Former Lincoln and Huddersfield boss hits out at 'pointless possession' as Portsmouth defy Crewe's control

The Fratton Park visitors kept the ball for 70 per cent of the League One encounter.

It’s less than the 71-per-cent possession enjoyed by MK Dons on their trip to PO4 on October 10.

But just like the end result against Russell Martin’s side – the Blues won 2-1 that day – it was the hosts celebrating a win at the end of 90 minutes.

On Saturday, the margin of victory was much greater, with Kenny Jackett’s outfit running out 4-1 winners.

Meanwhile, Pompey’s first two goals came directly from Crewe’s desire to play the ball out from the back, with the home side pressing them into mistakes.

Fomer Lincoln and Huddersfield boss Cowley, who was a pundit on the EFL on Quest show, said all teams enjoy bossing possession.

However, he said it needed to have a purpose, which Crewe’s didn’t at Fratton Park.

Cowley said: ‘I think sometimes possession can be over-rated.

‘Certainly, I like possession, but I like possession with a purpose.

‘You want to play fast and you want to get to your best players at the top end of the pitch.

SEE ALSO: Jackett’s message over Crewe's 70-per-cent possession stats

‘I don’t like it when you have possession and it’s the goalkeeper and your two centre-halves passing between themselves and its pointless possession.

‘It just shows you today (Saturday) that sometimes possession can be dangerous if you don’t know what your doing with it and Portsmouth didn’t have much of the ball today.

‘To be fair to Crewe, Crewe are normally very good at playing between the lines and David Artell has done a good job there.

‘But certainly on this occasion Portsmouth will be pleased with the way they pressed. It’s a big win for them.’

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