Defender thrilled with Rovers result
Ben Davies has hailed the perfect response to Pompey’s stuttering form.
The Blues were back to their best against promotion rivals Bristol Rovers to end a three-match winless run in the league.
Davies was the architect for two of the goals in a 3-1 triumph, delivering pin-point crosses for Gareth Evans and Michael Smith to convert.
And the right-back was pleased to see Pompey bounce back to reclaim a spot in the top seven.
He said: “We started the first half very well and with the amount of chances we created, we could have won by more. The lads were superb.
“We’d spoken all week about how flat we had been in the previous game and how we hadn’t given the fans anything.
“So it was nice to get the early goal against Bristol Rovers because it just settled everyone down.
“It was pleasing to get the two assists and they were good finishes from Gareth and Michael, while Marc McNulty came on the second half to finish things off.
“We were disappointed not to keep the clean sheet. It was a fantastic finish from their lad right at the end, but we were sloppy in the build-up.
“But the biggest thing was the result and we knew that we had to respond following what was an unacceptable performance.
“It was a good atmosphere for a match between two well-supported sides and our fans were excellent yet again.
“Now we just need to concentrate on each game as it comes, so our focus turns to the next one, which is Yeovil.”
Davies was happy to be back in the side after being rested for the home defeat to Leyton Orient.
He said: “I want to play every single game, but when the gaffer pulls you out, you have to take it on the chin.
“I got my rest and was able to come back feeling fresher and contribute to an excellent result.”