Pompey go five points clear after Curtis winner

Posted Wednesday, January 02, 2019 by PA

Portsmouth began 2019 with a hard fought 2-1 win over relegation-threatened Wimbledon to move five points clear at the top of League One.

Jamal Lowe opened the scoring when Wimbledon stopper Tom King failed to deal with a Ronan Curtis strike from the edge of the box and the Pompey winger coolly lifted the rebound over the stricken goalkeeper.

Pompey dominated the first half proceedings without seriously threatening to run away with the game.

There were chances for Tom Naylor and Jamal Lowe before Jack Whatmough halted a Wimbledon counter attack with an excellent tackle on Andy Barcham.

Wimbledon came out stronger in the second half with Portsmouth struggling to keep possession. There were still opportunities for Curtis who dragged a shot wide and Gareth Evans, who shot straight at King.

The visitors got the goal their second-half display deserved on 75 minutes. Kwesi Appiah received the ball and unleashed a spectacular drive from 30 yards in to the top left hand corner leaving Craig MacGillivray with no chance.

That goal sparked life back in to the home side and they were back in front five minutes later with Curtis rising highest to nod in a fantastic floated cross from Ben Thompson.

The body blow after all the Dons hard work to get back in to the game took the momentum out of their challenge.