Portsmouth called out by Ian Darke after what happened at Fratton Park
Portsmouth have four matches separating them from safety in the Championship, and seven other clubs are also vying to avoid the bottom three.
One of those is Derby County, who visited Fratton Park last Saturday (12 April) and took the lead twice, but for a double of Rob Atkinson headers.
Next up comes a tricky test away at a Norwich City side whose attack has far outweighed their defensive performance this season (18 April).
Portsmouth have to get out of anxiety on the pitch, says Darke
Portsmouth are currently 19th in the Championship having fallen two places after their draw with Derby – albeit they are now four points above the relegation zone rather than the three with which they approached the weekend.
TV commentator and Blues fan Ian Darke has admitted Pompey played nervously against the Rams, and John Eustace’s visitors did likewise, with a “tremendous” crowd ushering on their respective sides.
Darke insisted Portsmouth can perform beyond the “chewed fingernails” football they showed last weekend, with most fans’ concern coming via their away form – and it’s Carrow Road up next.
Afterwards, two of Pompey’s final three come at Fratton Park, against Watford (21 April) and Hull City (3 May), sandwiching the last away trip on 26 April against Sheffield Wednesday.
“It’s always a nervy situation, as it is for all the clubs down there,” Darke exclusively told Pompey News.
“But it was a tremendous atmosphere, coupled with a nervy performance by both Portsmouth and Derby, if I’m honest.
“It’s chewed fingernails, but Pompey have to perform and not just play ‘survival football’. Retain the quality – it can’t just be about fight and adrenaline.
“In the end against Derby, that long-ball approach paid off, but Pompey can play with quality when they don’t have those nerves. I think one more win should be a huge step towards achieving safety.”
Eisners can invest further once safety is secured
Portsmouth fans will hope that once they can secure survival and further financial rewards are therefore promised by staying in the Championship, the ownership can loosen the pursestrings in the market.
Pompey were one of the division’s lowest spenders over the past two transfer windows, with the money they did invest often put towards project players for the future.
| Portsmouth – final four | Date |
| Norwich (A) | 18 April |
| Watford (H) | 21 April |
| Sheffield Wed (A) | 26 April |
| Hull (H) | 3 May |
The recruitment team led by Rich Hughes have done a sterling job of securing experienced Championship players on free transfers and loan deals – and it is largely they who have managed to keep the Blues afloat on a weekly basis.