Credit: Imago

Dan Godfrey

Sun 27 April 2025 20:00, UK

Portsmouth rounded off a difficult campaign on the road with a creditable 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

Pompey equalised in the first half through Harvey Blair, who was given a starting berth for Mousinho to run the rule over him ahead of potential plans with him for next season.

The Blues have one final remaining Championship fixture, when Hull City visit Fratton Park still playing for their own survival (3 May).

Portsmouth chance given to ‘calm’ star ahead of summer decision

Portsmouth made several changes for the contest in South Yorkshire, for what was their penultimate game of an arduous but ultimately successful season given the summer objective.

Among them, Ben Killip was given his debut in goal for the Blues, having been third-choice since arriving late in the winter transfer window for an undisclosed fee from Barnsley.

The move allowed Will Norris to leave for Wycombe Wanderers, but Killip had played 21 appearances at Oakwell before deciding to come to Fratton Park as a reserve stopper on a short-term contract.

The 29-year-old has been applauded by his head coach for his performance, which has acted as an audition for a possible contract next season.

“Ben was one change we made – we wanted to have a look at Ben,” Mousinho told BBC Radio Solent (26 April).

“We haven’t seen him at all this season, he hasn’t even been on the bench once. If we’re going to make a decision on him next year, we need to have a look at him and I thought he was very good.

“He did well when he was called upon, his distribution was good and he was very calm. He made a few blocks, and we’re very happy for him.”

Killip trialling for Pompey contract extension

It remains unclear who will take to the field as Portsmouth’s goalkeeper against Hull next weekend, but Killip certainly did his chances little harm.

A solid performance from the former Chelsea academy stopper was a 90-minute period which could define the next steps of his career, with his short contract coming to an end in the summer.

Mousinho is evidently open to keeping Killip in the squad next season if he remains a valuable backup, with Nicolas Schmid having enjoyed a strong debut campaign in English football as the number one.

Jordan Archer has been the second-choice ‘keeper this term, given his previous Championship experience.

Pompey fans will provide a lively atmosphere for the fixture which brings the curtain down on a rollercoaster season, with visitors Hull desperate to copy the Blues in confirming their safety for 2025-26.