A number of changes to the starting lineup failed to achieve the desired outcome as we got off to a slow start. We don’t know our best eleven. Portsmouth looked head and shoulders above us at times, but they won’t be happy with their ability to see the game out. When we made changes at halftime, they couldn’t play the ball out from the keeper as well as they had been. That changed things for us.
We came from behind twice, but didn’t have enough to pull out the winner.
Clare scored with nigh on his first touch for the first equaliser, and Davison did well to finish as Blackett-Taylor terrorised their right back to put him through in the six-yard box.
We looked clumsy and erratic in possession at times, particularly at the back, but we gave ourselves a lifeline or two with great attacking play from Lee and Gilbey, Blackett-Taylor and Leko.
We’re not good enough and as time goes on, it looks less and less likely we’ll stumble on a formation that will turn our fortunes around. It’s not as bad as it looks, but it’s not much better, IMO.
Over to you.
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Comments
Soare also had a solid game as did Leko
Pearce is finished, so is Watson
what’s happened to stockley?
Adkins out (give it to Jacko)
But once again we're carved open so easily, and too much time on the ball for the opposition. And yet we're pressed off the ball when we have it. It's the same every game.
Some credit to Adkins for nullifying them a bit better in the second half, but they still had a lot of space down the wings and created chances.
I'm so disappointed that it's a brand new season and we're starting games with the likes of Pearce, Watson and Matthews. All of whom nearly cost us today, and one of whom did.
Stockley has done nothing this season to deserve a starting place in this team. Surely it has to go to Davison now. Let Jaden earn his place back.
What I take away from it...Stockley can't play without a partner and CBT needs to start when fit along with Davison.
If its getting there then it's taking too long
Almost a complete reversal in the second half with the quick equaliser coming through Clare. Would’ve been the perfect time to make a number of our next chances count and the referee completely robbed us of a 1v1 about ninety seconds before they retook the lead.
Once CBT and Davison were introduced, Portsmouth didn’t know how to handle them, especially the former. He must start the next game.
Yes Portsmouth had a couple of extra golden chances that were of our own making (Pearce tried to gift his former club multiple times) but equally their keeper made good saves at crucial moments too.
However, the fact we are are in the relegation zone and look all at sea almost every turn over of play just adds to our woes.
Things are looking up.
Cheltenham - Arter and Dobson
Gillingham - Watson and Morgan
Pompey - Watson and Arter/Clare
That's 5 different players for the 2 positions in 3 games. That's not rotation, that's a manager desperately trying to find the right combination and failing
But he's played 3 consecutive games each of 90 minutes plus - it's a big ask of a 36 year old midfielder.
He hasn't got the engine and sharpness for it at the intensity required for 3 games a week.
Surely he has to be rested this Tuesday?
We made many changes, probably because many players aren't fit yet. Arter rightly subbed at half time, he was very poor. Adkins should have taken Stockley off earlier. Hasn't done a single thing right today and is contantly moaning and pointing at his team mates. Not the leader this team needs. I get Jason Pearce is not an ideal first choice CB, not good enough any more, but at least he is a true leader. Clare brought us much needed energy in the middle, but is not a very good player.
They played it last season - you could hear it in the background during Charlton TV - and I asked what the tune was, but nobody replied.