Boss looking forward to Accrington trip
All runs have to come to an end eventually – and it was Pompey’s turn on Tuesday evening.
A seven-match undefeated streak was halted with a 1-0 loss at Northampton.
But Andy Awford is not feeling too dejected ahead of the long League Two trip to Accrington this weekend.
Instead, he wants his side to focus on the good work they had achieved throughout a successful February that saw 14 points collected from a possible 18.
The Blues boss said: “We were unfortunate to be on the wrong side of very fine lines on Tuesday.
“I thought our performance levels were very good and I’m sure everybody who was there would agree.
“But it’s important that we don’t get too down after one defeat because we’d been on a great run before that.
“We’ll go to Accrington in a positive, confident mood and in high spirits, looking to win the game and go on another run.
“They are one point and two places below us – they’re one of a clutch of clubs in mid-table.
“But there are no ‘gimmes’ in this league and they were very unfortunate to lose against Shrewsbury during the week, so we know it will be tough.”
James Dunne is in contention to play against Accrington after completing a two-match ban, but Pompey will be without Ben Chorley following his red card at Sixfields Stadium.
And Jack Whatmough is still battling to be fit having missed the past two games with a knock.
Awford said: “Ben’s sending off was harsh – the second challenge was very innocuous. But there’s no appeal process for two bookings, so we have to take it on the chin.
“We’re still not sure about Jack and will have to assess him on Friday morning to see how he is.
“Adam Webster can play there if we need him to or we could revert to four at the back – these are the things I’ll have to weigh up.”
Pompey are 13/10 favourites with Sky Bet to beat Accrington. Bet at www.skybet.com/pompey to increase our chances of winning £250,000 from the Sky Bet Transfer Fund.