Pompey 2 Ipswich Town 1: Gaffer for a Day

An FA Cup upset then.

Yes and 100 per cent we deserved it. In fact, we should have won by a lot more.

In the second half Ipswich came on to us more and scored but still didn’t look capable of even getting a draw.

I know they were not at full strength but you can only beat what is in front of you.

So much for the gulf in divisions.

Impressed with Pompey’s style of victory as well?

Definitely, in the first half we were all over them and overall showed how to move the ball fluently and effectively.

Our players aren’t afraid to receive it, they are brave on the ball, whereas in the past it has been treated like a hot potato.

There is so much quality in this team compared to the previous two years at this level.

Which players stood out for you?

I thought Adam Webster was immense but four or five in total shone.

The central defender, though, was colossal, he gave nothing away and was superb throughout.

I’ve not been a fan but he is growing into the role the more I see of him and has become very assured.

He was never a full-back, the centre of defence is his position.

Of the others, Adam Barton has a superb range of passing for League Two. He was spraying 50 to 60-yard passes to feet.

And I thought that was probably Kyle Bennett’s best game for us.

And Bournemouth?

A friend of mine is a Cherries season ticket holder and he tells me they played their reserves in the previous round. No doubt this will be the same.

My only fear is the longer we stay in the competition the games will mount up and the FA Cup is not our priority. We have to get out of this division.

Oh and it’s not a south-coast derby – there is only one south-coast derby!

Brendon’s ratings: Brian Murphy 8, Ben Davies 8, Adam Webster 9, Christian Burgess 8, Enda Stevens 8, Adam Barton 9, Michael Doyle 8, Gareth Evans 8, Gary Roberts 9, Kyle Bennett 9, Marc McNulty 8