Portsmouth

Portsmouth striker Makenzie Kirk says the club have shown they "can compete" with the top sides in the division, despite suffering a 2-1 defeat against Coventry City.

Kirk opened his Portsmouth account with a stoppage time goal, but could not stop his side falling to a first home defeat since the 2-0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday back in September.

"I was happy enough to score my goal. It wasn't the result we wanted tonight, but the boys put in everything they could.

"I think over the last few weeks the lads have shown that we can compete against these big sides in the league and take points away from them.

The Northern Ireland Under-21 international joined the club from Scottish side St Johnstone in the summer, on a three-year deal.

"I have really enjoyed my time so far. I am really enjoying the training, the games are brilliant, the atmosphere is fantastic and the fans are second to none, I have never experienced anything like it.

"For me there is no pressure as a young player at the moment, as the boss has touched on, it is just about if an opportunity does come, I am ready for it."

Portsmouth boss John Mousinho says his side were "not good enough defensively" in their 2-1 defeat to Coventry at Fratton Park.

A Brandon Thomas-Asante brace either side of half-time subjected Pompey to their first league defeat in three games.

"It is obviously a disappointing result for us. I think it is a fair result overall as we didn't quite get going in the early parts of the first-half, however we settled into the game okay after that.

"The most frustrating thing is the manner of the goals. If Coventry tear you apart with good, attacking and fast play then that's one thing and I am not saying they didn't, however one of the goals came from a long throw that went out from a corner and we concede from that, which is a poor way to concede.

"The second goal is also just not good enough from us defensively, but we huffed and puffed, and we got ourselves back into the game, it was just too little to late.

"We need to take care of ourselves and the the ball a little more in the final third, because we did have chances to test the goalkeeper and we didn't do it.

"There was probably a few too many routine saves from really good opportunities.

"Ultimately we had 90 seconds in the back end to try and score and we should have maybe had 15 or 20 minutes."

Andrew Moon
BBC Radio Solent commentator

Image source, Rex Features

There's no shame in losing to Coventry who were by far and away the best side Portsmouth have faced this season, however Pompey weren't forced to be at their best in this one.

Yes Portsmouth should have had an early penalty. Strange to hear referee Gavin Ward pull the old Arsene Wenger line "I didn't see it" when quizzed about it by John Mousinho.

That would have changed the match but Coventry would still have fancied their chances. They simply had so much quality and significant pace and power all over the pitch.

So far, this week has showed that when expensively-assembled sides aren't quite at it (like Leicester) then Pompey can cause them plenty of problems, but they have to be near their best to do so. They weren't against Coventry.

Adrian Segecic was devastated when he came off with a potentially serious ankle injury and left the ground on crutches. He's been one of the brightest sparks so far this season and losing him for a long period would be a huge blow.

Yang Min-hyeok was quiet against Coventry after an impressive run of performances.

There would never be a bad time for Josh Murphy to return. Even if he can play some part against Stoke, it could make a difference.

Andrew Moon
BBC Radio Solent commentator

Image source, Getty Images

This news that Joe Morrell has retired at the age of 28 comes as a big surprise.

Earlier this summer there had been initial interest from both Reading and Plymouth in signing him and Morrell had said himself he was ready to return.

But ultimately his troublesome knee that has prevented him playing since Portsmouth's 2-2 draw at Oxford United in January 2024 has ended his career.

It's been quite a journey, going from not being able to get a game with Margate to impressing at the European Championship and playing in a World Cup.

Always interesting to listen to, he was popular in both the dressing room and amongst supporters for his whole hearted committed performances.

No club has taken more points on the road than the 11 managed by Championship leaders Coventry City this season.

The Sky Blues are also one of only three teams unbeaten on their travels in the division.

Home side Portsmouth are struggling for goals with only Sheffield United (4) and Blackburn Rovers (7) having scored fewer than their seven.

• Portsmouth have won four of their past five home league games against Coventry City (D1) since a 3-0 reverse in April 2011.

• Coventry have won two of their past three league matches against Portsmouth (L1), this after only winning one of their previous seven prior (D2 L4).

• After their 1-0 win over Middlesbrough, Portsmouth could win back-to-back home league games without conceding for the first time since October 2023.

• Coventry have won both of their past two away league games by an aggregate score of 9-0. They could become the first side in English league history to win three successive away games in the second tier by 4+ goals.

• Coventry have won both of their past two midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) league games, including one against Portsmouth in April (1-0). The Sky Blues last won three in a row in December 2022.

Andrew Moon
BBC Radio Solent commentator

Image source, Getty Images

Another game of two halves, another performance where Portsmouth showed they can compete with anyone in this division.

Pompey were very much second best in the first half but dug in and stayed in the game. Then after the break they got their counter-attacks going and could have had all three points.

When they got going they looked an incredibly well-drilled and well-organised side. That was significant against a team which man-for-man is more talented.

