Winger happy to be out on the pitch again
He scored his first Pompey goal to complete a 5-0 rout of Havant & Waterlooville.
But simply being out on the pitch again was reward enough for Andy Barcham.
The winger – a summer arrival from Scunthorpe – was out injured for the final part of last season.
But now he is fighting fit and raring to get back into the action.
Barcham said: “It’s good for us to get some minutes under our belt ahead of the new season and also to get a positive result.
“I was happy with my performance, but it was the first game and it’s just nice to be back out on the pitch again.
“I missed the end of last season through injury, so I’ve had a longer wait than most.”
Pompey’s squad will head off to Colchester for a week after Saturday’s match at Bognor.
And Barcham believes the trip away will help the Blues’ new-look squad bond.
He said: “A lot of new players have come in, but we’re all getting to know each other. There are no cliques – everyone’s talking to everyone.
“It’ll be nice to get away and keep the team bonding going – I think there will be a few songs for the newcomers to perform!”
Barcham was impressed with the noise Pompey fans created at Westleigh Park and is looking forward to hearing them in action when the League Two campaign gets underway next month.
He said: “The atmosphere was ridiculous – and that was just for a pre-season friendly. I’ve heard how passionate the fans are and I can’t wait for the season to begin.”