Kenny Jackett feels win over Rotherham can be crucial in promotion shake-up

Posted Wednesday, November 27, 2019 by PA

Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett believes his side’s thrilling 3-2 win at home to fourth-placed Rotherham could be crucial to their League One promotion hopes.

Midfielder Ben Close’s first goal since August lifted Pompey to within two points of the play-off places as Jackett’s men extended their unbeaten run to seven games.

Jackett said: “It does feel a real big victory because Rotherham are among the promotion contenders, they are a good side, with good options off the bench.

“We stood toe-to-toe with them tonight, took the lead three times and with them above us in the league it gives us a little bit of a leg up and pulls the top slightly closer.

“I thought the game was always in the balance but we have scored 12 goals in the last four games and in the front part of the side there is a lot of firepower.

“We have worked hard and month by month we have improved.

“Hopefully now it builds up a head of steam for us, with a couple of cup games before our next league game.”

Republic of Ireland winger Ronan Curtis set the tone for a pulsating evening at Fratton Park by curling Pompey in front from 20 yards with only 33 seconds played.

Freddie Ladapo equalised from close range in the 15th minute only for John Marquis to poke in Ellis Harrison’s header eight minutes before half-time to make it 2-1 at half-time.

Ladapo levelled for a second time with a 62nd minute penalty after Carlton Morris had been fouled by striker-turned-defender Oli Hawkins.

But Close had the final say four minutes later, volleying home from the edge of the penalty area after Rotherham had failed to properly clear a corner.

The defeat was only Rotherham’s second in six matches.

Manager Paul Warne said: “It was a really good game of football and I thought both teams were going for it. I think it could have been 6-6 really.

“I thought we were the stronger side first half. We should have probably got one or two more goals and could have gone in comfortably in the lead.

“In the second half, they take the lead, Carlton does really well to win us a penalty and then I felt really comfortable at 2-2.

“I honestly believed we were going to get something.

“The lads gave me everything and I’ve just said to them. I’m really proud to be their manager. If they stick together like they did there we’ll have a really enjoyable season.”