Worthington Cup 2nd round 2nd leg: Blackburn Rovers v Portsmouth (1st leg 0-3) - Peter White's preview

PORTSMOUTH'S outside hopes of retrieving a three-goal deficit in tonight's Worthington Cup tie at Ewood could well depend on the form of a Dad's Army strike force!

Thirty-somethings Guy Whittingham and John Durnin linked up at Prenton Park on Saturday when Pompey scored four goals - only to see Tranmere grab a couple of late consolations.

And manager Alan Ball could well give them the go-ahead again tonight after paying for his caution in the first leg where Whittingham was asked to play as a lone striker in front of a five-man midfield.

Both men are aged 34 and in the twilight of their careers.

Yet former soldier Whittingham, in particular, remains a vital member of Ball's team.

He has started all Pompey's League games so far this season and scored his third goal in the 4-2 defeat of Tranmere.

Opta Index, the official analysts for the Nationwide League, have put together a survey of Whittingham's contribution in First Division matches this season which shows he is unlucky not to have scored more than his three goals.

Whittingham has also had six shots saved and gets very much involved in the build-up.

He has made 167 passes, with a completion rate of 68 per cent, and 11 dribbles and runs (completion 45 per cent) to help support his striking partner. With two proficient wide men in Jean-Francois Peron and Mike Panopoulos, Whittingham is able to concentrate on a central role.

He also does his share of defensive work when required, having won three out of his four tackles plus making five clearances and two interceptions.

Whittingham's partner looks likely to be Durnin, who made his first appearance of the season for Ball's side on Saturday.

Durnin failed to register any significant attempts at goal but did set up Peron's first strike and will be keen to get in on the scoring action himself.

Having looked quite dangerous on occasions in the first leg, Whittingham will have to be watched closely by Rovers tonight.

For the last thing they want is to find themselves hanging on for a safe passage to the third round after their first-leg efforts at Fratton.

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