'Brilliant' Portsmouth defence has serial promotion winner dreaming of Championship return

Pompey’s miserly defence has Michael Jacobs dreaming of a fourth League One promotion.
Sean Raggett, Jack Whatmough and Craig MacGillivray all contributed to another clean sheet at Fleetwood on Saturday.  Picture: Daniel ChestertonSean Raggett, Jack Whatmough and Craig MacGillivray all contributed to another clean sheet at Fleetwood on Saturday.  Picture: Daniel Chesterton
Sean Raggett, Jack Whatmough and Craig MacGillivray all contributed to another clean sheet at Fleetwood on Saturday. Picture: Daniel Chesterton

Heading into tomorrow night’s clash with AFC Wimbledon, it has been 476 minutes since Craig MacGillivray last conceded.

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Overall, the Blues have let in 15 goals in 20 league matches this season, the joint-best in the division alongside Sunderland.

Jacobs is certainly familiar with promotion credentials, having previously won League One with Wigan (twice) and Wolves.

And the 29-year-old recognises that defensive strength which underpins successful teams.

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He said: ‘You look at this level, if you keep yourself right at the back then you are going to get chances in the game.

Sean Raggett heads the ball clear against Fleetwood as Pompey's defense made it 476 minutes without conceding a League One goal. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.comSean Raggett heads the ball clear against Fleetwood as Pompey's defense made it 476 minutes without conceding a League One goal. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com
Sean Raggett heads the ball clear against Fleetwood as Pompey's defense made it 476 minutes without conceding a League One goal. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com

‘The quality of the squad means you’ll get opportunities to score, which we did at Fleetwood to win it.

‘I see a team which is defensively resolute, which is so important for a promotion challenge.

‘In the second half, defensively we were brilliant, Craig didn’t have many saves to make in the match.

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‘With our set-up, there were two banks of four, leaving Ryan and John up there and then trying to break when we can do, especially with Fleetwood leaving gaps for us while committing bodies forward.

‘Fortunately the boys at the back at the minute are doing well, with the clean sheets to show that. You’ve got to be encouraged.

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‘There’s also people who can come in to do a job, such as Nico (Rasmus Nicolaisen). I think it’s a strong department.’

Jacobs was a member of Jackett’s Wolves squad which claimed the League Two title with a record points tally in 2014.

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He moved to Wigan in July 2015 – and during his five years at the DW Stadium won promotion twice.

Third-placed Pompey next entertain AFC Wimbledon tomorrow night.

And at least a point could return the Blues into League One’s automatic promotion places.

Jacobs added: ‘It’s a good sign when you can put different types of performance together.

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‘AFC Wimbledon will be a completely different test, in terms of how we try to play and who plays. It’s trying to approach the game with an open mind.

‘After we scored on Saturday, it was one of those games where we knew we had to grind to get three points.’

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