Striking foes yet bonded by friendship - Portsmouth's close pals destroy Shrewsbury

John Marquis and Ellis Harrison’s close friendship rises above conventional conflict in the battle for first-team duty.

For the past four matches, each has in turn dislodged the other to serve as Kenny Jackett’s lone forward.

On Saturday, Harrison earned the nod, with Marquis appearing from the bench on 58 minutes to accompany him in the side.

Both would etch their names on the scoresheet in the subsequent 2-0 triumph over the visiting Shrews.

And for Marquis, who now has 12 goals this season, they have formed a close bond during the scrap for one spot.

He said: ‘From day one we have got on really well. Both our partners get on well, Ellis comes around my house, helps out with my kids, he’s a great guy.

‘I don’t know what it is, we have clicked very well, we have similar banter, the same outlook on life. We’re both quite happy-go-lucky and positive people.

‘For some reason we have gelled well and gel on the pitch as well.

‘I don’t sit on the bench if I’m not playing and think ‘I hope he doesn't do well today’ – it’s totally different.

‘There’s the old thing where everyone seems to think if someone plays in opposition you’re a bit bitter and don’t want to see them. It has never been like that for me.

‘Ellis works so hard and battles every single game to help the team, maybe he doesn't get the service and goal tally his work deserves.

‘On Saturday he got a goal and hopefully can now go on a bit of a run and get some more in the next few games.’

Harrison’s last League One goal arrived at the start of December in a 2-2 draw with Peterborough.

Yet Saturday’s header marked his 10th of the campaign in all competitions.

Marquis added: ‘They’ll be games which will suit Ellis more than me and vice versa – and that applies to the whole team as well.’