New-look Portsmouth show they've grown in stature - but a week is a long time in football

A week is clearly a long time in football.
Marcus Harness opened the scoring for Pompey at the Stadium of Light.  Picture: Daniel ChestertonMarcus Harness opened the scoring for Pompey at the Stadium of Light.  Picture: Daniel Chesterton
Marcus Harness opened the scoring for Pompey at the Stadium of Light. Picture: Daniel Chesterton

Last Sunday we were all waking up to a Doncaster hangover, following Reece James’ 79th-minute winner for Rovers at Fratton Park.

Cures for the pain were being sought, remedies were being discussed among concerned loved ones, promises of never again were being made.

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But fast forward seven days and all of a sudden that Blues-inflicted ailment looks a thing of the past. Things aren’t so bad after all, it appears.

Victory at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light – a first since 2008 – has allowed the much-sought-after feelgood factor to return.

A sanguine state of mind assisted, of course, by Tuesday night’s comprehensive win at Gillingham.

Those with a more sceptical outlook will rightly remind us not to get too carried away – this is Pompey, don’t forget.

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John Marquis celebrates his second goal of the game against Sunderland  Picture: Daniel ChestertonJohn Marquis celebrates his second goal of the game against Sunderland  Picture: Daniel Chesterton
John Marquis celebrates his second goal of the game against Sunderland Picture: Daniel Chesterton

The wrongs that have hampered progress this season haven’t just suddenly gone away, never to be seen again.

Nor have the ingredients that contributed to the Blues coming up disappointingly short in their two previous promotion campaigns.

There are still plenty of fans out there – despite keeping their heads down at the moment – who are still firmly opposed to Kenny Jackett’s stewardship.

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However, perhaps maybe these two most recent results – and the Sunderland win in particular – have kick-started a new identity under the manager. Something, it’s fair to say, we’ve all been craving.

There’s been no sign of the mechanical and often uninspiring 4-2-3-1 formation.

There’s currently no post-match debate about how to get the best out of John Marquis, or a glaring void left by the injured Ellis Harrison’s absence.

Where has the need to find the all-inspiring No10 gone?

Lacklustre forward displays have been replaced with energy and purpose.

The midfield looks more compact and dynamic.

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There seems to be a tempo about Pompey’s play at the moment, too.

The players look like they’re playing for the manager.

And dare I say it – consistency has even been there for all to see as well.

Evidence of that latter characteristic was a prerequisite heading into the Black Cats trip.

It’s all well and good beating a Gillingham side that will most likely finish mid-table at best this season.

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But what have you got in your locker for a side unbeaten this season and one that looks certain to be in the promotion mix at the campaign’s end.

Oh, and let’s not forget, one with just a solitary goal conceded until yesterday.

Well, we all know the answer to that, as Pompey stepped up to the plate – and answered their critics.

The next test will be at home to Northampton on Tuesday night and then the visit of Charlton next weekend.

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Two games which will provide their own respective challenges at a venue which has already seen two defeats this season – Fratton Park.

That guarantees the Blues will fall under the microscope yet again.

There’ll be no room for error in both, no slipping of recent standards allowed.

After all, who wants to go back to the pain of those Donny and Wigan defeats.

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However, exciting new foundations appear to have been set and a new line drawn in the sand.

At this moment, this side looks like it can grow further in stature.

There is, of course, a need to be cautious, though.

A week is a long time in football, don’t forget.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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