Marko the man for Pompey

Tuesday, 03/01/2012

by Martin Cooper, Shoot's Portsmouth blogger

Pompey kicked off 2012 in fine style with a convincing 2-0 win over ten-man Watford.

With Joel Ward and Greg Halford suspended after picking up ill-timed yellow cards during the excellent 1-1 draw at Leicester, Tal Ben Haim returned at right-back after appearing to be out of Michael Appleton's plans, and Erik the Viking lined up on the left wing.

After a minute's applause for Pompey legend Len Phillips, with the sporting Watford fans joining in, the Blues set about trying to get the ball down amid the bombs raining down from the boot of Stephen Henderson.

Marko Futacs, the Hungarian youngster who scored the goal at Leicester on his first start, looks far fitter and sharper than when he first arrived looking like a wardrobe with legs.

He is a fine foil for the ever-industrious Kitson and the pair could prove to be a handful in the Championship – if they can stay fit and aren't sold.

As ever, rumours are flying around Fratton that yet another new owner will be in place in a couple of weeks. However, the club has no time as it needs to add to the squad and know whether the dithering Football League will inflict a points deduction and/or transfer embargo.

Apparently an application has been made for potential owners to undergo the Fit and Proper Person test. Hmm. Meanwhile, Jed Limpet remains as tight-lipped as a clam. It would be great to be able to retain loanee Joe Mattock and add a couple of others.

Appleton branded this Pompey's best display under his charge. Liam Lawrence looks to be getting back to his superb early form after a series of injuries. Ben Haim was given a torrid time by the excellent, lightning quick Michael Kightly but he stuck with it and adds skill when coming forward.

More lovely touches by Erik Huseklepp reveal why he is a fans' favourite, despite worries over his defensive capabilities.

Futacs, though, could be the find of the season and he headed the opener following a neat short corner between Norris and Lawrence. Lawrence then had what looked a perfectly good goal ruled out.

Futacs was involved again when Watford keeper Scott Loach was sent off for handling outside the area. With three minutes left Hayden Mullins chalked a rare goal despite an initial mis-skick. There was still time for Futacs to rattle the bar with another Hotshot Hamish special.

Watford manager Sean Dyche was certainly unhappy with referee Iain Williamson. He didn't say as much in the post-match comments but I can lip read pretty well. During his incessant moaning on the touchline he, and his huge array of boyish backroom staff, constantly obstructed our view.

Chelsea next – and nothing to lose. Please, no injuries though. We can’t afford it.

* Martin Cooper is a member of the Portsmouth Football Supporters Club London. To join, visit www.pompeylondon.co.uk or email londonpompeymembership@hotmail.co.uk . The views expressed in this blog are purely the author’s and not those of the Supporters Club

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