John Mousinho’s half-time verbal volley hit the target as Paddy Lane earned victory for League One leaders Portsmouth against bottom side Carlisle.
Boss Mousinho did not like what he saw during the first half but his strong words provoked the desired response after the break as Lane netted his 10th goal of the campaign – his third in two games – after 62 minutes to stretch Pompey’s lead at the summit.
“We had a pop at half-time,” confirmed Mousinho. “We knew if we had more quality and take care of the things we needed to take care of we would go on and win the game.
“The performance for large parts was really positive apart from the start. We started like a side weary from the travel but I am not giving the lads that excuse because we do things well enough for them to be at it from the first whistle.
“We dominated possession without creating a huge amount. Carlisle were decent in the first half and had a go.”
Tom Lowery drove a shot against the woodwork in the opening half, in which all United’s best efforts came from Jordan Gibson.
Stung by their manager’s interval dressing-down, Pompey improved to the delight of their 1,848 fans who made their longest trip of the season.
But it still needed Abu Kamara’s introduction to unlock a defence that has now failed to keep a clean sheet for a club-record 25 league games.
Kamara’s run and defence-splitting pass allowed Lane to drill beyond Harry Lewis.
“Paddy’s goals have been important for us all season,” said Mousinho. “When we have relied on Colby (Bishop) to score we’ve probably not been as good a side as we could be.”
Despite their plight, Carlisle fans still managed a good ovation for former favourite Owen Moxon when he came off the bench after 74 minutes.
Moxon was outstanding for the Cumbrians in their promotion season but swapped bottom for top on deadline day.
Despite the club’s position manager Paul Simpson is not throwing in the towel.
“There is a definite disappointment we didn’t get anything out of the game,” he said.
“They know they did a lot of good things but unfortunately the good things counted for nothing.
“There are still plenty of games to go and people may think I am clutching at straws saying that but we have to keep believing. We have to make sure we finish this season much stronger than we have been so far.
“But we have got to work goalkeepers, get shots on target and crosses in the right area, and score goals. Unfortunately, we are not.
“The truth is everyone will have looked before the game and thought ‘Carlisle have got no chance, Carlisle are already relegated’. But we have got to surprise people, maybe even surprise ourselves.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Watch and remember the kids Arsenal close to completing deal for Viktor Gyokeres The only way to stop this Chelsea. lol Hahahahah Chelsea vs PSG This Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss)...
Man Utd continue to push for Bryan Mbeumo's signitureManchester United's transfer dealings have hit a speed bump, with Matheus Cunha being their only significant summer acquisition after his £60million move from Wolves earlier in the season.Their sights are now set on Bryan Mbeumo, who has been turning heads at Brentford, but two offers for the forward have been knocked back and a third bid i...
United head coach Ruben Amorim wants a new centre forward before the start of the seasonManchester United have been told to complete a summer transfer 'immediately'.United are in the market for a new centre forward, with it still unknown whether Ruben Amorim wishes to stick with Rasmus Hojlund.Hojlund has made it clear in recent weeks that he wants to stay and fight for his future at Old Trafford,...
Morgan Gibbs-White is at the centre of a battle between Nottingham Forest and TottenhamTottenham Hotspur remain hopeful of securing a deal for Morgan Gibbs-White, despite a furious row with Nottingham Forest over allegations that the London club illegally approached the player.Spurs seemed set to sign the 25-year-old after activating his £60million release clause and arranging a medical for t...
Petrovic set to undergo Bournemouth medical🚨🍒 Djordje Petrović will undergo medical at Bournemouth on Monday ahead of £25m deal from Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/7gtwkWXTEZ— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 13, 2025Is £20m too much for USMNT star Sargent? PL suitors put offUSMNT star Josh Sargent continues to attract Premier League interest, but Norwich's £20 million ($27m) ...
Man United ace Alejandro Garnacho rejects Cristiano Ronaldo reunionMan United winger Alejandro Garnacho has reportedly rejected the chance to join up with former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.The 21-year-old is one of several Man United attackers that are hoping to leave the club after their worst ever Premier League campaign.According to the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Garnacho has r...
Man City ace James McAtee to visit Eintracht FrankfurtMan City playmaker James McAtee will reportedly visit Eintracht Frankfurt as he edges closer to a move away from the Premier League.The 22-year-old has been deemed surplus to requirements by Man City despite some impressive performances in limited chances last season.According to Sky Germany, he could be taking the route of heading to the Bunde...
Xabi Alonso sends warning to Real Madrid stars after PSG thrashingReal Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has reported warned his squad of superstars about their commitment after their 4-0 defeat to PSG at the FIFA Club World Cup.The Spanish giants were well and truly dismantled by PSG in their Club World Cup semi-final, reportedly leaving Alonso furious.According to Marca, the new manager has told his pl...
Bayern Munich turn to Leandro Trossard as nightmare window continuesBayern Munich have reportedly turned to Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard as a back up plan should they fail to sign Liverpool's Luis Diaz.The German giants have had a frustrating summer window so far, missing out on Nico Williams, Jamie Gittens, and Florian Wirtz.Bayern’s new priority target is Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, alt...
Arsenal reach agreement with Sporting for Viktor GyokeresArsenal's move for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres has taken yet another step closer after the two clubs agreed to a fee.In what has arguably been the most dramatic transfer saga of the summer so far, Arsenal have finally reached an agreement with Sporting for the signing of Gyokeres, 27.According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the...
- 1 FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Fixture schedule, group standings, knockout round, tickets, format & everything you need to know
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 Bayern ready to rival Arsenal for Eberechi Eze and target move for Chelsea flop after losing Jamal Musiala to injury
- 4 Spurs get huge lift in Morgan Gibbs-White row
- 5 Marcus Rashford trains alone after returning to Man Utd for pre-season despite being given extra time off by Ruben Amorim to find new club
- 6 DAZN sports host nearly suffers wardrobe malfunction at CWC
- 7 Everton sign Villarreal striker Barry: The fans here are like crazy people, I like this!
- 8 Bayern Munich lay out terms for Luis Diaz
- 9 Meet Christian Norgaard's gorgeous wife
- 10 Chelsea's wage offer to Jadon Sancho revealed