'A class act', 'Led the fightback', 'Dream full debut': Neil Allen's Portsmouth player ratings after remarkable 3-2 win over Reading
Neil Allen
·3-min read
Terry Devlin was handed his Football League debut in Pompey's visit to Reading. Picture: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages
The Blues found themselves 2-0 down after 28 minutes following sloppy defending against struggling Reading, with the Madejski Stadium rocking.
But remarkably, John Mousinho’s men fought back to triumph 3-2 through goals from Tino Anjorin, Colby Bishop and Terry Devlin – and here are our Pompey player ratings...
Had absolutely no change with Reading’s two goals and must have been relieved when Sam Smith later went around him only to fire over an open goal. Great stop from Ehibhatiomhan when clean through late on and then again in stoppage time. (Photo: Jason Brown)
Put in a few crosses, but couldn’t influence Pompey for once. Yet it was his defensive performance which shone, digging in and ushering the Blues through testing periods, particularly late on. (Photo: Jason Brown)
Another impressive afternoon from the Welsh international and almost snatched a goal only for the ball to bounce over the bar in the second half. Pompey were under pressure late on, but he’s always there to put his foot or head in to clear the danger. (Photo: Jason Brown)
Denied a first-half goal when his header from Sparkes’ free-kick was superbly saved. Was huge presence late on when Reading capitalised on Pompey’s substitutions to enjoy their best spell of the second half, winning everything aerially. (Photo: Jason Brown)
(Replaced by Zak Swanson on 90 mins) One excellent free-kick from the left was met with a Shaughnessy header which was brilliantly saved. Quality from the left is so high and so consistent that he has emerged as a central figure in this team. Also produced one excellent covering tackle late in first half.
Always there to put his foot in, always there to receive a pass, while uses the ball so intelligently. Tireless and full of heart, such a key player for the Blues and now excelling as skipper. (Photo: Jason Brown)
(Replaced by Sean Raggett on 90 mins) Such a class act. Wonderful on the ball and never hurried. Magnificent cross-field pass started the move which led to the third goal and keeps possession superbly. Great loan signing.
(Replaced by Abu Kamara on 73 minutes) Handed his maiden Football League start and what a memorable introduction. Full of energy and drive from the centre of the pitch, capped by a superb right-footed volleyed goal from Bishop’s headed pass to make it 3-2. The teenager has an encouraging future. Dream debut.
(Replaced by Christian Saydee on 73 mins) - Led Pompey’s fightback with two superb assists from the right to help make it 2-2 at half-time. Been the pick of the Blues’ wide players this season and another strong display from the youngster who keeps getting better.
Tapped home a leveller nine minutes into time added-on in the first half and then his clever header back created Devlin’s goal. Magnificent performance again from the talismanic striker who never gave Reading a moment’s peace. (Photo: Jason Brown)
(Replaced by Gavin Whyte on 62 minutes) Asked to play on theft and the opening two goals highlighted his defensive deficiencies, then produced a classy volley from Lane’s cross to spark the comeback. In second half a goal-bound overhead kick brought a fine save from Button as he demonstrated his attacking quality.
Paddy Lane on the charge against Reading at the Madejski Stadium. Picture: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages
(Replaced Tino Anjorin on 63 minutes) One excellent driving run shortly after his introduction and he offered an important threat on the counter when Pompey faced late pressure from Reading.
(Replaced Terry Devlin on 73 mins)
(Replaced Paddy Lane on 73 minutes)
(Replaced Jack Sparkes on 90 mins)
(Replaced Alex Robertson on 90 mins)
Conor Shaughnessy challenges Reading midfielder Femi Azeez at the Madejski Stadium. Picture: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages
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