Portsmouth manager John Mousinho admitted his team were fortunate to secure a 2-1 Championship win over Millwall in a rain-drenched contest at Fratton Park. The victory, sealed with goals from an own goal and a deflected effort, moves Pompey into the top half of the standings for the first time this season.
Mousinho told reporters after the match that his side had ridden their luck, a sentiment echoed by some supporters online who felt a draw would have been a fair result. The match was heavily affected by Storm Boelo, with conditions making fluent football difficult for both sides. The manager conceded that the weather played a significant role in the nature of the game, turning it into a battle of attrition.
How the game turned
Portsmouth took the lead in the first half through a Millwall own goal from a mis-hit free-kick. The visitors equalised after the break, but Pompey regained the lead when a tackle rebounded off a forward and into the net. "There was a large amount of luck about both of our goals," Mousinho said. Despite the fortune, the manager highlighted his team's growing resilience, noting they have become "awkward opponents" who are difficult to break down. He praised his players for their defensive discipline and work rate in the challenging conditions, which he said were a key factor in grinding out the result.
This gritty characteristic has been key to a run of ten points from their last four matches, a sequence that has propelled them up the table. The win against Millwall was their third consecutive home victory, building a strong foundation at Fratton Park. Mousinho pointed to the team's collective spirit and ability to adapt to difficult circumstances as major positives from their recent form.
Fan reaction and looking ahead
Supporters from both clubs took to social media to dissect the soggy spectacle. One Portsmouth fan described it as a "pretty dire spectacle" but stressed "it's the result that matters." Another praised the impact of substitutes, while Millwall followers expressed frustration with their team's defending and lack of a goal threat. Some Millwall fans were particularly critical of their side's inability to create clear chances despite having periods of possession in the second half.
With the international break now over, Portsmouth's attention turns to a tough away fixture against Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday. The squad will be hoping to carry their hard-earned momentum into that match, with their next home game at Fratton Park scheduled for the following weekend. Mousinho acknowledged the challenge ahead but said his team would travel with confidence built on their recent defensive solidity and team ethic.
