As yet another 'must win' match rolled into Fratton Park with the TV Camera's, Pompey, once again, failed to deliver and suffered their eighth loss in nine games. In the eightieth minute it looked like Pompey would salvage a point, but once again it was goalkeeping and defensive errors that cost Pompey dearly.
Rix started the game with an odd team selection. The manager still remains in favour with over 80% of fans according to a recent FF poll, but there is no doubt he is sometimes guilty of some suspect team choices. Besant started in goal infront of a back three of Hiley, Primus and Buxton a midfield of Prosinecki, Quashie and Derry graced the pitch. Upfront Kevin Harper struggled alongside Peter Crouch but the most bizarre choice lay in the selection of Jamie Vincent on the left. Pitt didn't get a look in, despite Vincent having his normal dire game - ok defender but really can't attack whatsoever and Rundonja, now with a squad number, also wasn't included - two attacking players that could of caused Wolves real problems down the left.
However that was the team that was put out and the crowd got behind the players and were rewarded with an early goal that was lucky to say the least: A Quashie shot got a wicked deflection of a Wolves defender and looped over Oakes in goal and into the net. Pompey however will take anything that comes at the moment and deserved their early lead. However many fans thought that with Yoshi out of the way, goalkeeping howlers would be a thing of the past. Step forward Dave Beasant.
A tame free kick tricked into the area and Beasant let the ball slip thorugh his fingers - it was an embarrassingly bad mistake and there is no way that Kawaguchi would of let it in. The fact that the Japanese goalkeeper was made a scapegoat by fans is a big letdown for me and I feel that Beasant has been no better - if not worse - in the two games he's been in goal. 6 goals in 2 games speaks for itself really.
The equaliser took the stuffing out of Pompey and they went in at half time, level but lacking their early spark.
If they lacked spark at 8.30 then they were thrown into the darkness at 8.55 when a defensive error and maybe goalkeeping ineptitude put Pompey behind. A stabbing shot from Blake flew into the roof of the net and The Blue's once again were staring defeat in the face.
But cometh the man cometh the hour and it was the conjuror Prosinecki who resuced Pompey with a magnificent goal top off an inspired performance. The Croat picked up the ball from the half way line, and managed to hold off five Wolves players with some neat tricks before bending a left footed shot into the top corner. His delight was evident for all to see as he raced towards the bench, clutching the star and crest between his clenched knuckles. However 10 minutes later Prosinecki would be walking alone into the tunnel, a lone, dejected figure.
A defensive lapse by Hiley - another one to add to this season's collection for Pompey's faded hero - allowed Sturridge to dink over Beasant - who went down very early.
Another defeat and the pain is dumb now - ever loss just another kick in the teeth. Rix must stay, Harry must get more involved, Vincent must go, a striker must be signed, the defence should stay constant, Prosinecki must stay and Kawaguchi must be installed as out keeper once more. Simple, eh?!
Rix started the game with an odd team selection. The manager still remains in favour with over 80% of fans according to a recent FF poll, but there is no doubt he is sometimes guilty of some suspect team choices. Besant started in goal infront of a back three of Hiley, Primus and Buxton a midfield of Prosinecki, Quashie and Derry graced the pitch. Upfront Kevin Harper struggled alongside Peter Crouch but the most bizarre choice lay in the selection of Jamie Vincent on the left. Pitt didn't get a look in, despite Vincent having his normal dire game - ok defender but really can't attack whatsoever and Rundonja, now with a squad number, also wasn't included - two attacking players that could of caused Wolves real problems down the left.
However that was the team that was put out and the crowd got behind the players and were rewarded with an early goal that was lucky to say the least: A Quashie shot got a wicked deflection of a Wolves defender and looped over Oakes in goal and into the net. Pompey however will take anything that comes at the moment and deserved their early lead. However many fans thought that with Yoshi out of the way, goalkeeping howlers would be a thing of the past. Step forward Dave Beasant.
A tame free kick tricked into the area and Beasant let the ball slip thorugh his fingers - it was an embarrassingly bad mistake and there is no way that Kawaguchi would of let it in. The fact that the Japanese goalkeeper was made a scapegoat by fans is a big letdown for me and I feel that Beasant has been no better - if not worse - in the two games he's been in goal. 6 goals in 2 games speaks for itself really.
The equaliser took the stuffing out of Pompey and they went in at half time, level but lacking their early spark.
If they lacked spark at 8.30 then they were thrown into the darkness at 8.55 when a defensive error and maybe goalkeeping ineptitude put Pompey behind. A stabbing shot from Blake flew into the roof of the net and The Blue's once again were staring defeat in the face.
But cometh the man cometh the hour and it was the conjuror Prosinecki who resuced Pompey with a magnificent goal top off an inspired performance. The Croat picked up the ball from the half way line, and managed to hold off five Wolves players with some neat tricks before bending a left footed shot into the top corner. His delight was evident for all to see as he raced towards the bench, clutching the star and crest between his clenched knuckles. However 10 minutes later Prosinecki would be walking alone into the tunnel, a lone, dejected figure.
A defensive lapse by Hiley - another one to add to this season's collection for Pompey's faded hero - allowed Sturridge to dink over Beasant - who went down very early.
Another defeat and the pain is dumb now - ever loss just another kick in the teeth. Rix must stay, Harry must get more involved, Vincent must go, a striker must be signed, the defence should stay constant, Prosinecki must stay and Kawaguchi must be installed as out keeper once more. Simple, eh?!