The 70-year curse that Portsmouth must overcome on latest trip to Sheffield United's Bramall Lane

Around 1,300 Pompey fans are expected to cheer on John Mousinho’s side when the Blues set foot onto the pitch at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane on Wednesday night.

That’s a remarkable effort from the Fratton faithful considering 220-plus miles separate the two great cities, at least an eight-hour round trip awaits those signed up to travel, and the fact the Football League fixture computer made it a midweek fixture as the costly countdown to Christmas begins.

The need to provide Pompey with as much support and backing as possible against a so-called relegation rival at this stage of the season will have been a driving factor for those set to head off in the coming hours.

But what makes that commitment even more extraordinary is the Blues’ record at Bramall Lane.

It would be fair to say that not many of those set to type the home of the Blades into their car sat navs will have consulted their Pompey history books. If they have, there’s a good chance some might have chosen to simply watch the game from the comfort of their homes rather than hit the road!

That’s because the Blues’ record at Bramall Lane is quite simply one to forget.

Indeed, not since November 5, 1955, have the Fratton faithful enjoyed a win at Sheffield United.

Since then, Pompey have made the trip up to S2 on 27 different appearances, with their last visit coming in February of this year. That resulted in a 2-1 defeat for the Blues, with their first visit to Bramall Lane in more than 12 years ending in disappointment.

Yet that’s a feeling the PO4 masses should be well used to by now, with 22 outcomes of the same nature recorded since Peter Harris, Phil Gunter and Jackie Robertson all netted for Eddie Lever’s side in a 3-1 over the Blades in the old First Division over 70 years ago.

Only three Pompey managers have escaped a Bramall Road defeat at the hands of United in the years that have followed - Harry Rednapp (2007 and 2002), Alan Ball (1986) and Freddie Cox (1960), all of whom saw their sides claim a draw - leaving the likes of Steve Cotterill, Tony Pulis, Terry Fenwick, Jim Smith, Frank Burrows and George Smith to head back to the south coast with nothing to show for their efforts.

Eleven straight loses were recorded between the draws in April 1986 (0-0) and the 1-1 stalemate secured by ’Arry’s 2002-03 title winners in August 2002, with Deon Burton’s 25th-minute effort cancelling out Peter Ndlovu’s opener on 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, eight defeats in a row were recorded between 1960 and 1986.

Only Lever, Jack Tinn (1933, 1932 & 1931) and Bob Jackson (1948) have led Pompey to victory at Bramall Lane.

That means Mousinho will be in exalted company if he manages to rewrite the history books on Wednesday night, while those 1,300 or so fans set to travel will witness something very few before them will have experienced while following the Blues.

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