Portsmouth started the afternoon in the League One play-off places, knowing a win was needed to secure their position in the top six on the final day of the season though.

What happened though was a complete disaster as mid-table Accrington Stanley, who had nothing to play for but pride, did a job on the south coast club and defeated them 1-0 at Fratton Park.

The two sides had only met less than two weeks ago at the Wham Stadium and drew 3-3, with Pompey striker John Marquis scoring not only what he thought was the winner in the 91st minute, but an own goal with pretty much the last touch of the game.

Danny Cowley knew what Accrington had in their locker and a first half goal from Adam Phillips, which saw the Burnley loanee in acres of space in the home side's area, gave John Coleman's side a lead which they never surrendered.

Pompey huffed and puffed in the second half and Stanley's young stopper Toby Savin made some crucial saves to deny the hosts from getting back into the game, and time eventually ran out in both the match and Portsmouth's chances of the play-offs.

 

 

 

 

Cowley made one change from the line-up that defeated AFC Wimbledon last week and it was a bold one as centre-back Jack Whatmough returned to the side after a four-match suspension in place of Sean Raggett.

It may have been a big mistake though as Pompey fans were highly critical of the 24-year-old's performance, including his defending for Phillips' goal.

Check out some of the comments on Whatmough from frustrated Portsmouth supporters on social media.