Portsmouth face Derby County next week, and the Rams will travel to Fratton Park without one of their key defenders.
Paul Warne’s side suffered a damaging away loss to Northampton Town on Saturday, with former Southampton youngster Sam Hoskins securing a 1-0 win for Jon Brady’s men at Sixfields.
The result leaves Derby five points behind Pompey, who have played one more game. Bolton Wanderers are just four points adrift and hold an all-important game-in-hand.
The Rams’ day went from bad to worse late on, as Warne saw one of his ever-present defenders red-carded.
Sonny Bradley to miss Portsmouth clash
Sonny Bradley, who previously spent time at Portsmouth in the early stages of his career, saw red for what has been brandished as a “ridiculous” moment.
Derbyshire Live’s Leigh Curtis wrote on the defender’s performance: “Should have done better for the first goal as it seemed too easy for Appeared to find space and put over a cross for Hoskins. Sent off in stoppage time for an apparent headbutt. Ridiculous and stupid moment.”
A three-game ban will now ensure, in what is a crucial part of the season. The 32-year-old will have to sit out the Fratton Park trip as John Mousinho’s side look to confirm their place in the Championship for next season.
Who will get promoted from League One?
It’s another excellent weekend for Pompey despite not kicking a football. Derby’s defeat is the latest in many results that have fallen the Blues’ way in recent weeks.
Bolton’s draw with Barnsley and Wigan Athletic’s 1-0 loss are two other examples of things going Pompey’s way. A win against the Rams next week could be the moment that makes Mousinho’s side uncatchable in the League One title race. Opta’s supercomputer currently rates the Blues’ chances of promotion at 94 per cent.
Of course, there’s the small matter of Good Friday’s trip to Wycombe Wanderers to contend with first. The Pompey boss will hope for Paddy Lane, Myles Peart-Harris, and Kusini Yengi to return from international duty unscathed.