Ian Darke: Connor Ogilvie proves fans wrong after Portsmouth turn of events
Portsmouth could look back on their unglamorous but effective win over Blackburn Rovers last weekend as the crucial turning point of securing Championship football for next season.
The 1-0 turnover of Rovers at a fortress in Fratton Park on Saturday (29 March) was vital in terms of not being dragged back into the whirlwind of the relegation battle over their shoulders – the Blues are now seven points clear.
Josh Murphy grabbed the headlines with the winning goal – his 17th goal contribution in a magical debut season on the South Coast – but Connor Ogilvie has also earned plaudits for a very tidy display reflective of his personal improvement over the past few months.
Ogilvie ‘immaculate’ after making admission on performances
John Mousinho will enjoy a warm feeling at the sight of Ogilvie’s personal development, from a rabbit in the headlights at Championship level to what now looks a seasoned performer within a matter of months.
Ogilvie himself admitted in Portsmouth’s matchday programme for the Blackburn contest (29 March) that he has come to terms with his struggles in the opening stages of the season, and believes he has improved and got to grips with the challenges.
The 29-year-old has recently been utilised by Mousinho as a centre-half on the left of the central partnership, having spent most of the campaign at left-back.
TV commentator and Blues fan Ian Darke, speaking exclusively to Pompey News, discussed Ogilvie owning his obstacles this season and turning in “immaculate” displays.
“It’s a huge win in the context of the season – it’s about points and not performances,” Darke firstly said.
“It was an awful game illuminated by the goal that decided it. Pompey defended the lead pretty well, and Connor Ogilvie was immaculate in the middle of that defence.
“He’s proving people wrong. A lot of people said he wouldn’t be good enough for the Championship at the start of the season because he was at left-back up against some of the best wingers in the division. As he’s said himself, he’s come to terms with it and, by and large, he’s improved leaps and bounds to be able to flourish at this level.”
Portsmouth finding right defensive formula
Ogilvie is now part of a Portsmouth side who are finding their defensive stability, even without the likes of Conor Shaughnessy and Rob Atkinson.
Pompey have been decimated by injuries, particularly at the back, resulting in Mousinho using a wealth of different defensive partnerships.
| Portsmouth – Championship starts | Starts |
| Connor Ogilvie | 38 |
| Josh Murphy | 33 |
| Nicolas Schmid | 30 |
| Marlon Pack | 29 |
| Andre Dozzell | 29 |
Ogilvie is currently partnering Regan Poole and although Blackburn are bang out of form under recently-appointed boss Valerien Ismael, Pompey were untroubled by the visitors at the weekend.
The Blues needed players to step up to the level and be capable. Some did sooner than others, but Ogilvie has gone from a highly scrutinised defender branded out of his depth, to a key cog in a side destined for survival.