Michael Appleton’s men travel to
MK Dons tomorrow off the back or a rare double winning streak in the league.
The last time the club won two games on the bounce was back in April of this
year when they overcame Doncaster Rovers (4-3) away and Crystal Palace at home
(2-1). During the 2011-2012 Pompey’s best run of consecutive wins was just two
in total, a feat they managed to achieve on three separate occasions. The last
time Pompey won three or more consecutive games you have to go back over 18
months when a 2-1 loss away to Bristol City in March 2011 brought an end to a
six game winning streak under previous manager Steve Cotterill. With the threat
of a ten point deduction still remaining on exit of administration, the wins
against Scunthorpe United (2-1) and Yeovil Town (2-1) means the club are now finally
on their way towards a final points total they’ll hope will avoid relegation to
NPower League Two.
Karl Robinson’s men currently
occupy 5th position in the table amongst the play off places and go
into the game five games unbeaten. Their two leagues losses this season were
both recorded on the road and they remain unbeaten at home having only dropped points
against Notts County in a 1-1 draw in their five games. The news of the midweek
retirement of Jimmy Bullard will have come as a deep disappointment to the club
I’m sure and football has lost one of its last true characters on the pitch. However
on a positive note for Pompey Bullard quite frequently reserved some of his
best performances during his career against us so the timing of his announcement
whilst a pity for the game of football, won’t be too disappointing for the
Fratton faithful travelling to the game.
Over 2,000 fans are expected to
make the journey tomorrow and will recognise a familiar name in the Dons squad
of midfielder Scott Allan currently on loan from West Bromwich Albion. Allan
made fifteen appearances on loan for Pompey last season and scored once as they
were unable to avoid relegation. The other notable names on the squad sheet are
ex-Manchester United players Luke Chadwick and Alan Smith who add valuable
experience and quality and it’s no surprise to see them doing as well as they
are this season.
Pompey fans will be hoping to see
the debut of new signing Akos Buzasky who came through 70 minutes of a
behind-closed-doors game this week. Injuries mean they will be without
Thompson, Rodgers and Russell once more. Forward Izale McLeod will be hoping to
be amongst the goals again as he looks set to start against the side he scored
54 times for in a 117 appearances. Since 2007 the MK Dons board have maintained
that the club is a new one distancing itself from the history of Wimbeldon FC and
on that basis this will be the first time that the two clubs have met in any competition.
One final thought about Jimmy
Bullard; if he’s stuck for things to do in his retirement he could always
consider a new life as a Pete Winkleman lookalike. Well, you never know!
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