Portsmouth player ratings v Millwall: Ogilvie 8/10, midfielder 4/10 surprise
Portsmouth grafted to no avail on Wednesday night in their long-awaited Championship game in hand against Millwall, losing by a 1-0 scoreline.
Mihailo Ivanovic got in behind the Pompey defence to open the scoring in the first half, as John Mousinho’s side tried and failed to break down a resolute Lions outfit in a rearranged contest from November.
A highlight on a frustrating night was the long-awaited return of Conor Shaughnessy, who came on for the final 12 minutes in his first appearance since August.
A first home defeat in some time leaves Portsmouth one place and two points above the Championship drop zone, with every team in the division now having 17 league games remaining.
Pompey News rates the performance of each Blues star out of 10 at Fratton Park.
Nicolas Schmid – 5
Not forced into a great deal of action, beaten by a smart finish from Ivanovic. Remained confident and used his experience not to dwell on his display at West Brom.
Zak Swanson (off for Christian Saydee 85′) – 6
In the side with Jordan Williams absent, and it was always going to be difficult to emulate Williams’ display against Stoke. Did however win more duels than he lost, and had his work cut out as Connolly looked to be direct down the left. Better than Saturday at West Brom for sure.
Marlon Pack – 5
No major issues though arguably went too far forward for the goal which left Matthews exposed. Recovered well when he did give it away in his own final third. Growing into that centre-half role when alongside experienced partners, but had to be a mentor to debutant Matthews and the pair had their off moments.
Hayden Matthews – 5
Was thrown into the deep end to start on his debut alongside Pack. Was arguably at fault for Ivanovic’s opener as he let him in behind and didn’t quite have the pace to make the ground back up, though was left exposed. Otherwise okay and will certainly progress from what was the most demanding game he has played in his fledgling career.
Connor Ogilvie – 8
Good going forward, always a keen supply line down the left-hand side for John Mousinho. Better defensively than in recent games, too. It always feels like there is a player there, especially in attack. Took a big knock in the second half and recovered with no fuss.
Ogilvie impresses for Portsmouth as Shaughnessy returns
Isaac Hayden (off for Andre Dozzell 67′) – 5
A quiet night, like Potts was controlled fairly well by the Millwall midfield. Continues however to gain match fitness and will be an important asset in the survival battle.
Freddie Potts – 4
An off night for the on-loan West Ham United midfielder who has been a shining light this season. Couldn’t get much change out of Saville and De Norre in the middle of the park and lost most of his 50/50s. Took a couple of threatening corners from the left.
Matt Ritchie – 6
Decent service occasionally provided from the right, and always attempted to get his team going. Won fouls and still provided that turn of pace which continues to surprise opponents at 35, just not as impactful as in recent Fratton encounters.
Callum Lang – 4
Always hard-working and industrious and perhaps a victim on the night of the high-level performances Pompey fans have come to expect. Missed the best Blues chance during the first half, and lost 14 duels.
Josh Murphy – 7
Much better in the second half than the first, always looking to cause a problem down the left-hand side. Put in his fair share of crosses and a couple of nice touches, no match-defining end product but that wasn’t through any fault of his own. Should’ve played in Ogilvie before Millwall won it back for the goal.
Colby Bishop – 4
Another quiet game for the number nine, who could not find a way to get on the end of any service from the wide areas. Still undoubtedly the best option up front Mousinho has and will be persisted with as first-choice.
Substitutes
Andre Dozzell (on for Isaac Hayden 67′) – 4
Was held off too easily straight after coming on as Ivanovic fired off target and should’ve done better to threaten Schmid, then committed a daft foul. Otherwise kept it ticking and looked to provide a platform for Pompey to hunt an equaliser.
Conor Shaughnessy (on for Hayden Matthews 78′) – 5
On for a cameo in his first appearance since August. What a feeling it is to see him back after cursed injury luck with two calf issues, and if he stays fit for the rest of the season could be the difference.
Thomas Waddingham (on for Matt Ritchie 78′) – 5
Another brief appearance to get another young Australian up to speed. Hopefully his debut consolation strike at West Brom can be a longer-term springboard.
Christian Saydee (on for Zak Swanson 85′) – N/A
Came on late as Mousinho threw on more forward threat.
In other Portsmouth news, Peter Storrie exclusively opens up on his time as Pompey’s chief executive.
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