Portsmouth v Ipswich Town: Fratton Park club hit by illness

Pompey, who are winless in the league since the end of October, drew 0-0 with Exeter on Boxing Day and were without a number of players due to sickness. 

Manager Danny Cowley was without striker Dane Scarlett and midfielder Jay Mingi for the game, while Connor Ogilvie was named on the bench but wasn’t well enough to warm up with the team. 

Marlon Pack, Josh Griffiths and Colby Bishop all played despite being sick, with the bug sweeping the dressing room affecting the throat, head and causing fever, without being related to Covid.

“We’ve had some challenges for sure,” Cowley told The News.  

“I know the group, it’s a good group, it’s an honest group, and they could have easily used it as an excuse, particularly around the Christmas period. They are very professional and want to help the team and club. 

“It seems to be three variants (of illness), those that have had Covid think it’s worse than that. It’s throat, head, a fever. 

“I have some empathy for them, I had it at the beginning of the week, but was in work – and there is a difference between me being in work and able to play football. 

“I was pretty poorly, then Nicky (Cowley, Danny’s brother and assistant manager) had it and then all the players got it. You know what it’s like, as soon as you travel on the coach and in the changing room, once one or two get it spreads like wildfire. 

Ipswich beat Portsmouth 3-2 at Portman Road earlier in the season (Image: Steve Waller)

“I said to them in there, those that are ill try to get better as quickly as they can – and those that are not ill try to stay away from those that have it. It has been an ever-changing situation and not easy to manage. 

“Hopefully some will be back for Ipswich.” 

Portsmouth sit 11th in the League One table, 18 points behind Ipswich having played three games fewer than the Blues.