Keep playing like this and Portsmouth are going to pick up a significant haul of points on the road.

All this is taking place without three of Pompey's best performers last season in Josh Murphy, Callum Lang and Nico Schmidt because of injury. Yang Min-hyeok, John Swift and Joe Bursik did a fine job deputising against Leicester.

Image source, Getty Images

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho is demanding a more ruthless streak from his side despite gaining a valuable point at Leicester City.

John Swift's first goal for Pompey cancelled out Aaron Ramsey's first half effort as the visitors came back to make it five points from their last three games.

But Mousinho was slightly disappointed not to take more, having taken the initiative for large parts of the second half.

"It feels like we could have had all three points, I thought we had the better chances to win it," he told BBC Radio Solent.

"You come to the King Power and take the point. I'm really happy with the performance, but I think we need to be more ruthless going forward.

"We could have had more confidence and belief in ourselves."

Leicester City will look to edge closer to pace makers Coventry City on Saturday evening (19:45 BST) when they welcome Portsmouth.

The Foxes could go into second spot with a win should Middlesbrough fail to take all three points in their game against Ipswich on Friday.

Pompey do seem to have resolved their away day misery from last season though and will be looking for second win on the road.

However, with Leicester only seeing one loss so far this season, it'll be quite the task for the side to claim victory at the King Power.

• This will be the first league meeting between Leicester City and Portsmouth since 2011-12, with both games that season in the Championship ending 1-1.

• Portsmouth are unbeaten in their last two league visits to Leicester City (W1 D1), while they've scored on each of their last six trips (9 in total).

• Leicester City are unbeaten in their last six home league games (W4 D2), having lost nine in a row at the King Power Stadium beforehand. The Foxes last had a longer unbeaten home run between November 2023 and February 2024 (8 games).

• Since the start of last season, no Championship team has lost more away games than Portsmouth (16), while Pompey have the worst defensive record in that timeframe (53 goals conceded).

• Leicester's Abdul Fatawu has had 88 take-ons in the Championship so far this season – 51 more than any other player. He also leads the way for opposition half take-ons (74), fouls won after a take-on (8) and shots following a take-on (6).

Andre Dozzell says a mentality shift on the road could be the key to Portsmouth reaching the "next level" in the Championship.

The midfielder has started every league game this season, playing all but 15 minutes, as Pompey have picked up a dozen points from their opening nine games.

John Mousinho's visit Leicester on Saturday (19:45 BST) knowing victory would make it eight points on the road so far this season, more than half the number they earned in the whole of last season.

"It's a big week," Dozzell told BBC Radio Solent. "We know that if we're on it we can beat anyone, we just have to find that confidence, even when we go away we have to believe we can win.

"We have to go and turn the draws into wins when we go away and hopefully we can improve on last season.

"I do feel like the performances away this season have been much better. We have spoken about it, maybe it's a mentality thing, we have been working on it, but if we can turn the draws into wins that's how you get to the next level."

Dozzell joined Pompey last summer from QPR and while he was heavily involved last season, making 32 league starts, he believes he is having more of impact this term, albeit with the constant need for improvement.

"I'm happy to have played all the games so far," Dozzell added. "I've just got to keep it going. That's my aim, to play every game.

"I'm in a good patch right now but we are only nine games in, the key for me now is consistency and staying on top of my game.

"I can get a lot better. Goals and assists are a big thing in football now, I want to improve my numbers, but even if I don't get them I feel I can still help the team in other ways.

"I have to keep working hard, listening to the staff and take it one game at a time."

Listen to the full interview with Dozzell and more Portsmouth content on BBC Sounds.

Portsmouth boss John Mousinho has confirmed that winger Josh Murphy is not set to return until the side host Stoke later this month.

The 30-year-old has been on the sidelines with an ankle issue for the past four games and Mousinho says he will not rush him back.

"We are still monitoring Murphy's situation," Mousinho, whose side host Stoke on 25 October after games at Leicester and at home to Coventry, told BBC Radio Solent.

"We've been very cautious with him and will continue to be [for] the next week or so.

"I think we are most likely going to see him for the Stoke game rather than Leicester or Coventry.

"At this stage of that injury, because it's dragged on a little bit, we have to give him extra time."

There is also "no imminent return" for forward Callum Lang (hamstring), goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid (hand) or defender Conor Shaughnessy (hamstring), while winger Franco Umeh (leg) is around "four to five weeks" away.

Portsmouth visit Leicester City on Saturday (19:45 BST) in search of a second away win of the season.

Pompey have claimed five points on the road so far this campaign, more than a third of the amount they accumulated away in the entirety of last season (14).

Mousinho added: "I think we are a bit more defined in terms of our playing style away from home. We've tried to build ourselves on being more solid and maybe a bit more pragmatic.

