in the MK Dons side and we capitalised with two terrific goals.

It was a very open game, with both sides going for it, it was end-to-end, neither side tried to shut up shop and there were chances at either end, definitely.

I’m pleased we took two of those chances and got the crucial win - it has happened to us in a number of tight games.

Dan Micciche – MK Dons manager (via miltonkeynes.co.uk)

When you lose with 20 seconds to go, it’s a bitter pill but we know we have to pick up points and we’re doing the best we can.

We deserved at least a point. Three of their players apologised to me after the game and said we were robbed.

We’re all in this together. The squad are with us and we have to keep at it. We know we’re running out of games but things can change quickly.

We have to give Portsmouth credit too, because they fought until the end.

Conor Chaplin

That meant a lot.

There were a lot of fans here and I haven’t been playing.

It’s been six games so it means a lot and there’s a lot of relief.

You can start having thoughts you don’t normally have when you’re playing.

It’s nice to get the goal and more importantly get three points.

Matt Clarke

We didn’t get going in the first half and the goal knocked the wind out of our sails.

We didn’t get going in the second, but when we made chances they looked vulnerable.

It was great to win it in the way we did - especially as we’ve been on the receiving end of it a few times.

And it was great to score on my 100th game. It makes it a memorable day for me

Neil Allen - The News’ chief sports reporter

Pompey were facing a defeat and could have had few complaints.

Then, at the death, they overhauled a 1-0 deficit to claim a maiden victory of 2018.

In an open encounter with MK Dons, there were opportunities at either end, but the match turned in the Blues’ favour on 84 minutes.

Matt Clarke levelled with a header - then substitute Conor Chaplin pounced to steer home a left-footed winner four minutes into time added on.

Jordan Cross - Pompey reporter

What a finish!

Conor Chaplin was the hero on an afternoon of late drama as he delivered Pompey’s first win of 2018, with virtually the last kick of the game at MK Dons.

Chaplin’s celebration saw all the frustration at his lack of playing time explode to the surface, as he ran the length of the pitch to party with the 6,257 jubilant Pompey fans.

Whether Kenny Jackett’s side deserved victory is open to debate, as struggling MK Dons caused big problems down both flanks in an open game.

Pompey had Luke McGee to thank for making a series of saves on his return to the side - providing the platform for the late, late drama.