Accrington Stanley 1 - 3 Portsmouth: Dominant Portsmouth go above Accrington with win

Posted Wednesday, March 09, 2016 by PA

Portsmouth were in dominant form as they recorded a comfortable 3-1 win over Sky Bet League Two promotion rivals Accrington.

Goals from Kyle Bennett, an own goal and a 30-yard volley from captain Michael Doyle meant Pompey leapfrogged Stanley into fourth place.

Portsmouth controlled the game from the off and they opened the scoring after 22 minutes when a Gareth Evans ball from the left wing was cleared to Bennett and he fired home from 20 yards.

It should have been 2-0 on 35 minutes when midfielder Doyle got the ball 25 yards out. His effort had Jason Mooney beaten but crashed against the crossbar.

They did make their next effort count a minute later although it was thanks to an own goal.

A Ben Davies right wing cross was turned into his own goal by Stanley defender Matt Pearson to give the visitors a two goal cushion.

That became three after 43 minutes when a clearance found Doyle 30 yards and he volleyed beyond Mooney.

Portsmouth continued to force the pace after the break with Michael Smith and ex-Stanley winger Gary Roberts both going close before Shay McCartan fired home a consolation for the Reds with seven minutes to go.