Here we are, then. We’re now knee-deep into a run of games that’ll shape the ultimate fate of our League Two campaign. Up next, and indoors it must be said to be clear, is former Premier League side Portsmouth. It comes after a trip to former Premier League side Blackpool. And that came after a trip to former Conference Premier outfit Luton Town. We were so close to a theme there! But, yes, it’s Pompey – now very much the third team on the South Coast, if the respective fortunes of Southampton and Bournemouth are to be your trusty guide.
Of course, you can sit there and shake your tailfeather at us (can you do both at the same time? Ed.). You might well ask – “How does this specific, yet arbitrary run of games have any more impact on our fate this season than any other arbitrary run?” So, let us pre-empt you. Luton, Blackpool and now Portsmouth are all in the hunt for a place in League One next term. Crewe, Notts County and Leyton Orient, on the flip side, are not. And, if the league table tells no lies and keeps no secrets, Pompey aren’t exactly staggering towards the finish line.
Stevenage v Portsmouth: Tonight, Tonight…
Aye, the bottom line is that Portsmouth Football Club are very much enjoying things. Our defeat midweek to the Tangerines saw us slide down to third in the league’s form table. Above us, Portsmouth… and Accrington, but who cares about them? Three wins in three matches on the road is what Pompey have turned in. Not once in those three expeditions did they let a goal in either. We are the last of the current four playoff sides to host them this season too. Their haul from the other three games (Carlisle, Exeter and Luton)? Yeah. Nine from nine.
Not that we’re slouches, of course. It’s a grand chance for Boro’ to bounce back after the Blackpool boo-boo. After all, our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. Are we reading these? Are we what? Reading the quotes? Sort of. Passing on our wisdom. So, let’s move on and ask the important question – what exactly is this Boro’ team made of? It’s going to have to be some strong stuff to bring down a Portsmouth side in full flow. We’ve seen so often enough over the years, however, that we almost relish such challenges.
Referee Record:
Michael Salisbury – P1 W1 D0 L0 F1 A0; last seen: Accrington (A), 19/11/2016
Head-To-Head:
vs Portsmouth – P9 W4 D2 L3 F11 A11; last result: Boro’ won 2-1 (A), 26/11/2016
Stevenage v Portsmouth: How are the Football Predictions from KickOff shaping up?
Stevenage v Portsmouth: FIFA 17 Verdict
It was getting boring, all that winning at FIFA 17. So, we turned things up a notch – because there is a level above “World Class” after all. It’s called “Legendary” and it made us feel good about ourselves, being all adult and playing video games etc. That’s not the point, however. The result? Well, it was hard graft (as video games go, sheesh. Ed.). And yet, somehow, we came out of that experience feeling fresh. And three points better off. Tom Pett’s speculative 70th minute cross headed home by Bennedy. We know, we know. It surprised us too!
BoroGuide’s Portsmouth club profile – shakedown 1979, cool kids never have the time…
