Match ends, Portsmouth 3, Bristol Rovers 2.
PortsmouthPortsmouth3Bristol RoversBristol Rovers2
Portsmouth moved closer to safety with a crucial win against struggling Bristol Rovers.
Adam Webster put Pompey ahead with a low shot, before Rovers replied through Matt Harrold's deflected effort.
Pompey were in front again before half-time, Danny Hollands' deflection wrong-footing Steve Mildenhall, but Rovers equalised instantly through Harrold's second, a header from six yards.
Wes Fogden snatched a winner on 70 minutes with his close-range strike.
Bristol Rovers, who are just one place above the League Two relegation zone, travel to third-placed Rochdale on Monday night.
Portsmouth caretaker manager Andy Awford told BBC Radio Solent:
"That was probably our biggest test since I came in. Fair play to Bristol Rovers, they gave us one heck of a game.
"I asked the lads at half time to show some character. I said 'this is the biggest test that we've had, can you go and stand up to it and be counted?'
"And boy did they - they were absolutely magnificent. I have total respect for the players, they were absolutely superb today."
Bristol Rovers manager Darrell Clarke told BBC Radio Bristol:
"I asked the players to put a bit of pride back in the shirt and I think they did.
"We were a little bit unlucky with the injuries. It changed the complexion a bit.
"We were disappointed with the goals we conceded but we got our pride back after last week's woeful performance.
"It was about getting the fans back onside. We wanted to win the match but it wasn't to be."
Line-ups
Portsmouth
Formation 4-2-3-1
- 40Carson
- 22Webster
- 17Shorey
- 33McCabeBooked at 42minsSubstituted forErtlat 78'minutes
- 3N'GalaBooked at 88mins
- 36WhatmoughBooked at 59mins
- 35J Wallace
- 29Hollands
- 20TaylorSubstituted forAgyemangat 87'minutes
- 28DrennanSubstituted forFogdenat 55'minutes
- 11Holmes
Substitutes
- 1Smith
- 5Devera
- 6Bradley
- 13Ertl
- 15Alfei
- 19Fogden
- 23Agyemang
Bristol Rovers
Formation 4-4-2
- 1Mildenhall
- 4WoodardsBooked at 8minsSubstituted forClucasat 24'minutes
- 14BrownBooked at 45mins
- 24O Clarke
- 29McChrystal
- 6ParkesBooked at 52minsSubstituted forGillespieat 80'minutes
- 2SmithSubstituted forBroghammerat 28'minutes
- 30Lockyer
- 9Harrold
- 7Clarkson
- 39Mohamed
Substitutes
- 8Gillespie
- 11Broghammer
- 18Harding
- 20Gough
- 25Clucas
- 32O'Toole
- 33Santos
- Referee:
- James Adcock
- Attendance:
- 17,998
Match Stats
Home TeamPortsmouthAway TeamBristol Rovers
- Possession
- Home46%
- Away54%
- Shots
- Home13
- Away17
- Shots on Target
- Home8
- Away9
- Corners
- Home6
- Away5
- Fouls
- Home10
- Away7
Live Text
Post update
Full Time
Second Half ends, Portsmouth 3, Bristol Rovers 2.
Post update
Corner, Portsmouth. Conceded by Seanan Clucas.
Post update
Attempt missed. Steve Mildenhall (Bristol Rovers) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses the top right corner following a set piece situation.
Post update
Foul by Bondz N'Gala (Portsmouth).
Post update
Steven Gillespie (Bristol Rovers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Post update
Danny Hollands (Portsmouth) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Post update
Foul by Matt Harrold (Bristol Rovers).
Post update
Corner, Bristol Rovers. Conceded by Adam Webster.
Post update
Attempt missed. Kaid Mohamed (Bristol Rovers) header from the centre of the box is too high.
Booking
Bondz N'Gala (Portsmouth) is shown the yellow card.
Post update
Foul by Bondz N'Gala (Portsmouth).
Post update
Tom Lockyer (Bristol Rovers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Substitution
Substitution, Portsmouth. Patrick Agyemang replaces Ryan Taylor.
Post update
Attempt missed. Fabian Broghammer (Bristol Rovers) header from the left side of the six yard box is close, but misses to the left.
Post update
Corner, Bristol Rovers. Conceded by Jack Whatmough.
Substitution
Substitution, Bristol Rovers. Steven Gillespie replaces Tom Parkes.
Substitution
Substitution, Portsmouth. Johannes Ertl replaces Rhys McCabe.
Post update
Attempt saved. Ricky Holmes (Portsmouth) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
Post update
Attempt saved. Lee Brown (Bristol Rovers) left footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the top left corner.
