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.
.jpeg?trim=0,127,0,193&crop=&width=800)
13. Jaden Heskey - 6
On for his Wednesday bow after the hour. Looks a sizeable unit. Put himself about but wasn't able to impact the game a great deal. | UGC
14. Charlie McNeill - 6
On with half an hour or so to go in a game that required some spark. Tried a clever move or two but gave the ball away too often in the brief moments he was on it. | UGC
