In the view of Mark Harvey, who stepped into the role of Pompey’s manager for a day, Portsmouth’s recent 2-0 victory against Port Vale exceeded his expectations.
Sean Raggett, making his first league start of the season, drew particular praise for his impeccable performance, displaying an almost flawless game. Raggett’s dominance in headers, ground duels, and a near-goal opportunity from a corner made him stand out.
While Raggett shone brightly, Joe Morrell also earned commendation for his increasing influence on the game, stepping up to fill the void left by the absence of Marlon Pack and Alex Robertson. Colby Bishop’s contribution was noteworthy as well.
Harvey was less impressed with the first half, describing it as forgettable and characterized by slow ball movement. He noted a lack of dynamism, particularly in throw-ins, which often went unchallenged. Pompey seemed off their game and somewhat passive, reminiscent of a recent match against Wycombe.
John Mousinho's 'worst' admission, despite fifth straight win for #Pompey. https://t.co/ig8o8wleWY
— Neil Allen (@pn_neil_allen) October 7, 2023
The halftime break allowed for necessary adjustments, leading to a significant improvement in the second half. The team displayed quicker ball movement, utilized the width of the pitch effectively, and appeared transformed. Two quick goals from Bishop shifted the momentum decisively in Pompey’s favor.
Harvey did acknowledge some limitations, particularly Raggett’s less comfortable ball-handling compared to Regan Poole and Marlon Pack’s absence, which hindered short passing options in the first half. Nevertheless, he praised the squad’s depth, highlighting the victory as a testament to the team’s resilience.
Regarding the overall season outlook, Harvey expressed satisfaction with Portsmouth’s performance surpassing his preseason expectations.
However, he emphasized that celebrations and grandiose plans, such as an open-topped bus parade, should be put on hold as there is still a long way to go in the season.
Harvey initially anticipated a fifth or sixth-place finish to secure a playoff spot, acknowledging the squad’s quality. He noted a concern about the lack of a second center-forward and the potential struggle if Bishop were unavailable.
In summary, Portsmouth’s recent performance exceeded expectations, but Harvey remained cautious about premature celebrations and emphasized the need for sustained performance throughout the season, especially in the absence of a second center-forward.
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