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| Busy week at Pompey... |
Pompey started their week with a 2nd Round 1st Leg tie at Plainwell Trojans SC (Achirio), of Div 4p - who are in the same tier as the Blues, (in Div 4k), Plainwell winning the Div 5:32 title to earn their spot
Manager Scott McGarvey knew his lads had to get "something" in the away leg to bring back to Fratton Park, and was mighty pleased then to emerge 2v0 victors in a game that was "oh, so close" (only edged 6-5 on chances to the South Coast outfit). Richard Florent split the teams with a hooked shot just after the hour, and it is hoped the late piledriver from Karl-Heinz Schuster, from 25 yards might be enough - though he assured us that he would be "taking no chances in the 2nd leg".
The Blues were back at Fratton Park on the Thursday to the important matter of the league. Pompey had been ahead in both games so far - in terms of chances (3-1 vs Yharnam Town - but lost 0v1, and in the away draw at Howwood United - 5-2, but drew 1v1), so were desperate to get off the mark with a win.
They were boosted by a Florent goal just before the half-hour against Scottdytham's FC Viitorul Craiova - coming in 4-1 up on the chance count (though McGarvey is realising that more could be down to the *quality of finishing* than number of chances created!). However, Pompey were soon 2 goals to the good when Schuster headed home his 2nd goal of the week, 7 minutes after the restart.
There followed a raft of subs by the visitors, and the match was further broken up by McGarvey himself bringing on young Italian pair Gustavo Tizzone and Pierluigi Vignaroli, It finished 2v0 to Pompey - though not before fellow Italian & key midfielder Claudio Tardelli was stretchered off in obvious pain - with what looks to be knee ligament damage - the Doctors saying he is "out for the full whack". This could be as many as *nine* games - dependent on any Cup 'run' (though Pompey have to negotiate tomorrow's 2nd leg first). Tardelli is 30, and at his peak it seems, you can't help thinking this will be a major career set-back.
The seriousness was confirmed, when McGarvey dipped into the transfer market this morning - picking up veteran midfielder Terrance Hardings from Monklands Mafia of the Xtreme League, for a bit under half-a-million econs. It will hoped that he can be brought up to speed quickly and presumably take Tardelli's place in the squad in the short term.
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2018-06-29 02:31
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1866 Views |
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Reporter:
Gago_94
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