Winning start for Danny Cowley as Portsmouth come from behind to beat Paul Cook's Ipswich

Danny Cowley’s stewardship of Pompey got off to a winning start today.
Pompey celebrate Marcus Harness' goal todayPompey celebrate Marcus Harness' goal today
Pompey celebrate Marcus Harness' goal today

Paul Cook’s side were beaten 2-1 in a come-from-behind victory for the Blues at Fratton Park.

Tom Naylor and Marcus Harness got the goals as the Blues battled back to win after conceding first for the first time in nearly two years.

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Pompey were good value for their success in a high-energy win which sees them back into the play-offs for the time being at least, as the day’s early kick-off.

From the outset it was immediately clear Pompey were playing at a faster tempo and pressing higher up the pitch.

It was encouraging and heartening to see, but there was some teething problems playing out from the back with the new men having just one training session in charge.

Alan Judge’s free-kick was punched away from 20 yards in the 19th minute, but it was the visitors who took the lead 13 minutes later as Gwion Edwards opened up the Pompey defence and Norwood lashed home an angle finish.

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But Pompey were level four minutes before the break after a brilliant corner whipped at pace from Curtis was deftly headed home by Naylor.

New Pompey manager Danny CowleyNew Pompey manager Danny Cowley
New Pompey manager Danny Cowley

The second half continued with the game being played at a good tempo and Williams almost put his side in front with 30 minutes remaining, but his angled drive was inches wide.

Pompey turned the game around with 18 minutes left, though, when Curtis’ cutback was met by Harness who smashed the ball home at the second attempt.

From there the Blues were comfortable with Ipswich rarely threatening on a much-needed day to savour.

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