Defender always prepared to come on and help the team
Bondz N’Gala probably did not expect to be thrown on quite so early at Burton.
The defender barely had time to settle into his seat on the bench when Joe Devera limped off with a hamstring injury.
But he was a colossus at the back as Pompey triumphed 2-1 at the Pirelli Stadium.
And N’Gala was pleased to play his part in the Blues’ first away league victory of the season.
He said: “The lads are buzzing to collect three points – especially away from home. We’re very happy with the result.
“We all agreed in the changing room that it was our most complete performance.
“The gaffer drilled it into us that we have to be able to grind out results and get our rewards for a good performance.
“It’s a shame we couldn’t quite hold on for a clean sheet, but the most important thing is that we’ve got three points.
“I had to be ready – that’s what the warm-ups are for. It’s a squad game and you have to be prepared to take your chance.
“There are no prima donnas at this club and if someone’s on the bench, they’re always ready to come on and do a job for the team.”
Burton struggled to breach the Blues back-line until they grabbed a stoppage-time consolation after Yassin Moutaouakil had been sent off.
And N’Gala felt that the performance of defensive partner Sonny Bradley was a big reason for that.
He said: “Sonny’s a very good player and left-footed centre-halves are rare, so I’m happy that we’ve got him in the team.”