Source: TheGuardian
Conor Chaplin more than just a kid as Portsmouth rediscover some pride | Jeremy Alexander
After their slide from the Premier League to League Two, Portsmouth have got the smiles back on their faces – as Barnet and an unhappy Martin Allen found outPortsmouth were level on points with Manchester United at the top of the First Division when the Queen acceded to the throne. Barnet were still amateur, not turning professional until 50 years ago, not joining the Football League until 1991 and leaving it twice before returning again in April. On Saturday the sides met halfway in League Two, their first League encounter, and, though Pompey pulled historic rank and home advantage by winning 3-1 at Fratton Park, it was touch, go and feisty.The managers all but guaranteed it. Portsmouth’s Paul Cook, appointed in May, called for “more intensity” after successive home draws. Martin Allen, a popular former Pompey player who was in the running for the job there, promised “all guns blazing.” Neither changing room was flat, both pumped up. With each man wearing his heart on flailing arms, football had little chance. Continue reading......read full article
