Pitman strikes twice as Pompey stay on track

Posted Sunday, April 07, 2019 by PA

Portsmouth survived a late scare as Brett Pitman’s double moved them within two points of the League One automatic promotion places with a 3-2 victory over struggling Wycombe.

Jamal Lowe put the promotion chasers ahead, with Pitman scoring either side of Marcus Bean’s goal before Scott Kashket’s late volley for Wycombe.

The defeat left the Chairboys in 19th, just one point above the drop zone.

Portsmouth dominated the opening stages and Lowe made the breakthrough after 17 minutes. Lee Brown’s left-wing free-kick was cleared to the winger who lashed home through a crowd of bodies.

Wycombe responded well as Jason McCarthy saw a 25-yard free-kick well saved before Paris Cowan-Hall’s fierce strike was parried away by Craig MacGillivray.

Portsmouth struck again after half-time when Pitman seized upon Anthony Stewart’s mistake.

The relegation-threatened hosts hit back through Bean who stabbed home after pinball in the box, only for Pitman to score shortly after with a brilliant free-kick.

Substitute Kashket gave Wycombe hope with a stunning volley but the visitors withstood a late barrage for a fourth straight league win.