Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett thrilled to see off league leaders Wycombe

Posted Friday, December 27, 2019 by PA

Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett was full of praise for his side after a hard-fought 2-0 win at home to league leaders Wycombe.

Goals from the in-form Ronan Curtis and Ben Close condemned the Chairboys to their second successive defeat.

Pompey boss Kenny Jackett said: “It was a hard game today and Wycombe were a tough nut to crack, you can see why they are top.

“Gareth has done a fantastic job and I am pleased to say the key moments went our way.

“There were some good bits of finishing there and composure at the right time as well, which made the difference.

“Wycombe are a terrific unit and make it hard for you all over the pitch and can score goals as well. I have a lot of respect for them and how far they have come.”

Republic of Ireland international Curtis has now scored seven goals in his last eight appearances and the forward was once again picked out for special plaudits by Jackett.

He said: “Ronan’s goal gave us a little bit of breathing space. He is up there now with our top scorers’ and hopefully he can keep on improving.

“I am pleased with him and for Ben because he has chipped in with some important goals and he took his one today really well.”

There was little between the two teams in the first half but the home sides took control after the break

Defender James Bolton could have put them ahead early in the second half, but his powerful header cleared the crossbar and even Jackett admitted he should have hit the target.

The mounting pressure proved all too much for Wycombe in the 66th minute when midfielder Close tucked in the loose ball after Ellis Harrison fired against the post from six yards out.

Pompey doubled their lead after good work from Marcus Harness allowed him to fire in a venomous cross from the right for the unmarked Curtis to apply the finish with a deft touch.

A late free-kick from Joe Jacobson threatened to make it a nervy end to the game but his strike skimmed the post.

Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth said: “It was a good battle, a proper Boxing Day tie. They had the cutting edge, which we lacked throughout the match.

“The first goal was offside for me, but we aren’t going to dwell on it as we have had decisions go against us in the past.

“The second goal was the killer because at 1-0 the opposition are nervous. We had some chances at the end, but fair play to Portsmouth, the better team won on the day.

“I am really proud of my team and the fans as they never stopped singing all day.”

Asked if he was worried about suffering back-to-back losses, Ainsworth added: “It’s not a massive concern as it is only the first time we have lost back-to-back league games this season.

“Every side experiences a difficult run like we are.

“The expectation at the start of the season was to improve on last year’s performance, which at the moment we are on track in doing.

“I only have 19 players to select a team from at the moment, so it’s a difficult moment for us, but we will keep on fighting.”