Portsmouth 2 Shrewsbury 0: what was said at the final whistle at Fratton Park

Second-half goals from Ellis Harrison and John Marquis ensured the Blues remain in the League One play-off places.

Here’s what those closest to the action had to say about the game and result…

Pompey assistant boss Joe Gallen

It was a tough game in the conditions.

It’s not so much the rain but wind can affect a game of football. That was the case for both teams.

So we’re pleased to win against a tough opponent in Shrewsbury.

They played well and defended well but we kept going and got our chances.’

Blues striker John Marquis

When they play three or five at the back, it does take time to break them down sometimes and, for whatever reason, we always seem to be stronger in the second half.

‘We are a fit team and going into the Fratton end, it’s like a 12th man, sucking the ball forward. To be honest, Shrewsbury never really caused us any problems today.

‘They had one shot maybe in the first half that Bassy saved, apart from that there wasn’t a lot, but they have a big back five which we knew could be a threat from set-pieces, which we defended really well.

Shrewsbury manager Sam Ricketts

I asked the players for a lot today and for the vast majority of the game they gave it. Whoever got the first goal was going to go on and win the game.

We had really good opportunities to get that first goal but we couldn’t get it and Portsmouth did. The difference between the two sides was only a small amount. My frustration would be that we didn’t hit the target enough.

We gave Portsmouth a good game today and were far more like ourselves previous to Christmas. Generally, we defended well and Max only had a few saves to make.

Chief sports writer Neil Allen

Pompey had to show patience to overcome Shrewsbury - and Storm Dennis - to triumph at Fratton Park.

Kenny Jackett's side had struggled to break down the visitors until the double entrance of Ross McCrorie and John Marquis changed the match.

McCrorie created Ellis Harrison's opener, while Marquis grabbed the second to seal a 2-0 victory.

Conditions hampered the match's quality, yet, importantly, the Blues emerged with another win.

Pompey writer Jordan Cross

It was job done as Pompey battled the conditions and a stoic Shrewsbury side to return to winning ways.

This was always going to be a day where it was about getting the points in any way possible as Storm Dennis battered Fratton Park.

Sam Ricketts set out his side to be hard to break down with a powerful back five, and asked if Kenny Jackett’s men had the minerals to open them up.

It was attritional stuff but an inspired substitution paid off as Ross McCrorie put the ball in for Ellis Harrison’s opener and John Marquis got the killer second, to see Pompey eyeing the automatic promotion spots once again.