Boss praises side after Dagenham triumph
Three games and three victories.
That is Andy Awford’s impressive record since taking charge of Pompey last month.
And the Blues have improved with each win, following their triumphs against Newport and Hartlepool with a scintillating performance at Dagenham & Redbridge.
They were in control from the moment Michael Drennan sizzled a shot over the bar in the opening seconds.
The 4-1 scoreline could have been even more comprehensive, although the travelling fans seemed more than happy with Drennan’s brace, along with goals from Danny Hollands and Jed Wallace.
It certainly pleased Awford, who was delighted with the way Pompey took the game to their opponents.
The caretaker Blues boss said: “That was some performance and the best we’ve played by a mile.
“It’s a great result. We’re not quite safe yet, but it’s another big step towards that goal.
“We seemed to come out of the blocks pretty quickly and could have been 4-0 up after 20 minutes.
“We hit the post and had some other chances – I was a bit worried that the ones we missed might come back to haunt us.
“But we got the third and the fourth after the break and it finished up being quite comfortable.
“I had asked the boys to maintain the levels we’d set and maybe nudge it forward a little. I challenged them and they responded to that.
“They’ve been absolutely superb for me – not just the 11 that started and the three we put on, but the whole group. They’ve been a pleasure to work with.
“The fans have got behind us and the players have been magnificent – when that happens you get a spirit that’s unbeatable.
“The lads know that they have to keep playing for their shirt and I’m sure that’s what they’ll do.”
The best moment of a memorable afternoon was undoubtedly Drennan’s second goal.
He collected Rhys McCabe’s fine cross-field pass and lashed an unstoppable 25-yard shot into the bottom corner.
“What a finish,” said Awford. “I was screaming at him to take the defender on, but he shot and it went in. If that happens in the Premier League then they won’t stop talking about it.”