Winger reaping rewards of varying his game as Portsmouth finally take advantage of rivals' slip-ups with win over Ipswich

Curtis’ reaps rewards of varying up his game

Ipswich allowed what Paul Lambert would have been at pains to point out in the build-up to the clash – don’t let Ronan Curtis cut inside and shoot on his right foot.

That’s exactly how Pompey’s match-winner was conjured, though, with the Irishman lashing home an effort from 20 yards on 50 minutes.

Lambert would have likely rued the defending as the Tractor Boys played to Curtis’ strengths.

But it was the winger’s craft on two occasions shortly beforehand that granted him the stage to perform his favoured party trick.

After falling out of form earlier in the campaign, Pompey’s coaching staff put emphasis on him varying his game up and giving defenders more to think about when foraying forward.

Kenny Jackett admitted the former Derry man had become too predictable, with teams doubling up on him and nullifying his threat when he shifted the ball inside.