PORTSMOUTH JACKETT AT FEVER PITCH Kenny’s Pompey run Magpies ragged
KENNY JACKETT admitted Portsmouth used the pitch dimensions to their advantage as they scored three second-half goals.
With the non-league Magpies’ York Road pitch possessing a significant downward slope, Jackett made sure his side kicked down it in the second half, and took full advantage of tired nonleague legs.
“We made sure that they came down the slope in the first half and then you need to come through that,” he said. “We came through it very well being 1-0 up.
“It was quite a key thing because they had a free shot at us psychologically. Maidenhead could try to get that first goal and give them something to hang onto in the second half.”
That is not the way it worked out, however, and Maidenhead boss Alan Devonshire expressed his frustration at conceding two minutes before the break to Ben Thompson’s first Portsmouth goal. “I was disappointed. The cross came in, we had four or five defenders and the fella (Thompson) has nipped in in front. I think that killed us a little bit.
“We needed to get to half-time at 0-0 and when the second goal went in, the confidence just drained away from us.”
Gareth Evans’ cross from the right found Oli Hawkins for Pompey’s second and Jamal Lowe swept in a third.
David Wheeler’s diving header wrapped up a comfortable victory seven minutes from time.
Devonshire (below) was quick to put the result into perspective, saying: “It was a great occasion for us. They are top of League One. It was an absolutely fantastic atmosphere.
“It’s nice to have a day like that, but our aim is to stay in the National League.” DANNY COWLEY’S joy at reaching the second round was tempered by the manner of the goals Lincoln conceded.
Northampton fought back to level through Jack Bridge and Kevin van Veen after Harry Anderson and Tom Pett had put Lincoln 2-0 up.
But Bruno Andrade (right) grabbed a spectacular winner, and Cowley said: “I’m pleased to win and pleased to get through to round two, but I’m disappointed to
concede the two goals we did in a game we had control of. “You won’t win many football matches unless we defend better than we have done recently. “It’s something we’ve got to look at. “If we were a really good team, we would have won that 3-0. “We’ve ended up winning it 3-2 which shows we’re still a work in progress.” Northampton youngster Bridge said: “We will take positives from the secondhalf fightback.”
Lincoln 3 Northampton 2