How the national newspapers reported the Wanderers’ 1-0 defeat at Fratton Park

The Express said that Bolton weren’t even trying to win the game and were seemingly content with a dull, goalless deadlock.

The contrast with the fighting spirit shown at Chelsea seven days earlier was also pointed out by the Guardian, who described the Whites as “uninspired”. The Telegraph, meanwhile, said we “lacked ambition and failed to ignite.”

So much so that the Daily Mail reckon we’re still in some danger of relegation, not that you would know from the urgency in our performance at Fratton Park. The News of the World described Pompey’s dominance as a “sustained assault.”

That the home side thoroughly deserved all three points was “undisputable”, in the view of the Mirror.

In the Independent, the blame for Bolton’s negative approach was laid entirely on Gary Megson for the way he set up his side with 0-0 in mind.

Only Jussi Jaaskelainen could come away from the game with any credit for the Wanderers, according to the Times. Matchwinner Kanu took most of the plaudits for Portsmouth, although some Wanderers fans might take issue with the Guardian’s assertion that he is Nigeria’s greatest ever player (Jay-Jay Okocha, anyone?).

What did you think of the game? Have your say in the comment box below…

Read the fans’ view on the game here

Watch Portsmouth 1-0 Bolton Wanderers video highlights here

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