"One of the positive things for us, it's not something that has just clicked into gear this year. Post-West Brom last year [5-1 loss in January], we became more competitive away from home."

Listen to the full interview with Mousinho and more Portsmouth content on BBC Sounds.

Portsmouth defender Regan Poole sits down with Chris Wise and Andrew Moon to discuss his hopes for the season, injuries and his career.

How do you go from being released at 15 by Cardiff to playing for Manchester United in Europe in just a few years?

Listen here for Poole's take on the Championship play-offs being a realistic goal for this season and his own doubts after a recent injury.

He also reveals he turned down more money from another club to make the move to Fratton Park in 2023.

Click here to subscribe to Portsmouth FC on BBC Sounds and download your favourite episodes.

Tom Chappell
Fan writer from Fournilwrittenalloverit

Image source, PA Media

Saturday was easily Portsmouth's best win of the season, and perhaps a show of faith to ourselves that we are a team. Not only capable of going toe-to-toe with some of the division's best, but also the ability to go one better and beat them.

At last, Pompey's season may well have officially begun, via the medium of a result and performance that was overdue, particularly at Fratton Park.

Pompey grew into the first half nicely. Whilst Middlesbrough were early off the blocks, we dealt with the pressure suitably, and once we scored, looked the better side until half-time.

When a side flying at the top of the division visits, there is always going to be moments of pressure and spells of stress - but I felt we dealt with that sternly, and were defensively excellent.

Any interjections keeper Josef Bursik had to make were measured and well-timed, without him really needing to be properly relied upon. Regan Poole and Josh Knight have devised a strong centre-back partnership in no time. And it was another strong day for full-backs Jordan Williams and Connor Ogilvie.

Marlon Pack provided another elegant, professional display in midfield - his talent for playing a pass over the top, cutting out four players, and immediately placing Pompey on the front foot is remarkable. Many will be calling on John Swift for a bit more by way of input, but it is important to say that his performance dramatically improved from that of Wednesday night in the draw against Watford.

Colby Bishop had a proper task against some of the division's most experienced defensive operators, and I am convinced that very soon Conor Chaplin's second Pompey stint will click into gear. He very nearly scored twice on Saturday.

Yang Min-hyeok's winner was struck with such finesse and accuracy. He has got a natural eye for the back of the net, and his return for goals this week demonstrates that. Another gem of a player that, if provided time, could prove to be a real difference-maker for Pompey this season.

This is all with the underscore that Josh Murphy, Callum Lang and Conor Shaughnessy will all (some sooner rather than later) return, and be ready for involvement once more.

Pompey did what Pompey often do. When you least expect a big result such as Saturday, we have a tendency to pull it out of the bag. There certainly will not have been many expecting Saturday's result pre-game, even more so given the manner in which it came.

And just to close, a word on some upsetting news after the game. Milan Mandaric was one of the greatest custodians of Portsmouth Football Club, and to hear of his passing is incredibly sad.

'He woke us up and even took us up' - there's only one Milan.

Image source, Rex Features

Marlon Pack's return to the Portsmouth side is important for their prospects this season, according to former Pompey midfielder Danny Rose.

The captain made his first two starts of the campaign in last Wednesday's draw with Watford and in the weekend win over Middlesbrough - and Rose was impressed with the impact Pack made in midfield on Saturday.

"He was really instrumental for many reasons," Rose told BBC Radio Solent's podcast Who Needs Mourinho?

"He was barking orders, demanding the ball, trying to make things tick which was impressive because against Middlesbrough it's difficult to do as they try to press and make it difficult but he was really brave."

Pack, 34, missed the start of the season after undergoing knee surgery but returned as a substitute at the end of September, scoring in a 2-1 loss at Ipswich - and Rose believes his impact is already being felt.

"I also picked up on the out-of-possession stuff with the press and shape - he was really orchestrating that and communicating when to press and when not to press, a lot of stuff that goes unnoticed," Rose said.

"Hopefully, Marlon can stay fit because he was instrumental in the first half (against Middlesbrough) and in the second helped the team manage the game well. I think just his presence in the middle of the pitch is important."

Listen to the full episode of Who Needs Mourinho? and more Portsmouth content on BBC Sounds.

Laura Kenyon
BBC Final Score reporter at Fratton Park

Image source, Getty Images

Portsmouth and Middlesbrough each had just one shot on target at Fratton Park. Safe to say neither side will be happy with that return – a stat which leaps out from the graphics page, and must surely be a thought-provoker for both managers.

The difference, though is, Pompey took that solitary moment, converted it, and came away with all three points. Boro did not, and it cost them not only their place at the top of the table, but their unbeaten start to the Championship season.

Rob Edwards spoke about it after the game, saying they were not good enough in the final third, despite making multiple attacking changes.

It poses two key questions: who will emerge as Middlesbrough's prolific goalscorer this season, and could unlocking that be pivotal in their bid for automatic promotion?