Skipper disappointed his first Blues goal wasn’t enough for victory
There were not too many smiles on the faces of Pompey’s players following the final whistle at Whaddon Road.
The Blues looked to be heading for their first away league victory of the season until Jermaine McGlashan struck in stoppage-time.
But there had been cause for celebration earlier in the game when Johnny Ertl finally grabbed his first goal for the club.
It was a simple close-range finish for the skipper, who lashed the ball into the net after meeting Jed Wallace’s low cross.
And it was the high point in what ultimately proved to be a frustrating afternoon for Pompey.
“Jed did brilliantly and showed some great feet,” said Ertl. “I just stayed focused and made sure I got the ball over the line.
“It was perfect timing just before half-time and we had more chances in the second half.
“It felt great for me to get my first Pompey goal, but unfortunately it didn’t end up being the winner.
“We win together as a team and lose together as a team and me scoring isn’t really that important.
“I don’t mind who scores as long as we end up getting three points and unfortunately this wasn’t the case against Cheltenham.”
Pompey have taken three points from their three away league games this season – a tally Ertl feels should be much higher.
He said: “Look back on all our away games and we’ve been the better side and created so many chances.
“When you look at how we played against Cheltenham and especially the way we started the game, then it’s frustrating.
“They didn’t create many chances and we were on top of our game, but we just couldn’t see it out.
“Teams can’t handle our pace and we looked positive, but we should have been cleverer and held on for three points.
“It’s a point away from home, but we’re still disappointed. We need to keep going, though, and everyone’s up for it.”