By Alfie Marlborough stepping in for Luke today
The Dons lost out to Portsmouth by three goals to two at Fratton Park to confirm our exit from the FA Cup. Despite the loss, it was a much more spirited performance and an improvement from recent games. Here’s how I have rated the players…
- Jamie Cumming – 6
The goalkeeper made several impressive saves to deny Portsmouth more goals. Distribution was ok but it is worth mentioning his pass to Bradley Johnson before the Second Penalty put Johnson under unnecessary pressure. Upon receiving the ball, he always looked to get rid swiftly and spark an attack for the Dons. He perhaps could have done better with the first goal as he came off his line and bailed halfway leaving him stranded in no man’s land allowing Reeco Hackett-Fairchild to score with relative ease.
- Tennai Watson – 5
Didn’t really do much but looked fairly comfortable as he looks to get back to full fitness following his injury. Linked up well with Darragh Burns especially in the first half and brought us forward on a few occasions. However, the right back found himself out of position a lot when the hosts were attacking.
- Jack Tucker – 5.5
Was apart of a defence that was cut open and dismantled on several occasions. The centre-half looked more comfortable in a back four and passed well in possession. However, O’Hora and himself had left a massive gap between them several times which could have easily resulted in more goals for the hosts.
- Warren O’Hora – 5
Not the best performance from the centre-half who, like Tucker, could have done much better to stop the two centre-half’s from drifting away from each other. Was reliable as ever when it came to clearances and was calm and composed when under pressure from the host’s high-press. Took on a shot from 30 yards out in the closing minutes of the game that would have caused Griffiths in goal problems had it been a few yards to the right.
- Josh McEachran – 4.5
Josh was controlling the midfield fairly well throughout the first half playing plenty of good passes to create chances for the Dons. He Needlessly gave away penalty in the closing stages of the first half when he tripped up Mingi who looked like he was going nowhere with the ball anyway. The midfielder was brought off at the break.
- Mo Eisa – 7
it was a much stronger performance from our main striker today who got more involved with play then what we have been saying over the last few weeks or so. Had a few chances throughout the game, where he will be disappointed that he did not do better. He was in the right place at the right time to halve the deficit with half an hour to go.
- Nathan Holland – 7
The winger looked a real threat on the left-hand side and was getting forward at every opportunity he had to do so. Had some shots on target, which were well saved from Griffith in goal. However, there were some occasions where he could have shot earlier and worse, consequently, forced out wide to limit his chance.
- Bradley Johnson – 4
Another very poor performance from Bradley Johnson, who was at fault for giving away the second penalty when he tripped up Colby Bishop just inside the area. However, the midfielder did make some good passes, especially for our second goal, when his linkup play with Connor Grant allowed a cross to be put in to Mo Eisa who scored to get the Dons back into the game.
- Darragh Burns – 7.5 (TOP DON)
A Brilliant showing from the winger who looked threatening all afternoon and got himself on the scoresheet. Did well to beat his man and get on the end of Dawson Devoy’s ball before taking his time and slotting it past Griffiths in goal. Always looked to go forward with the ball and helped create most of the chances for the Dons.
- Daniel Harvie – 6
The fall back had a quiet game, like Watson on the other side. Linked up well with Nathan Holland, who looked a real threat and offered chances for the Dons. He had a golden opportunity to score in the second half after Darragh Burns’ cross was blocked and came back to the Scottish defender who blasted well over from 10 yards out. Not the worst game, but also not the best we have seen from Dan.
- Dawson Devoy – 7
He looked a real threat in a more advanced role and provided several key passes to the forwards, including one to Darragh Burns to give the Dons the lead. Was Always looking to get the ball up the field and did well to get past his man several times throughout the match.
SUBS –
- Ethan Robson – 5.5
Despite only having 20 minutes on the field, he had a real impact and brought a lot of energy to the midfield. When the Dons were looking for an equaliser, he continued to try and make something happen. A decent showing from the midfielder who has had limited opportunities this season.
- Will Grigg – 5
Couldn’t really do much to get involved as he only had 10 minutes on the field. He was brought on for Mo Eisa to try and get a late equaliser but didn’t have much luck.
- Conor Grant – 6.5
The Irish midfielder replaced josh McEachran at half-time and looked quite threatening throughout the second half. Provided the cross to Mo Eisa who turned home after linking up well with Bradley Johnson. He Looked very comfortable and performed to a much higher level than what we have seen from him.
- Louie Barry – 5
Was brought on with 20 minutes to go, but was unable to get involved and has very limited opportunities to show what he’s capable of.
- Henry Lawrence – 5
Came on with Grigg late on and did well to get the Dons forward but overall just did not have enough time to make a real impact.
Overall, we were much better than what we have been in previous weeks, but a strong and organised Pompey side proved to be too much for the Dons.
