Portsmouth boss striving for revenge over Gillingham

Kenny Jackett is seeking to avoid a double dose of disappointment at the hands of Gillingham.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Dec 2018, 17:46 BST
Updated 10th Jan 2019, 10:46 BST
Pompey experienced that losing feeling for the first time this season when the sides met at Fratton Park in October. Picture: Joe PeplerPompey experienced that losing feeling for the first time this season when the sides met at Fratton Park in October. Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey experienced that losing feeling for the first time this season when the sides met at Fratton Park in October. Picture: Joe Pepler

The League One leaders head to the Priestfield Stadium on Boxing Day to face the first side to beat them in the league this season.

Steve Lovell's men inflicted a 2-0 defeat at Fratton Park in October, consisting of a stunning Tom Eaves strike.

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It ended the Blues' 11-match unbeaten start to the league campaign '“ and only Charlton have since conquered them.

The Gills are presently 19th following Saturday's 2-0 loss at Charlton, their first in five fixtures.

And Jackett's men must avoid becoming a prized double for the hosts.

Pompey's boss said: '˜We played pretty well that day against Gillingham, in all the games so far this season we have been in those games.

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'˜It's a separate match, going there Boxing Day is a tough one, no doubt about that.

'˜When we met before we couldn't get the goals, we couldn't get the breakthrough. They scored twice in the first half, one of which was a great volley by Eaves.

'˜Now we go to their place and we know, as we go through the second half of the season , that we must apply ourselves, dig deep and work hard for every single point we earn.'

The Blues also head to Kent with a club-record 14-match unbeaten away run in all competitions.

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The last loss on their travels came at Bury on April 28, when they succumbed to a 1-0 reverse in the penultimate match of the 2017-18 campaign.

Since then, Pompey have fulfilled away fixtures in League One, the FA Cup and the Checkatrade Trophy without being defeated.

Saturday's crucial win over Sunderland ensures they have now collected 51 points at the half-way mark of the campaign.

And they will be bidding to extend that advantage at Gillingham.

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Jackett added: '˜I look overall at the points total and where it hopefully can take you.

'˜For us, you have to make sure you concentrate on one game at a time, don't look at the big picture too much, and realise we have a good chance.

'˜Our preparation and professionalism will give us every chance and opportunity to do our best, which is what we are trying to do.'

Related topics:GillinghamKenny JackettPortsmouthLeague OneBlues