Report by Ben Davis

Pompey got their first away win against Grimsby but they had to scrap for it and the players were certainly relieved when the game was over. Due to suspensions Pompey were forced to make changes. Knight returned in goal while Rees replaced Awford in the anchor role.
Pompey didn't take long to attack when Durnin, who impressed on Tuesday clipped a ball over the top for Carter to chase and he won the first corner. That was easily cleared and Grimsby quickly attacked themselves and created the first genuine chance. Mendonca crossed it for Livingstone who found Southall who got in a shot which Knight deflected away for a corner.
From the corner Grimsby were so close to taking the lead when Black's cross was met by Smith, up from the back, and his header at the far post hit the inside of the post and bounced back into play.
Knight was out to prove himself to Terry Fenwick and he showed his alertness when he whipped the ball off Mendonca's feet after Livingstone's flick-on. Pompey were under real pressure but somehow they clung on.
Mendonca was always going to be the most threatening player and he had a chance to continue his goal-a-game record but he horribly shot wide from Widdrington's cross. 10 minutes Smith ventured forward and let fly with a 30-yard which Knight brilliantly saved by tipping around the post for a corner. That corner went for another and eventually former Scummer Widdrington blasted high over.
Pompey's only promising attack was when Handyside decided he had the skill to get the ball clear from their by-line but lost it to Burton and the youngster couldn't create much with it anyway.
The Blues first shot came in the 41st minute when Carter set-up Igoe who fired a shot high over Grimsby's bar. The play moved into first-half stoppage time and Pompey stunned the home crowd by taking the lead. Burton got the better of Handyside and raced clear and very unselfishly laid it to Rees to score.
Pompey again started brightly with Burton again giving Handyside problems and Carter was working hard on the right. Yet it was Grimsby who should have scored when Mendonca got clear of Pompey's defence and found Livingstone but he wanted too many touches and Igoe cleared up.
Handyside was caught out again this time by Igoe who set-up Carter who shot wide. Grimsby now pushed men up in search of an equalizer and in the 75th minute they thought they had it. McDerrmot whipped in a free-kick to the edge of the area where Smith headed it on to Livingstone who placed a header just under Knight's bar. The referee Mr Rennie decided that Livingstone was climbing on Pethick.
Knight was again alert when Mendonca latched onto Livingstone's through ball but 'the Legend' claimed the ball off the strikers feet.
Pompey then clung on for the few minutes and it was Knight who produced another good save this time from Livingstone.