Kenny Jackett sees potential in new-look Portsmouth strike-force for promotion run-in

Kenny Jackett admits he has identified strike-partnership potential in Jordy Hiwula and Ellis Harrison.
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And Pompey’s boss is prepared to once again match the pair during the League One promotion push.

The duo started up front for a much-changed Blues in Tuesday night’s Papa John’s Trophy trip to Peterborough.

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Pompey would suffer London Road elimination, being on the receiving end of a thumping 5-1 defeat, yet the new-look double act impressed.

And Jackett acknowledged the forward duo demonstrated a natural ‘dovetailing’ which left him encouraged.

He told The News: ‘I decided both Ellis Harrison and Jordy Hiwlula needed 90 minutes and then didn’t make a substitution.

‘For half an hour, they did give them (Posh) problems, but in that period we gave poor goals away.

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‘It was a period where we were looking threatening, mainly through those front two.

Jordy Hiwula and Ellis Harrison were matched as a strike force at Peterborough - and produced an encouraging display, despite the 5-1 scoreline. Picture: Nigel Keene/ProSportsImagesJordy Hiwula and Ellis Harrison were matched as a strike force at Peterborough - and produced an encouraging display, despite the 5-1 scoreline. Picture: Nigel Keene/ProSportsImages
Jordy Hiwula and Ellis Harrison were matched as a strike force at Peterborough - and produced an encouraging display, despite the 5-1 scoreline. Picture: Nigel Keene/ProSportsImages

‘In the second half it was tough for us after the fourth goal, but Ellis kept going very, very well and deserved his goal, it was an excellent strike, and I’m pleased he scored.

‘For 30-35 minutes, though, both Hiwula and Harrison linked up very well and gave quite an experienced back three a lot of problems.

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‘I do think there’s a partnership there, both have proven they can play League One football and are experienced.

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‘They are quite a good dovetail in terms of a partnership. They got in behind the Peterborough defence and linked up very well.

‘We are going to need that. We need to be able to change it, to change it from the bench, to change it from Saturday to Tuesday.’

Presently John Marquis, aided by Ryan Williams, are Jackett’s favoured central attackers.

However, Marquis has gone eight matches without a goal, last scoring against Crewe in November.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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