Reflecting on Ipswich defeat

I think the title to an article on The Pompey Site where Guy Whittingham reflects on our 1-0 defeat at Ipswich, which said 'how did we lose that', best sums up things really...

Although to put it bluntly we lost as we failed to take advantage of numerous chances!

Alas, I am not going to be negative in my thoughts here, far from it - firstly though it is over to Corporal Punishment: 'there were a huge amount of positives. That's probably the best we've played all season.

'It was a great team performance but several players didn't take their chances and then Ipswich got a lucky break at the other end to score.'

Without actually watching the game it is tough to make too much comment, but you can 'almost' get as good a picture sometimes merely listening, and I think I would agree with Whittingham - it certainly sounded like that was the best we have played all season.

We played with a freedom, but were also pretty well disciplined. The line-up was neigh on perfect containing the right level of attack and defence minded players, clearly being set-up to go to Portman Road for a point but with more than enough attacking ability to get a win - unfortunately we did not manage either of these...

He knew what to expect of Ipswich and our game plan worked to keep most of their most dangerous players, who have a wealth of top-flight experience, quiet - just one moment of fortune won the game for Ipswich but we regroup and come back ready for the weekend: 'there wasn't any danger for us in the game but then Nathan Ellington mis-hit a header and it fell kindly to Andrews who scored.

'The players are going to be flat immediately after the game because of the result, because they want to be winners. But we'll reflect on things, re-iterate how well they've done and do all we can to beat Doncaster on Saturday.'

If there is such a thing as 'the right way to lose' then last night was that, it was frustrating that missed chances cost us but if we play like this again at Fratton at the weekend then I would not want to be in that Doncaster side if we do take our chances.

For a third, and surely final time, he also spelt out in no uncertain terms that he does not want the job on a permanent basis: 'after the game on Saturday I had a headache until ten o'clock. Then I couldn't get off to sleep. When I did get to sleep I woke up at four o'clock and I couldn't get back to sleep again.

'I don't want that every week - but I would like to stay on in my capacity as a coach. We're hoping to give the club enough time to get the right person in.'

Just one more game, if that, in the saddle for you Guy and then it is back to as you were I am sure...

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