Pompey’s Ellis Harrison takes his chance

Upon his return to the side on Tuesday night, an Ellis Harrison brace inspired Portsmouth to a 4-1 victory over Southend United.

Selected to start a league game for the first time in just under a month, Harrison made the most of it. Finding the net twice, he ensured Pompey picked up all three points and continued their unbeaten start at home. The 25-year-old has now scored a brace for the Blues on three occasions already this season. 

With Harrison starting up front, main man John Marquis was tasked with the number 10 role. Something fans aren’t used to seeing, but something they won’t mind happening again as he helped himself to a goal in first-half injury time. 

A late run into the box, saw him get on the end of an inviting cross from substitute Brandon Haunstrup. The slightest of touches from the striker,wrong-footed Shrimpers’ keeper Nathan Bishop, and it meant Pompey would go into the break, 1-0 to the good. 

Speaking afterwards, Ellis Harrison was delighted to be back in the team and back scoring again:

“First and foremost, we’re pleased with the win. The first goal just before the break came at the perfect time for us. 

“We then managed to step up a few gears during the second half and added those two late goals. I always believe I’ll score in every game, but I also want to work hard for the team and put a real shift in.”

 Southend named an unchanged lineup from their 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. Despite showing a spirited display in the first 45, manager Sol Campbell was disappointed his side weren’t level at the interval: 

“We kept them at bay and did really well in the first half until the last 30 seconds, when we haven’t gone with the runner from a simple ball in.

“We’ve given the goals away. It’s down to basic errors we have to iron out.”

Harrison got his name onto the scoresheet seven minutes after the restart. Winger Ronan Curtis powered his way into Southend penalty area and caused confusion. A brief spell of pinball in the box then broke out before the ball rebounded back to Harrison, who thundered it into the net via the crossbar. 

A delayed reaction almost from the home fans as they expected the flag to be raised, but the goal stood which put Portsmouth firmly in control.

Very much against the run of play, Southend did pull one back on 69 minutes. Elvis Bwonomo did well down the right before teeing up Brandon Goodship on the edge of the area. His shot looked routine for young Alex Bass, but it turned out to be too hot to handle as he palmed it down into his own net.

Pompey fans had seen their team throw away points in recent weeks from decent positions and the atmosphere quickly became a nervous one. 

But Jackett reacted to this positively and quickly introduced Marcus Harness into the game. A substitution that brought the crowd once again into play and the home team back on the front foot.

The two-goal cushion was soon to be replenished as Sean Raggett was hauled down in the area after a Curtis free-kick was swung into the box. 

Harrison took the responsibility and was delighted to see his spot kick find its way in, after ricocheting off Bishop’s foot. 

3-1 quickly became 4-1 when a lovely Pompey move was finished off by newly introduced Harness. Patient build-up play found its way out on the right to full-back Haunstrup, who took on his man before guiding the ball inside to Harness.

The former Burton Albion man stuck it away in style to cap off an emphatic win for Kenny Jackett’s men.  

Portsmouth’s focus now turns to the FA Cup, where they travel to Harrogate Town for the first round. Meanwhile, Sol Campbell and Southend visit National League side Dover Athletic.