Famous last words - but Portsmouth should have nothing to fear ahead of Jonah Ayunga reunion against Bristol Rovers

Of course you do – he’s the former Hawks striker who reserved his best goalscoring performance of the season for when Pompey took on Bristol Rovers in February.

He netted twice in the game, registering his first league goals of the campaign in the 3-1 win and kick-starting a poor run of Blues results that would eventually lead to manager Kenny Jackett’s dismissal.

It’s coming back to you now, isn’t it!

At the time of Ayunga’s lethal display, many of the Fratton faithful on social media questioned Pompey’s decision to pass up on signing the front man.

Last July, Hawks boss Paul Doswell told The News that Jackett decided to pursue others after the recommendation landed at his door step.

And based on the evidence from that February night, many more jumped on the bandwagon, wondering how the 23-year had slipped through the net.

With that in mind, nerves will be starting to kick in as Rovers prepare to arrive at Fratton Park tomorrow for the reverse League One fixture (1pm).

But when you look deeper at Ayunga’s record from this season – his maiden campaign in the Football League – there should be no cause for concern.

Easier said than done, bearing in mind the former Sutton ace’s goals against the Blues were his first in the division this term.

But when you also consider that he’s failed to find the back of the net since, then reality surely beings to kick in.

Indeed, it’s fair to suggest that the Kenya international hopeful has struggled to adapt to life at this level, with barely any goalscoring form to speak of.

That is, after all, the currency with which strikers are valued.

A goal in Rovers’ 2-2 draw with Walsall in the Papa John’s Trophy back in September is Ayunga’s only other input in that category from his 35 appearances in all competitions to date.

Meanwhile, expected goals (xG) data from scouting platform Wyscout shows he is not getting into enough goalscoring opportunities – and is often wasting them when it matters.

His 5.24 xG is 3.24 higher than his goal return.

Despite, this the former Hawks favourite is still featuring heavily in the Gas’ first-team plans and is likely to play against Danny Cowley’s play-off chasers, hoping to inflict more damage.

Appearing in a variety of formations under manager Joey Barton, Ayunga has either played as the lone striker or alongside another former Blues target, Brandon Hanlan.

Incidentally, the former Gillingham forward has also endured a torrid time in front of goal this term.

Regardless of the host of chances put his way, registering an xG of 14.52 in the league, Hanlan has only found the net on seven League One occasions, with nine in total.

For context, Oxford United’s Matt Taylor (15 goals from 12.47 xG) and Hull City’s Josh Magennis (15 goals from 10.1 xG), have both outscored the 23-yeard-old from lower-quality chances.

No wonder Joey Barton is regularly slamming his players in public.

With Ayunga failing to live up to his non-league hype, and Bristol Rovers all but down, it should be inconceivable for Pompey to press the self-destruct button on their play-off aspirations once again tomorrow.

But given the wasteful midweek performance against Swindon, where another player with a Pompey connection – Brett Pitman – defied his previous form to sink the Blues, nothing is certain.

Ayunga could defy the odds again and inflict even more damage on the Blues.

Only this time, there’ll probably be no way back for Pompey.

- Freddie Webb