A delayed edition of Pies, Pints & Potters sees Stoke fan James Knowles airing his views on Sunday's demoralising 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth.

I travelled down to the South Coast strangely optimistic about a positive result. Pompey had barely got off their plane from Portugal and must surely be tired from their hectic schedule. If there was ever a good time to go to Fratton park then surely this was it?

Having seen the Editor Homzy walking into a pub, I declined the opportunity to join him in the hope of selling some of my books (in the driving rain). I didn't last very long and got into my rain sodden seat earlier than anticpated.

Our last visit to Portsmouth was before the addition of a roof and the visiting supporters have been shifted to the other side of the stand, so it was a slightly different experience to before.

The away stand is about on a par with an average League Two side. It is horrible. The food kiosk leads people to queue on the stairs and the toilets hold about five people at a time (not ideal when your bursting!!)

As the rain started floating into our faces, we started off with our backs to the wall. The chance of the season for Kitson, though, should have put us one up. You simply cannot afford to pass up a one-on-one opportunity in this league.

We were duly punished. Hesitant goalkeeping from Simmo left Cort in a difficult position and when the ball was lobbed up by Defoe for Crouch, we knew what was coming. Bang - 1-0.

A frustrating half continued, with Portsmouth passing the ball around with ease, with our right wing having a torrid time against two pacy youngsters.

An early second half chance for Delap to fling a long throw in succeeded and within seconds of the restart we found ourselves level. The players could hardly believe it, and neither could I.

As Defoe rifled a right footed shot against the post, we thought our luck might have been in. However, a minute later he picked the ball up in the same position. The poor Olofinjana allowed him to waltz inside and unleash a shot. Simmo could have done better but the opportunity should never have arisen.

After pulling ourselves level, the hardwork had been done. We simply lack pace. Cresswell came on and he is just never a winger in a month of Sundays. Higginbotham was hardly helping him out with some shocking passes.

The truth is, we weren't good enough and I walked away from the ground contemplating where our next goal would be coming from.

Next up is Spurs and we just need to take advantage of their poor form. Anything less than three points would leave me extremely worried.

Having said that, nothing is won or lost in October. It is where we are in May that matters. We just cannot afford to slip away too far.

This is a season to enjoy but to be honest, I didn't enjoy Sunday. Premier League life has a lot riding on it. Bring on the Spurs!

**This article was delayed in appearing due to the absence of Homzy, who was drinking himself silly in Liverpool. Drowning his sorrows perhaps?