Ex-Lincoln boss Danny Cowley delivers bullish verdict on Portsmouth's League One title chances

For the second time in three seasons, Pompey will find themselves in the League One automatic promotion places at Christmas.
Pompe celebrate at Hull. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.comPompe celebrate at Hull. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com
Pompe celebrate at Hull. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com

During the 2018-19 season, the Blues' superb 3-1 victory over Sunderland ensured they'd be sitting at the summit of League One on December 25.

However, the Fratton faithful need little reminding what ensued after the turn of the year.

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Kenny Jackett's side were unable to maintain their grip on an automatic promotion spot, with a seven-match winless run a significant reason behind their drop out of the top two.

Instead, Pompey would be forced to enter the play-offs, with Sunderland getting their revenge in the semi-finals.

After failing to break into the automatic places last season, which again ended in play-off heartbreak, there’s growing belief the Blues can finally book their return to the Championship this time around.

A 2-0 victory over Hull on Friday night ensured Jackett’s men would remain in the automatics.

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Certainly, Pompey can't afford another repeat of their capitulation of a couple of years ago.

And Danny Cowley is backing Jackett to finally guide the Blues to the second tier at the fourth time of asking.

The former Huddersfield and Lincoln boss is an admirer of the job Jackett’s carrying out at Fratton Park.

And now Pompey are looking down on their rivals, Cowley reckons it’s where they will remain.

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Speaking as a pundit on EFL on Quest, he said: ‘He (Jackett) has done a very good job this season.

‘He is very methodical in his style and it's not about doing a lot right.

‘It's more about not doing a lot wrong.

‘They have been very, very consistent and, for me, Portsmouth are the most well-equipped team in League One.

‘Now they're at the top of the division, I expect them to stay there.’

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Pompey are due to face Swindon Town on Boxing Day although that fixture is in doubt.

Jack Whatmough and two other senior players have tested positive for coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Ryan Williams shared a hotel room with Whatmough at Hull.

The Australia international is now having to to self-isolate for 10 days in accordance with government guidelines.