Boss felt Blues deserved more at Shrewsbury
And the Shropshire outfit’s winner was harsh on the visitors, as Connor Goldson’s mis-hit cross sailed over Paul Jones and into the net.
But he had nothing but praise for his players following their 2-1 defeat at Shrewsbury.
Andy Awford was seething after watching his side soundly beaten at Bury seven days earlier.
Pompey’s keeper did not have much else to deal with in a game of few clear-cut chances and Awford felt the performance from his troops merited more.
The Blues boss said: “The second goal was a bit fortunate for them – to say the least – but you have to take the rough with the smooth in football.
“I’m a bit low because I thought we deserved something out of that game – it was a performance of heart, desire and guts.
“They’re on a roll after beating Bury 5-0 during the week and only two other sides have gone there and scored this season.
“It’s hard away from home – especially at a club like Shrewsbury who have a good budget, good players and a good manager.
“We probably didn’t deserve to win it, but I certainly felt we did well enough to get a point.
“They gave it their absolute all and I told them afterwards that if you’re going to get beaten then they did it the right way.
“It’s as tough a place to come as anywhere in this league and I thought the spirit we showed was fantastic.
“As long as we keep playing like that and produce the same amount of effort then we’ll pick up points on the road.”
And Awford revealed that it was part of the plan to attack Shrewsbury straight from the kick-off.
Paul Robinson had an effort superbly saved in the opening minute before Wallace netted.
He said: “We wanted that fast start. I reminded them that it’s only human nature for Shrewsbury to have one eye on playing Chelsea in the cup on Tuesday night. “We were flying and had one saved from the line before we scored and it was a very pleasing opening.”