How Portsmouth fans rallied round John Marquis after former Doncaster Rovers striker blamed himself for Rochdale blank

The Blues front man missed three golden opportunities in the second half at the Crown Oil Arena – wasted chances which proved costly as Kenny Jackett’s side returned south with only a goalless draw to show for their efforts.

It prompted the former Doncaster Rovers ace to write a heartfelt message to the Fratton faithful on Twitter, with Pompey’s joint-top scorer last season apologising for his lack of killer instinct against Dale.

And it appears his efforts to explain himself went down well with Blues supporters.

Rather than mock him for his misses, the vast majority of responses put a collective Twitter arm around Marquis and encouraged him to keep going in these difficult times.

Many told him it was not his fault, instead blaming the tactics for the striker’s lack of confidence in front of goal.

Here’s a selection of the views shared.

@ChrisOverthrow: Fair play John slow starts to games aren't acceptable but as long as you recognise the problems and have desire and effort to resolve them with your team mates you will have my full support.

I cant speak for every pompey fan but I feel most would agree…

@capfc11: Fair play mate, hopefully when we see Jacobs playing behind we will see more chances falling to ya.

Can imagine if you’re only getting one or two chances per game the pressure to put them away is causing you to snatch at them.

More chances = more goals common sense really #PUP.

@mike_banting: Wouldn't even worry ya self with it mate must have felt weird you having a few chances seeing as most games the ball is 20ft over your head towards the corner flag.

So probably took you by surprise.

@RW4689: Fair play for this statement, John but you’ve nothing to apologise for.

Any striker worth their weight in gold still has bad games or misses opportunities.

With your work ethic anybody can see that you care.

@danieledmunds4: John not your fault the team we have playing the right way would create you a bucket load of chances.

Rather then the stale brand of football your being asked to play at the minute.

@Roydini25: Unfortunately John you are played solo up front and without being too critical getting up to head the ball is not your strongest feature along with shooting from a distance.

You need to be played with Harrison.

@deanprobert89: Not johns fault at all. Playing under Kenny must be bloody hard work.

How can he go from smashing it at Doncaster to standing mostly on the halfway line for us cause there is such a lack of service.

@bpay12: Great statement but Sunday was@more than one. Fair play for admitting it John. Head up.

@Mourbyyy: Full respect but keep your head up mate!

We know your a goal scorer, that one tap in or even a deflected goal and your luck will change.

Just need to keep getting you the chances which is the key part!!

@Ry_Sherm: Not your fault at all. Has any of the team suggested to him (Jackett) that the system doesn’t work and you would all like to try something else? We need leaders now more than ever.

@Brooke_Smedley: I appreciate the statement John however it’s not necessary, the chance you had was unfortunate however you cannot be to blame for the lack of creativity you’re receiving behind you.

You’re being played to a system which doesn’t suit you, look at your Stevenage goal, class.

@jcoles1990: No need to apologise John, you were probably just shocked to actually get a couple decent deliveries for once. Took us all by surprise that.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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