Midfielder reflects on Barnet triumph
Conor Chaplin was full of praise for Gary Roberts following Pompey’s 5-1 rout of Barnet at Fratton Park.
And the compliment has well and truly been repaid.
Roberts scored a magnificent solo goal to give the Blues the lead early in the second half and take his tally for the season to six.
But he earlier teed-up Chaplin for a coolly-taken equaliser and believes the teenage striker has a bright future.
Roberts said: “I know his movement and that he’ll make a great run. He’s terrific for such a young lad and when you put him in, it’s inevitable that he’s going to score.
“Conor can be as good as he wants to be. I’ve seen guys break into the first team and fizzle out, but this lad works his socks off.
“That’s why he gets his rewards. He’s in the gym, he’s doing shooting sessions and the fans love him because of all that.
“He’s a great kid and it’s fantastic to have him about the place. He should be disappointed that he’s not started more, but the gaffer manages him well and keeps him hungry.
“It’s important not to put too much pressure on him, but when he’s unleashed you know he’s going to score goals.”
Pompey fought from behind before ultimately securing a comfortable victory – although Roberts was disappointed to see his penalty saved by Josh Vickers.
“That would have capped a perfect day because I thought I played well. They’re my bread and butter, but the keeper read it well and made a good save.
“But it was nice to get a goal and our fifth one was terrific as well because the lads passed the ball really well in the build-up.
“We moved it better than we have done in recent weeks and it was a pleasing performance overall.
“You now that you’ll always have to be up for it against a side managed by Martin Allen otherwise they’ll run all over you.
“We had to stand up and battle with them early on and then when the game progressed, we were able to show our class.”