Boss says Pompey aren't getting carried away
What a difference a week makes.
Seven days ago, Blues fans were still trying to digest a miserable day at York that saw their side soundly beaten.
Since then, however, Pompey have comfortably beaten high-flying Rochdale in the league.
And they followed that up by winning at Oxford to progress in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
But Guy Whittingham is adamant that he will not allow complacency to creep into his side ahead of Saturday’s televised trip to Plymouth.
The Blues boss said: “We’ve turned things around, but there’s no way that we’re going to get carried away.
“A lot can change in a week in a football and we’ve managed to get a couple of positive results.
“The fans have been constant throughout the season so far and it’s been nice to give them something to smile about
“Momentum breeds confidence, but you have to keep your feet on the ground because the next defeat might be just around the corner if you’re not switched on.
“Plymouth need points to climb the table as much as we do. They’ve got threats and we’re not taking anything for granted.
“Someone told me it’s a dockyard derby and that adds a bit of spice to the game.
“Plymouth are a well supported team like we are and both sets of fans will want to come away with the win.
“We’ve looked at their strengths and weaknesses and I’m sure they’ve done the same for us.”
Whittingham played alongside Plymouth boss John Sheridan at Sheffield Wednesday in the 1990s.
He said: “They’ve had their troubles like we have, but you come out of that stronger and they’ve got a great manager in John who can help them progress.
“He’s got some good players down there who have been recruited from higher leagues.
“John was a very clever midfield player and a good passer of the ball. I haven’t seen him for a while so it will be nice to catch up.”
Marcos Painter joined Pompey’s injury list after hobbling out of the midweek match at Oxford with a calf injury.
Whittingham said: “He got a knock, which is frustrating and we’ll leave it until the last minute before making a decision.
“David Connolly is coming along well, but Simon Ferry is probably another week away.”