Portsmouth do something they haven’t done in 58 years vs Preston
Portsmouth beat Preston 1-0 in a scrappy game at Fratton Park on Saturday.
Andre Dozzell scored the goal from a well-worked corner during a first half that Pompey dominated.
It was a lot tenser in the second half as Preston pushed forward looking for an equaliser, but Portsmouth defended resolutely to keep hold of their clean sheet.
In beating Preston, the club achieved something that they haven’t managed in 58 years.
Portsmouth finally break home hoodoo against Preston
Before this match, Portsmouth hadn’t beaten Preston in back-to-back home matches for 58 years.
The last time they managed that achievement was following wins in 1966 and 1967 in the old Division Two.
Pompey beat Preston 3-1 at Fratton Park last season, in a game mostly remembered for Colby Bishop’s comeback goal following his heart surgery.
That meant they had the chance to finally secure back-to-back home wins on Saturday. It was a tight scrappy affair, but a solid defensive performance after Dozzell’s goal ensured they got the job done.
- Read more: Portsmouth midfielder lined up for late move to German club after John Mousinho exit revelation
Josh Murphy shows his value once again as Portsmouth beat Preston
Portsmouth picked up this win with just two days remaining until the transfer window closes.
John Mousinho has mentioned several times that he would like to bring in a couple more players, but all of the rumours have been about Josh Murphy being sold.
Leicester City are believed to be interested in signing Murphy, and he showed how invaluable he is to Pompey.
All of Portsmouth’s meaningful attacking play went through Murphy on the left-hand side against Preston.
Murphy almost capped off his man-of-the-match display with a goal in stoppage time, but he poked his effort over the bar.
| Portsmouth | Preston | |
| Goals | 1 | 0 |
| Shots on goal | 10 | 13 |
| Possession | 39% | 61% |
Most supporters would accept not signing anyone else this summer, provided that Murphy remains at the club.
With such little time to begin looking for a replacement, no amount of money that Leicester bid for Murphy could be worth it for Portsmouth. They’d look desperately average in attack without him.
Sign up for the Pompey News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Portsmouth news sent straight to your phone.