Portsmouth player ratings v Reading – Murphy mesmerises, Segecic struggles
Portsmouth put on a show for the travelling fans as they beat Reading 4-0 in a pre-season friendly.
Jordan Williams, Callum Lang and Colby Bishop (two) were the goalscorers in a dominant performance.
Manager John Mousinho fielded a strong starting lineup and opted not to make swathes of changes at half-time. However, several substitutes were still made in the second half, and the game petered out toward the end.
Even so, Pompey’s players are beginning to look sharper ahead of the new Championship season, which begins on 9 August.
Josh Murphy mesmerises on the left wing
Josh Murphy reminded everyone why he was named Portsmouth’s Player of the Season during the clash with Reading.
Pompey looked dangerous every time they broke forward down the left in this game, with Murphy delivering several successful crosses into the box.
The Blues broke down the left with devastating speed for Portsmouth’s second goal, where Murphy delivered a low cross that made it simple for Lang to finish.
He also delivered pinpoint crosses for Lang and Bishop in the first half, who each should have done better with their chances.
Murphy was subbed off early in the second half, but he was still the star man for Portsmouth.
Adrian Segecic struggles to make an impact
Adrian Segecic was picked in the number 10 role for Portsmouth, while Lang played on the right wing.
Segecic has been sharp in pre-season training and Portsmouth’s previous friendlies.
However, he struggled to make an impact in this game though. His only effort on goal was sliced embarrassingly wide.
Segecic was moved onto the right wing in the second half, but didn’t receive much of the ball there and was subbed off around the hour mark.
It should be expected that Segecic has an occasional off day. He’s only 21 and has no experience of English football. Portsmouth fans will still be excited to see what he can do in the Championship.
Portsmouth player ratings vs Reading
Nicolas Schmid – 7
Jordan Williams – 7
Regan Poole – 7
Conor Shaughnessy – 7
Callum Lang – 7
Andre Dozzell – 6
Marlon Pack – 6
Josh Murphy – 8
Adrian Segecic – 4
Colby Bishop – 8
Substitutes
John Swift – 6
Ibane Bowat – 6
JaconbFarrell – 6
Thomas Waddingham – 6
Paddy Lane – 6
Hayden Matthews – 6
Trialist A – 6
Terry Devlin – 6
Harry Clout – 5
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