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This Game Could Define Our Season

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I said it before a ball was kicked, and I am even more convinced now. This win against Pompey on Saturday could define our season because we desperately needed to win it!

The way we won it was far less important than gaining all three points, which leaves Portsmouth pointless and defeated for the first time this season! We dominated possession for long periods, and I have to say, that apart from the penalties we gifted the visitors, Town keeper Christian Walton was very rarely called into action.

I suppose in the end it was those brilliant substitutions that got us over the line. Manager Kieran McKenna sensed that we needed some fresh legs, so into the fray came Freddie Ladapo and Kyle Edwards, and what a difference they made!

Like a lot of other Town supporters, I have been a little critical of Ladapo in the past. He is a player that exudes technical skills and invention, but his complacency in front of goal has cost both him and us, dear, before, so it was particularly nice to see him come on and score with his first kick of the match. Maybe benching him might have helped.

Many expected him to start, but John-Jules proved to be worthy of his place, and perhaps bringing on Freddie at such a critical time in this game worked in our favour. It was a sublime finish too, thanks to a pin-point cross from the very energetic Leif Davis.

George Edmunson made me eat a large slice of humble pie because he was exceptional throughout at the back, and apart from those penalties, the Town defence equipped themselves rather well. Janoi Donacien was back to his best and allowing for that error that lead to the first penalty, Luke Woolfenden performed very efficiently too.

And, we must give a special mention to the other sub who was instrumental in laying on the winning goal. I have always admired Kyle Edwards, and when he came on, he certainly made a big difference. He looked sharp throughout his 20-plus minutes on the pitch, and he must now be seriously knocking on the door of first-team inclusion.

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2 comments

  • Terry Fry says:

    Totally agree Frank and thought both Ladepo and Edwards made a big difference when they came on. For me Edwards is much more effective and comfortable on the left side and his pace certainly got us the third goal. Yes two unnecessary penalties brought Portsmouth back into the game when really we should have been out of sight. Their midfield was pretty non existent, but both Bishop and Scarlett looked lively and either would look good in our squad! My man of the match has to be Leif Davis who seems to be getting better by the game. At least tomorrow night we’ll have two effective flanks going forward unlike last season Cambridge were able to nullify our game plan by doubling up on Wes Burns.

  • Frank Weston says:

    Cheers Terry, and it is nice to see somebody occasionally agrees with me! Keiran McKenna made two excellent substitutions. They don’t always go to plan but they did no Saturday!

    I was impressed with Freddie Ladapo and Kyle Edwards when they were introduced and I don’t think we would have won this game without them. Fresh legs came on at precisely the right time!

    Leif Davis took a serious knock in the match, and although he carried on and looked fine, let’s hope there are no after-effects to contend with.

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