Portsmouth boss reflects on Ellis Harrison starting chances after Wigan goal-scoring reminder

It took 269 minutes of frustrating football, but Pompey have finally opened their league goal account this season.
Ellis Harrison netted Pompey's first League One goal of the season after coming on as substitute against Wigan. Picture: Joe PeplerEllis Harrison netted Pompey's first League One goal of the season after coming on as substitute against Wigan. Picture: Joe Pepler
Ellis Harrison netted Pompey's first League One goal of the season after coming on as substitute against Wigan. Picture: Joe Pepler

Nonetheless, they became the last League One club to do so.

Now, according to Kenny Jackett, the architect of that 89th-minute strike against Wigan is pushing for a recall in Saturday’s trip to Burton.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Paired with John Marquis in attack, his left-footed finish represented his first Pompey goal since victory over Shrewsbury in February.

A pre-season disrupted by a calf strain collected in training saw him restricted to just 45 minutes of friendly action ahead of the campaign.

Since then, Harrison has provided cameos off the bench.

However, following his goal-scoring man-of-the-match display in Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Wigan, Jackett believes the striker’s time may now be here.

The Blues boss told The News: ‘On Saturday, Ellis gave us a focal point in terms of our play going forward during that period, which helped us.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘He got a good goal, although unfortunately we couldn't get the goal or goals which could have got us either a point or two points.

‘In terms of strikers and forwards early in the season, you are always looking to get off the mark if you can.

‘He’s a different player (to John Marquis), we will have to see what we can do in terms of next week.

‘Ellis has had a disruptive pre-season, he’s had a disrupted week this week and didn’t train Thursday, he had a bit of a bad back.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘Similarly, he is available and will gain a lot of confidence after a disrupted pre-season.’

Pompey and Rochdale share the fewest goals scored in League One at present – both on one.

Meanwhile, Jackett can be encouraged by the display of Harrison which lit up his side during another dismal display.

The former Bristol Rovers striker registered his 11th goal in 43 appearances since joining in the summer of 2019.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, his first-team impact has been hampered by niggling injuries.

On occasions last term he was sidelined by a back issue and then dead leg, but still made 25 starts in all competitions.

Now he has re-emerged when Pompey are desperate for a cutting edge.

He added: ‘Ellis has had slight injuries, but his availability for games is pretty good and his games record since being here is pretty good.

‘I don’t think that will change,

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘He has done well, he has been a good player for us – and looked bright when he came on on Saturday, very bright.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The News has launched a new subscription offer which gives you unlimited access to all of our Pompey coverage.

You can subscribe here to get the latest news and transfer updates from Fratton Park – and to support our local team of expert Pompey writers.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism on your behalf for our city.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.