Portsmouth moment v Derby hailed live on Sky Sports — ‘Absolutely extraordinary’
Portsmouth left it late against Derby County at Fratton Park on Saturday, with Rob Atkinson having a roller coaster of a game.
Pompey hosted John Eustace’s team on 12 April as both sides desperately needed a victory.
John Mousinho’s team are battling Championship relegation and should’ve gotten three points against one of their rivals at the bottom of the league table.
Jerry Yates gave the visitors the lead in the 70th minute, but Atkinson equalised seconds later for the Hampshire outfit, leading to an emphatic reaction.
Atkinson first goal for Portsmouth v Derby praised on Sky Sports
Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam praised Atkinson’s first goal against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
The Pompey centre-back scored an own goal to restore Derby’s lead, but he subsequently made up for it by finding the back of the net in stoppage time to secure a point for the hosts in the 2-2 draw.
But it was the 26-year-old’s opening strike that baffled Simon Thomas in the Sky Sports studio.
| Competition (2024/25) | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Championship | 10 | 2 | 1 |
Speaking on Sky Sports News (12 April, 16:32), McAdam said: “The ball comes into the box, and it’s Atkinson who scores. And he’s been out injured. He’s back in the team. He’s starting his first game since February.
“It comes in from the left-hand side. There’s a whole melee of bodies in there. But the big centre-half just gets that inch, and it’s a glancing header into the far corner. What a goal. What a game. 1-1.”
Thomas responded: “Absolutely extraordinary”.
Mousinho under threat as Fratton Park holds nerves
Mousinho’s sacking at Fratton Park may be on the cards if the Hampshire outfit are relegated to League One.
Pompey have dropped to 19th in the table and could be in further trouble if Hull City beat Coventry at home on Monday (14 April).
With four domestic matches left to go, Mousinho’s team are four points ahead of 22nd-place Cardiff City, with several teams near the bottom of the table.
Portsmouth will arguably need to be perfect in the final stretch of the campaign to have the best chance of surviving relegation.
The Hampshire outfit will face Norwich City next away from home on 18 April, and supporters will hold their nerves against the Canaries as they are a tough nut to crack.
While Mousinho is at fault for the overall performance, the players needed to take some responsibility, with Colby Bishop missing a penalty against the Rams.
Atknson’s return at Fratton Park will arguably be a big boost for Pompey in the remaining fixtures, and supporters will hope for a return to winning ways at Carrow Road.