Retrospective: A Pompey Fan’s View on Good Friday’s Clash

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Good Friday’s entertainment was the first of an Easter Weekend double-header for the Imps, with a trip to south coast to face a Portsmouth side whose hopes of a top-six finish were hanging by a thread, writes Kyle Kennealey.

Our own ambitions for the season, avoiding relegation to League Two, are edging ever closer to being achieved, but we were unable to move a step closer to doing so at Fratton Park. Following a goalless first period, Cullen fouled Jacobs in the area which allowed Hirst to open the scoring from the spot. Pompey doubled their advantage with another set-piece, when Jacobs sumptuously curled in a free-kick from range.

Bishop reduced the arrears barely two minutes later, curling the ball beyond Bazunu from close range. Ben House hadn’t had a touch after coming on before he scored City’s equaliser, poking the ball home to draw Lincoln level. But the scoring wasn’t done there, with another substitute Ronan Curtis making the most of Jordan Wright’s failure to keep hold of the ball, with just eight minutes remaining.

There was still time for Cullen to head the ball onto the bar, with McGrandles firing the rebound well over the bar, as we desperately looked for another leveller. Despite a credible performance, we came away empty-handed. I asked Pompey.live for his thoughts on Friday’s encounter.

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Both sides had plenty of chances yesterday, with Lincoln having an opportunity to snatch a point at the end when Cullen hit the bar. With your goalkeeper Bazunu receiving the MOTM award, do you feel the scoreline was a fair reflection of the game?

The game could’ve easily gone either way and I think a draw would’ve been a fair reflection based upon the game, especially with the way our third goal came.

The result yesterday means that Portsmouth have completed a league double over the Imps. What have you thought of Lincoln this campaign, from what you have seen?

Not done as well as I’d have thought based upon how you did the previous season, I thought you’d have been looking to push towards the playoffs at the very least.

There were connections aplenty yesterday, with both managers facing former clubs as well as a host of players who have played for both. How do you feel Marquis fared, and what are your thoughts on the Cowley’s, both on and off the pitch?

Marquis was kept quiet all afternoon until he was replaced which was expected after his time here. I’ve personally been impressed with the Cowleys as they’ve brought in some quality players with the little budget he’s been given from our owners and I’m also happy with the different style of football he’s brought to us.

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With results like the three-nil victory back at Sincil Bank in November, is there a great deal of frustration that Portsmouth aren’t higher up in the table?

Some fans would say yes but personally for me no because at the start of the season I expected us to finish around 7th to 9th due to a lack of depth we have this season.

With hopes of the Play-Offs all but over for this season, where are you hoping to strengthen over the summer in order to properly push for promotion?

We definitely need to strengthen up top as we don’t have a contracted striker for the  2022/23 season, while possibly needing some backups in areas such as right-back and in midfield.