John Mousinho explains what happened with Blackburn v Portsmouth postponement
John Mousinho has spoken of the details leading up to the decision to postpone the Championship clash between Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth on Saturday.
Pompey – and most of their travelling support – were already in Lancashire ready for the clash at Ewood Park, but became the only fixture in the division to succumb to Storm Bert due to heavy rainfall.
Mousinho spoke to BBC Radio Solent’s Ian Wilding [23 November] en route home to the South Coast aboard the team coach.
“I got a call at about 10:15am, telling me to get down to Ewood Park for a pitch inspection as soon as possible. I got down there for about 11am,” the boss explained.
“Myself and John Eustace went onto the pitch with the referee and the [Blackburn] groundsman, and unfortunately the referee decided to call it off. If you looked at the pitch from the side, it was absolutely fine. About 90% of the pitch was fine, but it was the middle of the pitch.
“They had done as much as they possibly could to drain the water, but it wasn’t shifting. At that point, rain was forecast for the rest of the day. Unfortunately, it was unplayable conditions and there’s not much you can do.”
Portsmouth turn attention straight to Millwall
Portsmouth and their struggling side have no time to dwell and can even attempt to use the unintended weekend rest to their advantage, as they prepare to invite Millwall to Fratton Park.
Wednesday night’s [27 November] clash sees the Lions – eighth in the table with twice the points total of their hosts – head down to the coast having salvaged a last-gasp draw against Sunderland at The Den on Saturday.
Neil Harris’ men will make matters difficult with their hardened nature to the Championship, sacrificing a technical priority to attempt to disrupt their opponents.
Mousinho’s Blues last played on 9 November, a 3-1 win over Preston North End at Fratton – their first on home turf this season – and will attempt back-to-back wins for the first time since returning to the Championship.
After that comes another long journey, this time to Swansea City [30 November], who have scored fewer goals than the Blues despite sitting nine places higher in the table.
In other Portsmouth news, two Pompey Women stars begin their England camp after a heavy derby defeat by Southampton.
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