Deadline day frustration for Portsmouth as Derby defeat rams home need for late signings

An error by debutant keeper Daniel Bielica was the foundation for a disappointing night for Pompey as they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Derby at Fratton Park.

The summer signing, who was handed his first start in place of Nico Schmid, let Sammy Szmodics’ 12th minute effort squirm under his body and into the net as his Fratton Park career got off to the worst possible start.

He could then do little as Rams substitute Lars Salvesen powered home an excellently struck shot in the second half that confirmed a second home defeat of the season already for John Mousinho’s side.

With Blues fans desperate to see some movement in the transfer market in the build-up, they were would have been buoyed by their already new-look side’s opening to the game.

Indeed, Pompey could count themselves unlucky to be trailing at the break after a first-half display that was full of endeavour.

The Blues started on the front foot and conceded Szmodics’ opener from a Rams counter-attack and the visitors’ first attempt on goal.

But they didn’t let the early setback take the rhythm out of their play as Marko Milovanovic forced keeperJacob Zetterstrom into a save following a neat pass from Adrian Segecic.

The lively Ryan Kavuma-McQueen fired wide on 19 minutes

Meanwhile, Abu Kamara was appealing for a penalty when he was stopped from getting a shot off following a challenge from Charlie Taylor that didn’t interest referee Sam Allison.

The winger then found Segecic in space on the half hour mark, only for the attacking midfielder to see his shot deflected over.

Yet for all their endeavour and energy, the one thing that let Pompey down was their ability to break the visitors down to create any clearcut chances.

After the interval, Zetterstrom had to be alert to prevent Zak Swanson’s delivery from the left from creeping under his bar, while the lively Segecic saw his effort from the edge of the box deflected over.

But as the Fratton faithful urged their side on, it was the Rams again who struck on the counter-attack in the 62nd minute.

On this occasion substitute Salvesen found space on the edge of the Blues’ box before giving Bielica no chance with hs thunderous drive.

The goal appeared to knock the stuffing out of the hosts and many fans who soon headed for the exit.

An exciting end to the transfer window was anticipated, coupled with a welcome home win.

But as the game finished in defeat and with supporters patiently awaiting news on potential late arrivals, it was anything but!