It is no lack of effort and the stock phrases are the same as they were last week and the week before, but a 1-0 reversal against a Pompey outfit out of form, without a win on the road since Jesus was in school shorts and riddled by injuries felt particularly rough.
That was a game that, if such a thing existed, they would have fancied as a big opportunity to claim a first win since September and the same opposition. They huffed and they puffed but little wobbled. A sharp break from the away side and a lapse or two in concentration did for them.
There were bright things, but the gravity of Wednesday’s continued trudge out of midwinter remains.
To a large extent, it is what it is. Have some player ratings.
9. Bailey Cadamarteri - 6
Put it in. Won a couple of aerials and generally grafted out of position. Went more central after the hour. Couldn't get into it with few chances to do so. | UGC
10. Svante Ingelsson - 7
Involved in some of the more dangerous moments, spinning a cross inside for Lowe and getting in behind the Pompey defence to take a shot from Bannan's deft ball over the top. Took a bruise or two for the cause. His running beyond caused issues. | UGC
11. Jamal Lowe - 5
Poked one wide from Ingelsson's fizzed-in cross and nodded one too close to Schmid a little later. Provided some nice touches but faded a touch as his hour went on and was replaced by McNeill. | UGC
12. Reece Johnson - 6
On in place of Alao after the hour. Put it in but couldn't turn the tide as the flow of the game slowed to walking pace. | UGC