Portsmouth player ratings v Cardiff City – 3/10 flop, MOTM Murphy 9/10
Portsmouth came out on top at home again as they managed a tight 2-1 win over Cardiff City to climb past their opponents in the Championship.
Pompey raced into an early two-goal lead on Tuesday night (11 February), with Colby Bishop’s tidy finish doubled up by Conor Shaughnessy’s header as Josh Murphy was the scourge of his former club with two assists.
Callum O’Dowda made it nervy with his header to half the deficit, and a scrappy second half ensued before the Blues overcame the Bluebirds at the final whistle.
Pompey News rates the performances of each player out of 10 from Fratton Park.
Nicolas Schmid – 5
No chance for the O’Dowda goal, not a lot else to do. Used his long kick to good effect once again out to the left. Was well-positioned for Robinson’s late volley, however little he may have known about it.
Zak Swanson (off for Terry Devlin 46′) – 3
Too easily beaten by O’Dowda for the first Cardiff goal, then struggled with Bagan as they pushed for a leveller just before half-time. Was hooked at the break for Devlin.
Conor Shaughnessy (off for Hayden Matthews 67′) – 7
A real bittersweet night for him. Scored his first goal since the memorable promotion-winner against Barnsley last season, and then came off with an injury concern on the hour mark. All at Pompey keep everything crossed it was just a precaution as we wait anxiously having seen his season ravaged by fitness woes.
Rob Atkinson – 6
Was a threat in both boxes, looks assured alongside Shaughnessy though we hope that partnership hasn’t come to an early end. Made a crucial second-half block, too. Did not quite have his eye in on the ball however, giving a few passes away.
Connor Ogilvie – 6
Played a good part in starting the move for Bishop’s goal. Was certainly the better of the two starting full-backs defensively, though at times saw Rinomhota very confident against him and was perhaps lucky not to be sent off for a strong foul in stoppage time.
Josh Murphy outstanding against former club
Isaac Hayden – 5
Let Bagan in too easily to test Schmid with a strike inside the area, kept things ticking but Cardiff’s midfield became more dominant. Didn’t win any tackles but it wasn’t too much of a physical midfield battle.
Andre Dozzell – 6
Didn’t track Mannsverk as he made a run and got to the byline to set up Robinson. Cardiff got more into the game over the course of the first half and he did stay effective in the challenge, improving in the second when more pressure arrived.
Matt Ritchie (off for Adil Aouchiche 67′) – 6
Some good set-piece deliveries, as usual an absolute engine down the right-hand side. Struggled in duels and didn’t get as many crosses away in open play as desired, but worked hard before his withdrawal and provides real leadership as a proper Portsmouth figure.
Callum Lang (off for Cohen Bramall 84′) – 5
Had three shots but nothing too impactful. Has struggled really to get into games of late, which is frustrating given his previous standards, but it speaks volumes about his importance that he is not often brought off, at least until late on. Booked for a cynical trip.
Colby Bishop back in the goals for Portsmouth
Josh Murphy – 9
Superb down the left against his former side, set up both of the first-half goals with a pass inside for Bishop and a corner delivery for Shaughnessy. Always kept Cardiff thinking, and enjoyed cutting in to work Alnwick. On another night has a goal or two of his own. Should they move clear of the relegation zone, that man is a massive reason for Pompey.
Colby Bishop – 8
Started in the best possible fashion by getting on the scoresheet, which will do his confidence the world of good. A very neat finish, and always kept the Cardiff backline occupied. Hit the woodwork – via a deflection – with a chance to add to his tally near the end.
Substitutes
Terry Devlin (on for Zak Swanson 46′) – 6
Was an improvement after an off night from Swanson, and could attempt to make his case at right-back again in Jordan Williams’ absence.
Hayden Matthews (on for Conor Shaughnessy 60′) – 5
Replaced the unfortunate Shaughnessy who was withdrawn with 30 minutes to go. The experience will benefit him.
Adil Aouchiche (on for Matt Ritchie 67′) – 6
Tried to make things happen when he came on, confident on the ball and played through Pack from a nice pass to win a free-kick on the edge of the box. Saw a shot blocked on the line after Bishop had nearly made it 3-1.
Marlon Pack (on for Isaac Hayden 67′) – 7
Came on to calm things down when Pompey were desperate to ease the tempo in a narrow lead. Got forward well, too. Could end up a beneficial impact sub – something the skipper himself won’t particularly like.
Cohen Bramall (on for Callum Lang 84′) – N/A
Replaced Lang to get an extra defensive body onto the pitch and see out the three points.