Portsmouth goal hero: Fratton Park without fans has affected Blues' promotion ambition

That’s the verdict of James Bolton, who admits Fratton Park has been rendered vulnerable without the presence of the Blues’ inspirational support.

Kenny Jackett’s side were unbeaten at home in 18 matches during last term’s curtailed League One, boasting the division’s best record.

In contrast, in the ongoing absence of supporters, Pompey have this season claimed just five wins in 14 Fratton Park league fixtures.

A stirring late comeback against Plymouth last weekend prevented a staggering sixth home league loss during the current campaign.

On the flipside, the Blues have won eight of their 11 away games – the division’s third-best record.

Tonight they host relegation-threatened Swindon (7pm) seeking to bolster both Fratton Park form and promotion aspirations.

Bolton told The News: ‘Without the fans, home games don’t put as much pressure on the opposition. Yet it’s still a big stadium and a tough place to come.

‘The place would have been absolutely buzzing at my equaliser (against Plymouth), especially with it coming in front of the Fratton end.

‘I am lucky enough to have scored one against Sunderland last season in a 2-0 win. That’s one I will always remember, jumping into the fans with 18,500 present.

‘Hopefully we can get the fans in sooner and we can have a taste of that, it’s not the same without them. The results also show that.

‘Having also played here against Pompey, I can vouch what an influence they have. It’s a daunting place to come.

‘But as a Pompey player, it also gives you that lift – and does put the opponents under pressure.

‘It is strange playing out there at the moment, but everyone is getting kind of used to it now, which is not a good thing really.

‘Moments like Saturday are when you want the fans in, you want them to experience it as well as they players.’

With 19 points from a possible 42 at Fratton Park this season, the Blues have the 11th-best home record in League One.

Meanwhile, remarkably, they have lost just one game on the road this term.

Away form was concern for Jackett in the previous campaign, with just 18 points from 19 matches.

Bolton added: ‘You lose that home advantage, it makes everything look like an even playing field.

‘It’s not what we want, especially after last year when nobody could beat us at Fratton Park (in the league).

‘We go again tonight and need to get a win against Swindon to give us another lift – and build momentum.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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