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| Season start & 'free from Sondinlo'! |
Pompey unlucky to lose league opener? - plus new Kit deal & shirt sponsor
Back to the familiar Div 4k, and the Blues found they had an earlier than expected Euro League Cup game too - which would start the season.
Presumably as the result of 'pruning' the number of 'dummy' teams, Portsmouth didn't get a bye in the 1st round despite reaching the 4th round last season. So they travelled to Anak Sholeh VC - who in all honesty looked a bit 'untouched' of late. Some youngsters in there: Josué Bustarmante (20) in goal, along with 21 year-old striker Gustavo Tizzone up front, and Pierluigi Vignaroli (22) in midfield. But a lot of experience in midfield otherwise.
The Blues did all their work in the 1st half: the opening goal from Tizzone was a long range hit - excellently struck, and only the Italian's 2nd ever for the club. (..and after only 6 minutes too - it helped settle the nerves of the younger players). This was followed up by a set-piece free-kick from veteran Jérome Sarrat (now 36), and with this his last season. He clinched the win with a penalty 9 minutes before half-time, his brace coming in a 7 minute spell.
Sarrat now becomes the all-time Pompey top point scorer, as well as the first player to notch 100 or more points. The long-time leader was Juninho (Pernambucano), who was 'stuck' on 99 points - 82 goals & 17 assists. Sarrat had matched that figure at the end of last season and "hoped" to make it this time - poor Juninho not quite making the 'ton' before he retired. However, out of the two reaching 99 points, Juninho needed 195 games, Sarrat 234 - but then the latter is a midfielder...
In the league at home to Yharnam Town (Greatrix), it took boss Scott McGarvey a while to cotton on to their opponent's being last seasons Uskan Raiders (!). The two Managers have had their teams meet a few times over the seasons, but the 'rebranding' wasn't initially spotted. As to the game, Yharnam scored with their only chance: a header from Lanz Traversa. Pompey were a bit frustrated as in a close game it finished 3-1 to them on chances, but somehow they'd lost. A good 'smash & grab' by Yharnam.
Pompey have changed kit supplier from Sondinlo (and the clutches of Mark Cashley) to possibly the #1 brand in Knike and their 'swoosh' (or tick?). Hopefully the kits will be a bit better this season. The Blues are also getting their hands back on the club shop again.
Onwards...
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