Boss delighted with Cambridge victory
Pompey’s unbeaten start to the season continued with victory over Cambridge.
Ryan Taylor’s header and a freak own-goal secured a 2-1 triumph and made it two wins and one draw from the opening three games.
A red card for Adam Webster in between cast some doubt on proceedings, while Kwesi Appiah’s effort ensured a nervy finale.
But Andy Awford was delighted with the character shown by his squad to claim all three points.
The Blues boss said: “You saw effort, desire, spirit and organisation – all the things we demand of them was there in bundles.
“I can’t praise them enough for that performance because they were absolutely superb.
“I’m delighted for Ryan because he deserved the goal for all the effort he put in and it was a great cross from Miles Storey.
“Cambridge get the ball forward quickly and even when we had 11 men on the pitch, their front two caused us problems.
“But we worked on getting the ball wide because they’re quite narrow. It was a great ball, a great run and a great header.
“Once we settled down we were on top and in my opinion we deserved the lead at half-time.
“It’s difficult when you go down to 10 men because you have to completely change your game-plan.
“Then it was about defending doggedly and catching them on the counter-attack, which almost happened a few times.”
Fratton Park was rocking with a constant chant of ‘Blue Army’ throughout the second half and it certainly had an affect on Awford.
He said: “It gave me goosebumps – they’re brilliant and never let you down. If that backing doesn’t inspire you then nothing will.
“The support is phenomenal – it always has been and it always will be.”