Pompey began the game as they finished it - lots of possession, lots of passing, always in control but never able to penetrate the Rotheram back four. Biagini tried to inspire his new team mates, but his flicks and clever passes were never used to their full advantage - it will be interested to see how he links up with a player on the same wavelength - i.e Prosinecki.
Two paragraphs of a match report and not a mention of an incident - that's how dour this game was, Pompey and Rotherham both failed to create any opportunity of note. Weak, speculative shots from Quashie and Biagini were the highlights of the first half.
In the second half, Pompey attempted to put some much needed 'oomph' into their game. This time the huffing and puffing around the area was done with more gusto but with the same empty result. With seventy two minutes the first real chance arrived for Pompey and it should of been a goal. Captain, Shaun Derry, volleyed the ball from inside the area and it cannoned off the bar. Bad luck for the Blues - luck that once again was going to turn from bad to worse.
With 4.45 on the clock and the majority of Fratton Park wanting the referee to blow his whistle, Kevin Harper made his first and last marauding run down the right flank. He jinked and turned, running at pace and was clipped on his way into the area - he stayed on his feet sensing an opening and was just about to pull the trigger when Andy Monkhouse kicked him in the knee - he admitted he did after the game - Harper went down and no Rotherham players appealed. However the linesman didn't raise his flag and the referee blew his whistle - for a dive. An unbelievable decision and one that will cost Pompey the services of Harper for one game.
When will our luck change?