Same old, same old as lack of creativity continues to hurt promotion bid

Frustration again. We sound like a broken record week in, week out.
Adam McGurk attempts to inspire the Blues after coming off the bench at Mansfield. Picture: Joe PeplerAdam McGurk attempts to inspire the Blues after coming off the bench at Mansfield. Picture: Joe Pepler
Adam McGurk attempts to inspire the Blues after coming off the bench at Mansfield. Picture: Joe Pepler

Everyone is waiting for that run to start, anticipating a run of victories to help the promotion push.

Yet we had that fantastic win at Accrington and since has been a case of after the Lord Mayor’s Show.

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I thought Paul Cook was spot on with what he said to the media after Saturday’s draw at Mansfield, he summed it all up perfectly.

We don’t create enough and we struggle to keep clean sheets – and at a time when it’s vital we embark on a winning win.

This league is tough, it’s horrible to get out of. It’s about being a bit more direct, playing more basic.

It’s all very well having a high possession percentage but we need goals.

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We have not really overworked a goalkeeper this season, while our own keeper has also not been tested much in fixtures.

At present there is a lack of creativity and while Mansfield was a better display compared to Newport County, we ran out of ideas in the final third.

We just didn’t look like opening them up and had to rely on some luck with the own goal from our corner to equalise. As for the Stags’ goal, it was a ball straight down the middle, a flick on and Matt Green scores.

Yet overall the game was horrible and played out on a bobbly pitch, no-one could really get hold of the ball.

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Marc McNulty’s missed penalty was a great opportunity, although let’s give the keeper, Scott Shearer, credit for a great save.

Next up are Notts County, Easter is always a massive time with the opportunity to win two matches and go on from there.

We are only five points off an automatic promotion spot, it is a great time to record a winning run but everything is starting to slip a little.

Pompey need a few to step up, especially in that final third of the pitch.

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Meanwhile, one man definitely rising to the challenge is ‘Touchline’ Tony Male, who is attempting to raise £25,000 for the fantastic Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation.

Tony is a legendary fundraiser eager to help others through running marathons and social events with former players.

You can visit touchlinetony25kchallenge.org for more information.