Leap Day history shows Pompey unbeaten

February 29^th only comes around every four years and Pompey look forward to fixtures on Leap year day as throughout their history they have never been beaten on this day.

The story begins back in 1908 in the Southern League days when Swindon Town were beaten 2-0 with two goals from left winger Joseph Dix (pictured).  1907/08 was an uneventful season with Pompey finishing ninth in the league.  The week previous had seen Stoke City knock Pompey out of the FA Cup in front of 20,000 at the Park.

Forward twenty-eight year to 1936 and Pompey have reached the First Division and West Bromwich Albion were sunk 3-1 at Fratton Park. Worrall, Easson and Groves find the net in front of 14,000 and Pompey finish 10^th.

It would be another thirty-six years before a Leap day fixture would see Pompey head to the Valley in South East London to face Charlton Athletic in their only away game played on 29^th February.  John McClelland scored the only goal as Pompey finish ninth in Division Two.  Coincidentally that season sees Pompey knocked out of the FA Cup by Stoke City!

Then in 1992 Tranmere Rovers visit Fratton Park and Chris Burns and Alan McLoughlin net in a 2-0 – the week before Forest were beaten in the FA Cup quarter final afterwards Colin Clarke tells the News it should have been more.

Into the twenty first century and the Premier League and it sees an end to Pompey’s 100% record in a controversial meeting  with Newcastle United.  Lomana Lua Lua scored the equaliser against the club he was on loan from in 2004.  Because of the Toon’s appearance in UEFA Cup this game was played on a Sunday meaning every time Pompey have played on Saturday 29^th February they have won!!

Shame it does not come around very often.