Pompey were easily defeated by Rochdale last night after a meek performance at Spotland saw them lose 3-0 to the League Two leaders.
It had started well enough as Patrick Agyemang won a corner which led to Toumani Diagouraga's shot was well saved by keeper Josh Lillis. The hosts then sent a warning to Pompey of things to come with a quick counter-attack led to Jamie Allen heading the ball narrowly wide from a cross as Rochdale demonstrated their superiority in the air in the opposition box.
Pompey won another corner and Bondz N'Gala had his header hacked off the line, with the rebound then headed over by Joe Devera. Rochdale then showed the visitors how to score from a corner as the ball was headed across goal with Matty Lund rising above his marker to head the ball home from all of a yard out.
Heads dropped after that and barring one or two threatening runs from Ricky Holmes, Keith Hill's men were barely tested and had other half-chances to score before the half was over.
They did score again five minutes after the restart as Lillis saved a tame shot from Pompey and then hoofed the ball forward to Ian Henderson who managed to power his shot past Trevor Carson who probably should have saved it rather than help the ball in. For the defence to allow one long ball to beat them, however, was criminal.
The third goal came soon after and again, it was pathetic defending in the air which allowed Peter Vincenti to head in Matt Done's cross virtually unchallenged.
Rochdale took their foot off the pedal after that and coasted to victory with Pompey forcing Lillis into one save late on, though it made little difference to the pattern of the match as despite their casual play, the home side still could have scored more.
It was funny to listen to Richie Barker's interview after the match where once again he blamed his players for the defeat and refused to take any responsibility himself despite making four changes to the side. No wonder the players don't want to play for him, one or two excepted.
He also went on to say that he doesn't fear the sack despite his team handing Rochdale an easy victory. Given that the vast majority of fans are against him now, he should be very fearful of getting the boot as seems to have lost the support from both fans and players. The board would be stupid to stand idly by and let their club get relegated to non-league under this man's "leadership" because he is clueless and his style of football is dire.
Who should replace him? Andy Awford might be given the task or perhaps the board should bring in Steve Claridge simply for the fact he'd make the players care and the fans would get behind him? Anyone but Barker, please.
The only positive to come out of yesterday was that the ten men of AFC Wimbledon managed to poach a stoppage time equaliser at Sixfields to prevent Northampton being level on points with Portsmouth, but even then that will only delay the inevitable unless something changes at our football club very soon.
Pompey Player Ratings
Trevor Carson: 5 - Should have done better with second goal.
Daniel Alfei: 5 - Will never be a Premier League player, got beaten too easily.
Joe Devera: 4 - Beaten in the air all the time.
Bondz N'Gala: 5 - Below par but should have scored.
Nicky Shorey: 5 - Seems to be going through the motions.
Ricky Holmes: 5 - One or two decent runs but nullified far too easily.
Toumani Diagouraga: 5 - Not at his best by a long stretch.
Jack Whatmough: 4 - Had a nightmare.
Jed Wallace: 6 - Tried to make things happen.
Wes Fogden: 4 - Constantly lost the ball.
Patrick Agyemang: 6 - Team-mates weren't on the same page.
Substitutes
Phil Smith
Sonny Bradley
Johnny Ertl
Rhys McCabe
Michael Drennan
Jake Jervis
Ryan Taylor (Devera 65): 5 - Made no impact.