Portsmouth scored a vital win on the same day, defeating Watford 1-0 at Fratton Park to guarantee their survival in the EFL Championship. Both went to sub-30 Colby Bishop, whose 25th minute header proved to be the match-winner. Adding insult to injury, Watford had to continue battling with ten players after Kevin Keben received his marching orders in the second period.
The game started with Portsmouth pressuring us in the first 20 minutes. Bishop doubled the lead after connecting well with a cross from the right flank by Josh Murphy. Though Murphy was instrumental in the match, he was subbed off the field later in the match due to injury. Portsmouth’s backline, led by goalkeeper Alex Bass, didn’t yield an inch against Watford. For Watford, the relegated Premier League side mere days from beginning a new life in the Championship, nothing mattered except pride.
Key Moments of the Match
The lackluster first half was symbolic of the remainder of Portsmouth’s season. Bishop punished the defensive lapse created by Murphy’s phantom cross, sliding the ball into Watford ‘keeper, Egil Selvik’s, net. This early lead allowed Portsmouth to play with confidence, knowing that a win would guarantee their place in the Championship for another season.
Watford tried to respond but never quite got going. Selvik didn’t let his team go down without a fight, making a few key saves to keep his team in it. His best contribution came when he denied Matt Ritchie’s long-range effort midway through the second half. Earlier, he denied an ambitious long-range effort by Ritchie in the first half. Whether further frustrating their efforts or inadvertently strengthening their resolve, Selvik’s work was not done in extraordinary circumstances.
As the game went on, tempers flared. In the 57th minute, Keben was awarded a red card after tackling down Murphy. That dismissal shifted the momentum of the game. Now, Watford faced the most daunting task of all as they had to counter-attack relentlessly against a Portsmouth side looking to build on their clean sheet.
Injuries Impacting Both Sides
Injuries struck both teams during the match. Striker Colby Bishop—the man who scored the match-winner—was forced off with an injury in the second half. Josh Murphy fell to injury, though that was less important for Portsmouth, who now had lost two major players as they sought to build upon their newfound form. The extent of these injuries will determine, over the coming days, just how far Portsmouth may turn to their deep squad in the next fixture and beyond.
Post-match reaction Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho on escaping relegation from the Championship – “It’s a relief – I’m delighted for our players and fans. He agreed that the win was critical, especially in light of what it meant for his players’ attitudes heading forward.
“I will definitely have a beer tonight, 100 per cent.” – John Mousinho
Watford’s captain Tom Cleverley reflected on his team’s performance and acknowledged areas that needed improvement. He preached the need for accountability amongst the team. He began making a case for tougher penalties on players who don’t live up to expectations.
“I don’t think there’s enough consequences at this club for not doing your job at times.” – Tom Cleverley
Looking Ahead
With this narrow victory, Portsmouth has guaranteed itself safe passage in the Championship for another season, avoiding relegation to League 1. The team will hope to carry this momentum forward as they continue to train for their upcoming matches. Watford needs to bounce back and needs to double think their colors. They will go into next season with their promotion hopes tarnished.
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