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Portsmouth go down to leaders at home, with last minute goal
The Blues, who now haven't won in *nine* (inc.cup games), entertained the Division leaders Team Bunda on Thursday, knowing that really they 'needed' to win, but against such a strong side, that this time (despite drawing so many), a point would be 1 gained. (Pompey have drawn *7* out of the 11 league games played).
Despite what was at stake, McGarvey stayed with his pledge to give the youth/fringe players in his squad the time they need, and even against Netson's outfit, there were spaces for winger Jesse Tarrant, and striker Aristides Manhente (both aged just 18).
But with the only chance of the 1st half, Bunda made it count, Miguel Cambiasso (a thorn in their side all evening), slotting home with 5 minutes till the interval. Pompey then changed to of their 3 in midfield (in an unconvential formation), and on came youngster Pierluigi Vignaroli as well as veteran Karl-Heinz Schuster. With 20 minutes left, 3 more subs - 2 from Bunda, and a swap seeing Manhente making way for Caro Biemmi. It was Biemmi who made a difference, 8 minutes after coming on, he fooled young defender Ed Riler into tripping him, and won Pompey a penalty.
It was a crucial spot-kick, but due to changes and the substitutions, there seemed some confusion as to who was taking it. But #2 keeper Isaac Cabanas (#1 at present), jogged up to take the kick, to the surprise of the Fratton faithful. (Bernd Vögele did hover near the Pompey goal, just in case...). But no worries as Cabanas buried the penalty high into the right top corner.
At this stage, Bunda were ahead 3-2 on chances, but 1v1 it was. Into the last minute of normal time, and then there was Cambiasso (again) to head home a leftt-wing cross with virtually no stoppage time either. McGarvey did his best to emulate Jose Mourinho with the water bottle carrier stand, but without such good effect, though one of the subs got a good soaking...
Just 3 games left now. and one of those is against the team (Strength of Character) only off of top spot on goal difference. Also there is the chance that BK Rangers (and even Red Ultras) may make a late 'mad dash' for it. As it happens, Pompey play all three of them..
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