Portsmouth's response to how they handled Fleetwood's 'bullying tactics'

Craig MacGillivray dismissed Fleetwood’s ‘bullying tactics’ as his side moved into the automatic promotion places.
Action from tonight's clash between Pompey and FleetwoodAction from tonight's clash between Pompey and Fleetwood
Action from tonight's clash between Pompey and Fleetwood

The Blues keeper believes his team handled the approach employed by Joey Barton’s Fleetwood well as Pompey were held to a 0-0 draw.

It proved a lively affair at Fratton Park, with the first 45 minutes in particular making for a feisty encounter as seven bookings were dished out.

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Pompey pushed for the winner after the break but couldn’t carve out many clearcut chances, with Marcus Harness’ 85th-minute into the side netting best of it.

The draw meant Kenny Jackett’s side missed out on top spot in the League One table, but MacGillivray felt the way the game unfolded showed Pompey weren’t bothered by how their opponents went about the game.

He said: ‘I have a feeling that was their tactic (to bully) and they were trying to ruffle us up.

‘Within 10 minutes Raggs (Raggett) had an elbow in his face before he went to head it.

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‘It was a case of them trying to cause a bit of a stir and bully us a little bit, but I don’t think the lads really mind having a bit of rough and tumble.

‘We were in a battle and levels of aggression were high.

‘We said it was whoever controls and manages the game the best.

‘Whoever loses control and doesn’t have controlled aggression will lose the game ultimately.

‘I do feel in the second half there was only one team realistically who was going to win that game.

‘It looked like they were playing for a draw.’

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Despite dominating possession and the shot count, Pompey were indebted to MacGillivray for making a crucial late stop to ensure his team left with a share of the spoils.

The 27-year-old somehow kept out sub James Hill’s close-range header with a reflex stop to ensure his team picked up their fourth clean sheet on the spin.

After being a virtual spectator in the second half, MacGillivray was pleased with how he reacted.

He said: ‘As a keeper, it can be difficult.

‘When you look at every, single game we don’t concede many shots.

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‘Sometimes there’s not a lot you can do and a good goal is a good goal.

‘As a keeper you have to be ready all of the time and when the opportunity to make a save comes along you have to do your best to save it. I’m just glad I got that opportunity.

‘It’s nice, but it would’ve been better if it was a three-point saving save.

‘It keeps us on a good run and now it’s on to Hull.’

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