PORTSMOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB

Guy Whittingham believes Pompey’s position in the League Two table is deceptive.

The Blues are still only 16th, despite an unbeaten October which saw them collect eight points from a possible 12.

But they are only six points adrift of the play-off pack – and have a game in hand after the Wycombe match was abandoned at half-time.

And Whittingham hopes that November will see Pompey carry on from where they left off.

The Blues boss said: “When we see the league table we look at the points rather than our position.

“We know that if we win our game in hand we’ll only be three points off the top seven and the gap between that and automatic promotion is not too big.

“A few results recently have caught me by surprise. Chesterfield and Fleetwood started off well, but now Rochdale are right up there.

“It’s just proving that there are no easy games in this league and anyone can beat anyone still.

“There will be times when we don’t get the result we want, but we’ve got to aim for another month like the one we’ve just had.”

Pompey kick-off November by hosting an Exeter side who sit fifth in the table, but have win just one of their last four games.

Whittingham said: “They’re a good side who are well organised and know what they’re doing. They’ve been together as a group for some time now.

“Paul Tisdale has been in charge for more than seven years now, so they’ve backed their manager and he’s repaid them by giving the fans some attractive football to watch.

“Coming here and playing in front of a big crowd will give them a lift, but we’re beginning to handle that quite well.”

Whittingham has a full squad to choose from this weekend after David Connolly (calf), Tom Craddock (knee) and Marcos Painter (calf) all returned to training.

He said: “We’re coming up to a period over Christmas and the new year which can really define your season.

“If we can get there with a few more wins and having not lost too many, then that will put us in a good position.

“For that you need a good squad because there will be suspensions and injuries, so for us to be in a position where we’ve got a decent sized squad now is pleasing.”


Pompey are 10/11 to beat Exeter with Sky Bet and if you open an account and deposit before the end of November, the club receive £10.Join now