Bishop wins it with 9/10, 5/10 man struggles – Portsmouth player ratings v Leeds
Portsmouth pulled off one of their best results of the season on Sunday afternoon, overcoming league leaders Leeds United 1-0 at Fratton Park.
Colby Bishop delivered the goods (9 March) with an immense finish from a superb Connor Ogilvie pass, with Pompey having defended resolutely throughout – Nicolas Schmid and the defensive line with a combative performance.
The excellent home form continues and John Mousinho’s Portsmouth now look to continue on that wave of momentum against Plymouth Argyle in midweek, now 10 points above the relegation places.
Pompey News rates each individual player out of 10 from Fratton Park.
Nicolas Schmid – 9
Two hugely important saves late in the first half from Solomon and Piroe, was nice and tidy elsewhere and denied Piroe in the final 15 minutes from a one-on-one, before making a last-gasp stop to preserve the win. His best game in a Portsmouth shirt.
Zak Swanson (off for Isaac Hayden 90′) – 9
Did well up against Solomon in one of his toughest tasks on paper, stepping up to the plate when some may have feared the worst.
Regan Poole – 8
Made one key intervention early on, made blocks when needed and pulled off one key tackle inside the box on Bogle. Managed his individual game well after a first-half yellow card.
Marlon Pack – 8
Had to be at his best as he once again started out of position, and was always in the right place. Silenced a few critics for now, and presents a viable temporary defensive option for Mousinho.
Connor Ogilvie – 9
Tremendous defensively up against one of the best in the league in James, and played an exquisite ball for Bishop for the goal. Was maybe fortunate not to be booked for a foul on Meslier.
Dozzell sumptuous in Mousinho’s midfield
Andre Dozzell (off for Kusini Yengi 90′) – 9
Pressed well, dominated the middle of the park, and almost created one chance between Ritchie and Bishop in the first half. Incredible rise from when he first signed. One more booking earns Dozzell a two-match ban, but managed that factor excellently.
Freddie Potts – 8
Won important defensive battles and wasn’t far away with a deflected shot in the first half, the first Pompey created. A massive introduction back into the side from injury.
Matt Ritchie (off for Cohen Bramall 75′) – 8
Was perhaps lucky not to concede a penalty on James, but worked hard defensively alongside Swanson to double up on Solomon and Firpo, and was increasingly threatening with his deliveries.
Adil Aouchiche (off for Terry Devlin 54′) – 5
Worked hard and pressed, but couldn’t get too involved before getting injured early in the second half when Pompey were at their best.
| POS | Championship table 2024-25 | PLD | PTS |
| 17 | PORTSMOUTH | 36 | 42 |
| 18 | Oxford | 36 | 39 |
| 19 | Hull | 36 | 37 |
| 20 | Stoke | 36 | 36 |
| 21 | Cardiff | 36 | 36 |
| 22 | Derby | 36 | 32 |
Bishop fires Portsmouth winner v Leeds
Josh Murphy – 8
No goal or assist this time but had a superb second half, came mighty close to doubling the lead, and sprung about like his usual self. Runs Callum Lang very close in the Player of the Season race so far.
Colby Bishop – 9
Even when it was quiet up top in the first half, dropped deep to get involved and won fouls. Then, made a huge impact and didn’t let the previous missed chance affect him. A proper striker proving himself in the Championship against its likely champions.
Substitutes
Terry Devlin (on for Adil Aouchiche 54′) – 7
Came on and took the baton well, showing his commitment and versatility. This is why he’s become a key player in Mousinho’s squad.
Cohen Bramall (on for Matt Ritchie 75′) – 6
Came on at a key point and helped see out the game and the clean sheet.
Kusini Yengi (on for Andre Dozzell 90′) – N/A
Isaac Hayden (on for Zak Swanson 90′) – N/A