March 13-19: A Point At Sunderland So Pompey Need A Good Run With Nine Matches To Go
Wednesday 15: Tomorrow is the last day for unrestricted transfers involving League clubs. Pompey, it seems, are unlikely to make a capture.
Pompey seem certain to be without the injured Jack Froggatt and Len Phillips for their important League match at Sunderland. Both were left behind this morning when the Pompey party left for Tynemouth, where they will be staying until Saturday.
Ralph Hunt and Alex Wlson were on target for Pompey Reserves when they beat Brighton Reserves in a Midweek League match at Fratton Park this afternoon.
Portsmouth Reserves 2, Brighton and Hove Albion Reserves 0 (Mid Week League)
Friday 17: Roker Park is expected to be full to capacity tomorrow when Sunderland and Pompey meet in a First Division match that is vital for both teams.
If Pompey win at Roker Park tomorrow they will be level pegging with Sunderland and both clubs will be in the running for League honours. If they should lose Pompey can almost certainly say goodbye to their hopes of retaining the title.
Pompey face a formidable task at Sunderland tomorrow. The Weirsiders have not lost in the League since 27 December and they remain unbeaten at Roker Park this season.
With Len Phillips and Jack Froggatt sidelined, Pompey have reinstated Duggie Reid at centre-forward, moved Ike Clarke to inside-left, and brought in Ron Bennett on the left wing for tomorrow's clash with Sunderland.
The full Pompey line-up at Sunderland will therefore be: Butler, Hindmarsh, Ferrier, Scoular, Flewin, Dickinson, Harris, Pickett, Reid, Clarke, Bennett.
Pompey Reserves entertain Saints Reserves in a Combination fixture at Fratton Park tomorrow (3pm). Pompey: Humpston, Rookes, Stephen, Duggins, Cairney, Thompson, Wood, Gordon, Delapenha, Elder, Hunt.
Dan Ekner will play his last match in a Pompey shirt tomorrow when he lines up with the "A" team against Portsmouth Civil Service at Hilsea. The Swedish international returns home next week having been included in his country's World Cup squad.
Saturday 18: We are about 40 minutes from kick-off in this afternoon's important Sunderland v Pompey clash at Roker Park. Realistically the Blues need to take at least a point from the match to stand any chance of retaining the League Championship this season.
The final whistle has sounded at Roker Park and Pompey have picked up an excellent away point, keeping alive their hopes of retaining the League title.
Result: Sunderland 1 - 1 Pompey Pompey goalscorer: Ron Bennett Attendance: 44,491
Sunderland and Pompey shared the spoils in their crucial meeting in front of 44,492 at Roker Park this afternoon, but the Blues, weakened yet again by illness and injury, will probably be happier with the 1-1 draw than their hosts.
There had been little to choose between the sides in the early stages. It was Pompey who went ahead in the 38th minute when left-winger Ron Bennett, in only his second senior outing, fastened onto Duggie Reid's through ball and fired past Mapson.
But three minutes later Sunderland were level. Harry Ferrier misjudged a cross and Dickie Davis hooked the ball home from a tight angle.
In the second half Pompey's defence came under severe pressure from the unbeaten Wearsiders but Ernie Butler kept the scores level with a string of fine saves.
In the last minute Pompey came close to grabbing an unlikely winner but Mapson made a sharp save to deny Peter Harris.
With nine matches of the season remaining Pompey will now be hoping to put together a run of good results to propel themselves into top spot, starting next week with the visit of struggling Chelsea to Fratton Park.
Match Summary: Sunderland 1, Portsmouth 1
Pompey Reserves beat Saints Reserves 2-1 in the Combination Cup match at Fratton Park this afternoon. Johnny Gordon and Jimmy Elder scored the Pompey goals.
Match Summary: Portsmouth Reserves 2, Southampton Reserves 1
Sunday 19: "WEAKENED POMPEY SIDE SURPRISED THE LEAGUE CLIMBERS" and "Reserves Put Paid to Saints Double" (From last night's Football Mail)
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