Portsmouth 1-2 Rovers

Brad Friedel – 7

Defence looked solid but did the sweeping up behind them well. Few decent saves and commanded the area well. Will be annoyed at late goal.

Zurab Khizanishvili – 6

Did his job, looked stable and made no errors. Having said that if he wants to start more regularly then he’ll need to contirbute more going forward, especially from right back.

Ryan Nelsen – 8

He’s back, he looks like he has never been away. Commanded, won the aerial battle and lead by example. Welcome baack God.

Chris Samba – 7

Big Daddy did his usual no nonsense defending and looked very comfortable next to Nelsen. His commanding presense was again crucial to keeping level heads when Pompey laid siege for 20 minutes in the secomd half.

Bruno Berner – 6

Looked like a guy who had a long lay off in the first half our as he was caught napping several times. As the game wore on he grew into the match and looked decent towards the end. We’ll be able to tell more after a few regular games but at the moment Mr.Warnock won’t be bricking himself.

Dave Bentley – 6

Was doing well until he was unfortunately injured taking a knock. He attacked with purpose down the right. The 4-2-3-1 we played earlier in the year actually suits him better but he so talented he can play anywhere more or less. Hopefully he won’t be out for too long if at all.

Aaron Mokoena – 7

Was doing a storming job as the holding midfielder until injury struck. Strong, won tackles, distributed better than normal. He may of broken his leg though… gutted.

David Dunn – 7

Displayed the drive that adds purpose to his game, did go missing for a bit at the start of the second half but can be pleased with his evening’s work.

Morten Gamst Pedersen – 7

Well where the hell has that been???? Maximum effort, good crossing, potent shooting, good positioning, involved everone and a goal…

Roque Santa Cruz – 7

Anything decent Rovers did went through the Centre forward, held things up and is the perfect compliment for Benni Mac. His touch is getting better with each game and he gave everyone time to bomb forward in the second half to relieve the pressure.

Benni McCarthy – 9

Excellent. Took his goal well but his all round team play is better than it was last year. Getting dropped was the best thing that could of happened to him.

SUBS

Brett Emerton – 6

Did his best in an unfamiliar central role, it isnt his best position but he made it work, effective but nothing special.

Matt Derbyshire – 6

See Brett Emerton. His effort will allow him to make the best of whatever position he is put in.

Keith Treacy – 6

Had little time to make an impact but his sheer entrance showed there is one more person to add into the mix… strength in depth is always welcome.