Why Portsmouth can be heartened how League One unfolded during inactivity alongside Peterborough and Ipswich

Pompey’s inactivity over the festive period deprived them of League One’s top spot.
Pompey haven't played since topping League One following victory at Hull - subsequently dropping to third. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.comPompey haven't played since topping League One following victory at Hull - subsequently dropping to third. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com
Pompey haven't played since topping League One following victory at Hull - subsequently dropping to third. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com

Nonetheless, only Lincoln were able to truly capitalise on the Blues’ three-game sidelining.

Certainly an outcome which could have been considerably worse for Kenny Jackett’s frustrated side during their 17 days without a game.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It was on December 18 when Pompey led the table for the first time in almost two years following a 2-0 triumph at Hull.

They haven’t played since – through coronavirus and then a frozen pitch.

Yet fears that others would breeze past while the Blues were out of action thankfully didn’t quite materialise.

As it transpired, others would also be affected by cancellations during the busy Christmas schedule, leaving Jackett’s men presently in third.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Of the top eight, Ipswich and Peterborough joined Pompey in not fulfilling any of their three matches.

Read More
For the latest Pompey news direct to your inbox sign up for our free newsletter

While Accrington and Hull each played one match. Crucially for Hull, they won theirs to edge ahead of the Blues and sit second.

As for Stanley, they managed a draw from their single outing. As we know, Saturday’s game with Pompey was called off because of freezing overnight weather.

Charlton must surely be kicking themselves over failing to take advantage, with their three games reaping just two points.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lee Bowyer’s side drew against Swindon and Plymouth, before losing 2-0 at Hull on Saturday.

As a consequence, they clawed back two points on Pompey, but climbed just the one place to presently occupy sixth.

Remember Doncaster? The side which required victory over Shrewsbury to become leaders at Christmas ahead of Pompey.

Well, they haven’t played since losing that December 22 fixture and remain two points adrift of the Blues, lying in fourth place.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Of course, the big winners during the festive period was Lincoln – triumphing in all three of their games.

There were thumping wins over Northampton and Burton, followed by victory at AFC Wimbledon, clubs which are all in the bottom six.

In the process, they swelled their goal difference by nine, and positioned themselves four points clear at the top of League One.

Michael Appleton’s men actually now stand six points ahead of Pompey, albeit having played a game more and with an inferior goal difference.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Yes, the Blues remain the joint-highest goalscorers in the division – and possess the second-best defensive record.

Incidentally, a goal difference of 17 is the best in the league, by three.

Pompey’s momentum was halted through no fault of their own after topping League One.

Thankfully, however, barely any of their rivals have subsequently been able to take advantage of such inactivity.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The News has launched a new subscription offer which gives you unlimited access to all of our Pompey coverage, starting at less than £1 a week.

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.

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.