Portsmouth deliver statement with convincing 3-1 victory at Sunderland

John Marquis of Portsmouth scores their second goal to make the score 1-2 during the Sky Bet League One match between Sunderland and Portsmouth at Stadium of Light on October 24th 2020 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com)

A double either side of half-time from John Marquis and a finish from Marcus Harness gave the Blues a well-deserved win.

Charlie Wyke initially hit back for the Black Cats but, in truth, the home side scarcely troubled Kenny Jackett’s men throughout.

Pompey made a superb start and took the lead in the seventh minute through a lovely team move.

Callum Johnson’s free-kick started it, with the ball making its way for Harness inside the area to finish with aplomb.

However, their advantage would last just three minutes. Denver Hume got to the byline for Sunderland and pulled a cross back for Wyke, who finished with ease.

But the Blues’ response was an excellent one and stayed on the front foot for the majority of the first half.

They got their rewards on 25 minutes when Harness intercepted Grant Leadbitter’s loose pass. The ex-Burton man slid in Marquis, who picked out the bottom corner via the inside of the post.

While Jackett’s side didn’t create any more gilt-edged chances before the break, their high tempo and pressing scarcely gave the Black Cats an opportunity to hit back.

The home side came out for the second period on the front foot and started to ask questions.

That man Wyke had a good chance from Hume’s cross but steered his header wide.

Pompey eventually started to get a foothold back into the game, with Lee Brown cracking a free-kick against the post before not quite managing to get the ball under control when slipped in by Harness.

Marquis thought he had his second of the game with 11 minutes remaining when he headed home Johnson’s cross but the offside flag was off.

However, the ex-Doncaster man would put the clash to rest on 85 minutes.

Ryan Williams burst into the box and was fouled by Luke O’Nien, who was given his marching orders for a second yellow card.

Marquis stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to wrap up all three points.

After a stuttering start, Pompey put in another convincing performance – this time against a Sunderland side expected to finish in the top six.

It’s more tangible evidence the Blues are starting to show they’re promotion contenders.