Portsmouth take over at the top of League One

Posted Sunday, September 30, 2018 by PA

Portsmouth moved to the top of Sky Bet League One after coming from behind to win 3-1 against Rochdale at the Crown Oil Arena.

The home side stormed into the lead after just three minutes with a stunning strike from Aaron Wilbraham.

The experienced striker, who joined Dale in the summer from Bolton, opened his account for the club with a dipping 25-yard volley which flew over Craig MacGillivray and beneath the Pompey goalkeeper’s crossbar.

Nathan Thompson was close to equalising when his stinging drive struck the bar but Portsmouth deservedly drew level in the 25th minute when Brett Pitman’s clever turn and pass across the face of goal was turned in by Jamal Lowe.

Dale goalkeeper Josh Lillis denied Kenny Jackett’s men a second before the interval when he kept out Ronan Curtis’ close-range effort.

MacGillivray denied Ollie Rathbone and Andy Cannon before Pompey edged ahead in the 70th minute when Lee Brown’s cross to the near post was flicked into the net by Pitman.

And it was 3-1 10 minutes from time when Matt Clarke smashed an unstoppable drive into the roof of Lillis’ net from a Curtis corner.