Callum Lang stars – Portsmouth player ratings in 3-3 draw v Leeds United
Portsmouth played their part in a madness of a match at Elland Road against Leeds United on Saturday 10 August, drawing 3-3 against the run of play in front of a sold-out away end in the club’s first Championship match in 13 seasons.
Callum Lang’s double including a late penalty so nearly produced a remarkable smash-and-grab, with Elias Sorensen also bagging on his debut to get John Mousinho’s men off the mark.
The point will give the Blues a gleam of confidence heading into a succession of tough Championship tests.
Here, Pompey News rates the Portsmouth players out of 10 for their performances against Leeds United.
A point that rested on a knife-edge for Portsmouth
Will Norris – 7
Had plenty to do, made a series of strong saves and had to be alert throughout. Could do nothing about the penalty.
Jordan Williams – 6
Lost Ampadu for the early chance to hit the bar with his header, but was comfortable enough afterwards.
Conor Shaughnessy – 6
Appeared the most organised of the Pompey backline in the first half on his return to Leeds, did allow both Wilfried Gnonto and Brenden Aaronson’s shots through his legs, but looked alert.
Ryley Towler – 5
Dragged forward for the early Gnonto chance and for the late, agonising Aaronson miss, struggled at times with positioning but worked hard after so little action last season.
Connor Ogilvie – 5
Conceded the penalty after a challenge on Dan James and had let him in behind and did get booked for another James foul after the break, but an important intervention to deny Patrick Bamford a clean header late on.
Portsmouth play their part in iconic match
Marlon Pack – 8
Superb reverse pass into Sorensen for the Blues equaliser and nice play to Silvera just before, worked as Mousinho’s on-pitch voice. Championship experience from the skipper will be vital this year.
Andre Dozzell (off for Owen Moxon 74′) – 5
Struggled at times on his Blues bow, was up against a skilled operator in Georginio, was dispossessed for a Mateo Joseph chance and was booked for a foul on James, but did provide determined defensive cover.
Paddy Lane (off for Matt Ritchie 83′) – 6
Pressed very well, and worked hard but saw little of the ball going forward as Leeds dominated. Will be an asset for his way of leading the press this season, especially at home.
Callum Lang – 8
Incredible strike to give his side a shock lead and stun Elland Road, and rolled the penalty home with aplomb. Conceded the free-kick from which Ilia Gruev hit the woodwork in the early stages, but used his experience to play almost the whole game on a booking. To an extent, still the hero of the day for Pompey.
Sam Silvera (off for Terry Devlin 46′) – 6
Worked hard and showed glimpses whilst in possession, won a couple of fouls, and withdrawn at half-time which could be tactical or a knock.
Elias Sorensen (off for Christian Saydee 63′) – 6
Worked off scraps but equalised with a debut goal from a powerful finish, which will hopefully give him plenty of confidence.
Substitutes
Terry Devlin (on for Sam Silvera 46′) – 6
Slotted in okay as he was introduced for the second half, was nutmegged on one occasion but otherwise defended well.
Christian Saydee (on for Elias Sorensen 63′) – 7
Worked hard down the flank, and used his strength to his advantage to win a couple of ideal fouls – not least the foul for the penalty converted by Lang. Limited chances to burst forward.
Owen Moxon (on for Andre Dozzell 74′) – 5
A professional substitute appearance and did what Mousinho asked as a seamless sub.
Matt Ritchie (on for Paddy Lane 83′) – 5
What a moment seeing him back in a Portsmouth shirt. The local lad isn’t quite match fit, but came on for the final minutes to help manage the game towards what was so nearly an unlikely victory.
In other Portsmouth news, the club are looking to take advantage of the local loan system.
For more Portsmouth news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.