Pompey continue to walk tightrope

THERE weren’t many celebrations as Portsmouth racked up a one-year anniversary last week.

On the same day Athletic proved Boundary Park can still be a thrilling proposition, Pompey’s life-support machine had been switched on for exactly 12 months.

While Matt Smith’s goal against Everton brought renewed FA Cup glory for Athletic’s jubilant fans, the same competition’s winners of only five years ago remain in administration.

Battles go on behind the scenes. Financier Keith Harris this week saw his revised takeover bid for the Fratton Park club turned down by the same Football League organisation of which he was once chairman.

The league remains steadfast in its determination only a takeover by the club’s supporters’ trust will suffice.

On the pitch, matters could hardly be in a worse state. Since Michael Appleton departed the sinking ship on November 7, Pompey haven’t won a single game and have won only 23 points from 33 matches.

Of the XI who took to the field in the 1-0 home defeat by Athletic in September, only two are still on the books.

As odds-on favourites to add to Pompey’s misery, Athletic will hope to win similarly well at Boundary Park on Saturday.