But Blues have to start winning soon
There were positives for Shaun Cooper to take from Pompey’s latest match
The Blues have not created many chances in recent weeks, but there were plenty against Southend.
Ultimately, however, they could convert only one of them – a stunning strike from Andy Barcham after just 90 seconds.
The visitors made Pompey pay for their profligacy as, despite being down to 10 men, goals from Will Atkinson and Barry Corr saw them leave Fratton Park with all three points.
And Cooper knows that the Blues have to turn things around quickly after slipping to five successive defeats.
He said: “We took the lead and everything was going well. Awfs gave us a game-plan and we were sticking to it.
“Everything was working, but then a couple of lapses cost us and it’s extremely disappointing. We have to kick on and learn from that.
“We had some chances – and it’s a plus that we were able to create a few. If we keep doing that then we’ll start to get better results.
“We’ve shown progress in both games since the 4-0 defeat, but we have to start winning – it’s simple.
“Every game now is an opportunity for us. Defeats are frustrating, but we can’t dwell on them.”
Pompey were competing for the first time since Guy Whittingham’s dismissal as manager.
Cooper said: “It was unexpected when we got the news after training on Monday and it took a few people by surprise.
“It’s a shame for Guy. We all had a lot of respect for him and he never lost the dressing room.
“Normally there’s a bit of unrest in the camp when a manager gets the sack, but that wasn’t the case.
“We owe it to him – as well as ourselves – to start getting back on track this season.”