Boss looks forward to play-offs after Pools win
Pompey now know they have to beat Plymouth to secure a place at Wembley in the League Two play-off final.
Both sides saw their automatic promotion hopes vanish after the penultimate round of fixtures.
That is despite goals from Kal Naismith and Conor Chaplin securing a 2-0 victory at Hartlepool.
Almost 1,000 fans made the long trip north to back their side at Victoria Park and Paul Cook hopes they will have plenty more to celebrate in the coming weeks.
The Blues boss said: “We’re now playing to see who’s at home for the first leg, so let’s see what happens, but it’s certainly something we’re looking forward to.
“They’ll be fantastic games for us against a very strong Plymouth side and it will be a difficult test for both teams.
“I’m sure it will be a very evenly contested couple of fixtures – and it will be great for both clubs to be involved in them. The prize on offer for both is a place at Wembley.
“I can guarantee to the supporters that we won’t leave a stone unturned to try to get Pompey promoted.
“Our fan-base and backing certainly don’t need to make a step up, but it’s my job to make sure that we keep improving on the pitch.
“I want to take this club forward so that one day we’re back where everyone thinks we should be.”
Pompey recovered from a lacklustre first half to eventually see off Hartlepool and move up to fifth in the table.
Cook said: “It was an okay performance, but it was littered with mistakes and that bit of quality just got us home in the end.
“The second goal was a great one and Conor’s goal return is just ridiculous. He does what all young players should do – leave his talking for on the pitch.
“We’re a bit disappointed that it wasn’t enough to keep us in the hunt for the top three, but now we have to regroup.”
Watch Cook’s thoughts on the game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for extended interviews with the manager and Brian Murphy.