PORTSMOUTH PIP BOLTON IN DULL AFFAIR

Portsmouth and Bolton Wanderers faced off in League One action as both sides were looking to grab valuable three points. The fixture which would have been a Premier League game a decade ago showed how far both teams had fallen in recent years.

The troubled clubs were embroiled in the relegation battle before the game with Bolton still on negative points following the pointsdeduction by the EFL.

This was therefore a match many Pompey fans were expecting their team to win. However the match was anything but a huge battle on the pitch as both teams came out with a physical approach which disrupted the rhythm of the match.

Portstmouth started slowly as Bolton upped the tempo in the first half with the away side going close with Will Buckley and ThibaudVerlinden missing clear cut chances. The first half continued in that manner and at half time the home fans had turned on their team.

The second half saw a golden opportunity handed to the home team as Jack Hobbs made a rash challenge on John Marquis inside the box. Forward Brett Pitman took the resulting penalty kick which struck the post.

This further aggravated the home fans who took their frustration on the players on the pitch, especially Ronan Curtis and Pitman. However Pitman made amends for his penalty miss by scoring the winning goal in the 66th minute.

The forward glided a header across Remi Matthews following a sumptuous cross from James Bolton. The goal alleviated nerves in the stadium and the home team held on for a morale boosting win.

Bolton will be disappointed following their hardwork and display but have to work on erasing the nine point deficit.

While Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett will be delighted with the win following the immense pressure on him this week.