It’s now two home defeats in a row for Pompey as Adrian Segecic’s costly error extended Portsmouth’s 12:30 Saturday kick-off curse at home.
In what was a hugely dominant affair for Pompey, it was Hull City who will be taking three points back to the East Riding as they strengthen their play-off chances.
The Tigers are now three points off second place Middlesbrough after a “completely unacceptable” Pompey mistake gifted Hull’s Matt Crooks a 73rd minute winner.
For Pompey on the other hand, a lack of clinical edge finds Mousinho’s blues right back in the mix of a relegation battle reaching boiling point, despite what was a very positive week away from home.
Statistically, Pompey boasted 21 total shots compared to Hull City’s 2 while also holding 66% of the average possession, showing hugely promising signs throughout the game.
In spite of this, Pompey were very much left off the hook after seeing a goal line scramble result in Nico Schmid pushing the ball into the back of his own net after two minutes. Only for referee Sam Allison to blow for offside much to the relief of the Fratton faithful.
Yet, as Pompey have become increasingly aware as the Championship season has progressed, statistics mean nothing when you are constantly unable to find the back of the net.
This has been exemplified by Colby Bishop’s 2 goals in 31 appearances as number nine for the Blues this season – despite his clear goal-scoring ability.
As the game unfolded Pompey put together a few lovely passages of play, coming close to goal on more than a few occasions without truly ever testing Ivor Pandur’s net.
A solid first half display, underpinned by very commanding performances from the likes of Terry Devlin, Regan Poole and Marlon Pack made it look as if a point against the Tigers was very much on the cards.
However, what was a quick-tempo start from Mousinho’s men tailed off into a very tame and frantic performance.
This, leading to Adrian Segecic’s game defining seri mistake gifting Hull City’s Matt Crooks the opportunity to tuck the ball away into the bottom right hand corner of an empty net.
From the perspective of many Pompey fans, the team has been looking increasingly fatigued after a tough spell of three away games on the trot, two of which came against play-off pushing Millwall and Wrexham.
This, paired with the devastating plague of injuries that currently leaves 11 players out sidelined and the breaking news released by Blues boss John Mousinho tonight that star winger Josh Murphy will be out for the season, leaves Pompey in a worrying position as the season’s conclusion edges closer.
Despite the extent of Pompey’s control of the fixture, at times today they looked completely desperate and devoid of ideas, almost lashing out with lazy crosses and shots lacking in any venom.
This, speaks loudly of a team lacking the necessary availability to rotate that so many other Championship teams in and around them possess.
Ultimately, Hull City are proving themselves to be the Championship masters of grinding out crucial results, especially on the road. Now extending their away-day winning record to 5 in a row for the first time since the 1960s and standing as proof of the importance of Championship experience in seeing out results.
For Pompey though, fans will be thankful for the fact that results around them have gone in their favour heading into what could be a crucial fixture at the bottom end of the table against Blackburn on the road next Saturday.
Hopefully the 12:30 kick off will be luckier for Mousinho’s blues this time around.
