PORTSMOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB

The rehearsals are now over and Pompey only have a few days to wait until opening night.

But Paul Cook’s cast can feel confident when the curtain is pulled back ahead of next Saturday’s clash with Carlisle.

Their final friendly of the summer finished goalless, but it was the League Two visitors who will feel happier following a draw at Bristol City.

Keeper Richard O’Donnell saved well from both Carl Baker and Michael Doyle, while a Gary Roberts shot was cleared from the line and Conor Chaplin also went close late on.

And Cook hopes the performance against Championship opposition can be repeated – albeit with a more selfish streak in front of goal – once the competitive action gets underway.

The Blues boss said: “It was a good football match and I thought that our lads acquitted themselves very well.

“The only disappointment for me was that we couldn’t nick a goal or two, but we certainly created a threat.

“To go to a side like Bristol City and play the way we did has a bravery about it that should stand us in good stead.

“They’ve got so many good players, so it was pleasing for us that we were able to come away with a clean sheet.

“There was a spell in the first half when we really took control of the game and it’s difficult to do that at places like these.

“If you don’t go home and dream about playing at stadiums like this on a regular basis then there’s something wrong with you. We have to have a desire to get to a better place.

“It was also great to see so many Pompey fans come and support us and I’m sure they went home feeling quite happy.

“But the big occasion is next week against Carlisle and we’re certainly all looking forward to it.

“We have to make sure that we have the togetherness at the club that will see us get to a good place.”

David Forde impressed in his first appearance in a Pompey shirt, having completed a loan switch from Millwall the previous day.

Cook said: “David will make mistakes like every other goalkeeper, but you could see the positivity in his play – like the way he came for corners. I’m pleased that we’ve been able to bring him into the club.”

Watch Cook's thoughts on the game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for full post-Bristol City reaction.