Skipper wants Pompey to continue building momentum
Johnny Ertl says that Pompey cannot afford to let their standards fall.
There is an improved mood on the south coast following back-to-back triumphs for the first time this season.
The Blues beat Rochdale 3-0 at Fratton Park in the league last weekend before winning 2-1 at Oxford in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on Tuesday night.
And Ertl is aiming for a hat-trick of wins when Pompey visit Plymouth for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
The Blues skipper said: “It’s been a good week after two impressive results and I was really pleased with our performances.
“You can sense more confidence in training. Everyone wants to get on the ball, but we’re also prepared to do the ugly stuff when it’s needed.
“There are plenty of positive signs that we’re moving in the right direction now.
“But we want to continue to build momentum after the wins against Rochdale and Oxford.
“Everyone’s up for the Plymouth game and it’s a huge opportunity for us to show what we can do.
“It’s on television which provides a showcase. It’s a big game and we’re all looking forward to it.
“It will be a tough game, but we need to be on the front foot and play with a lot of energy.
“We’ve set some high standards for ourselves recently and it’s important we don’t let that drop.”
Pompey will be supported by a large travelling army at Home Park and Ertl is determined to repay them.
He said: “I think there’s going to be around 1,500 fans making the journey, which is tremendous support. Hopefully we can get a good result for them.”