Pompey's relief at Hope let-off

Leam Richardson thanked Pompey's luck after Hallam Hope's remarkable late miss.

Michael Smith’s second-half strike gave the Blues a 1-0 victory over Carlisle on Saturday.

It was a deserved triumph for Paul Cook’s side, who now lie five points off the League Two automatic promotion spots with a game in hand.

Yet the Cumbrians were left to rue an 83rd-minute moment involving Hope.

Derek Asamoah delivered a cross from the left and somehow the striker on-loan from Bury failed to connect from a yard out at the far post.

Hope had been recalled to Keith Curle’s team having not made the squad in the Easter Monday victory over Bristol Rovers.

And Richardson spoke of his relief.

Pompey’s assistant manager said: ‘You have seen them go in against us this season a few times, especially that late one.