Keeper praises support after Colchester win
Games at Fratton Park invariably see opposition sides either raise their game or look to frustrate the home team.
But David Forde insists that Pompey have one big advantage when it comes to fixtures on the south coast.
The Blues were backed by another huge crowd in their League Two clash with Colchester on Saturday.
Those packed inside the ground witnessed a 2-0 victory, thanks to two late goals from Gary Roberts.
And Forde believes that the supporters had a huge part to play in helping Pompey record a first victory of the season.
The keeper said: “It’s my first clean sheet at Fratton Park and it’s an amazing feeling, especially with such a magnificent crowd.
“The support and encouragement they gave us was inspiring and we used it to our advantage.
“You could feel that surge of energy going right through the team and we’re happy we could give them a happy weekend.
“The expectation levels at this club are high – and rightly so – but it’s still early in the season and there’s a long way to go.”
Pompey had to wait until the 80th minute to break the deadlock, with Roberts scoring from the spot after being tripped in the box.
But Forde felt they deserved to take all three points and was full of praise for the goal hero.
He said: “We were by far the better side in the first half and it was just a matter of whether the goals were going to come.
“It was a bit slow at the start of the second, but we grew stronger and there was only really one team in it.
“It was a definite penalty and it’s great for Gary to score two important goals – sometimes you need your top players to step up to the mark.
“We’ll enjoy that winning feeling, but it’s in the past now and we have to start focusing on the next game.”