Boss looks ahead to Mansfield test
“The form at Fratton has been excellent and I’ve been really pleased with how we’ve played here.
And Andy Awford is confident that Pompey can add another victory when Mansfield visit this weekend.
Newport are the sole side to have left the south coast with three points, while there have been triumphs over Cambridge, the Cobblers and Dagenham & Redbridge, as well as a draw with Wycombe.
But the Blues have only been beaten once at home in League Two this term.
Northampton may have knocked Pompey out of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at Fratton Park on Tuesday night.
“All I know is that they’ll come down here organised and make it very difficult for us.
Awford said: “They’ve had an indifferent start, although I don’t know what the ambitions are there.
Mansfield currently sit 15th in table, having won five and lost six of their opening 11 League Two fixtures.
“We’ve worked so hard to create a good spirit in the group and we’ve certainly got that here.”
“There’s a confidence in the squad that we’re building something here – I can sense that from the players and around the club.
“With performance levels and results, it’s been a really good start and we want that to continue against Mansfield. If we’re at it then I expect us to win.
“It was disappointing to lose on Tuesday night, but the league is our bread and butter. Pompey are 6/5 favourites with Sky Bet to win on Saturday. Open an account at www.skybet.com/pompey and you could win £250,000 for the club to spend on transfers.
Ben Chorley (calf) has returned to training, but Saturday’s match comes too soon for the skipper, while Adam Webster (knee) will also miss out.
Joe Devera should be fit to feature after recovering from a stomach bug, while Michael Drennan (calf) will require a late fitness test.
“We’ve seen no easy games in this league – it’s not England against San Marino. But if we perform to the levels we can then we’ll be okay.”
“You get a physical test most weeks in this division and the lads are joking that I keep telling them to watch out for the aerial threat.