Caretaker boss pleased with away triumph
It was not the most convincing Pompey victory of the season.
But Gary Waddock says that the three points collected at Mansfield is more important than how they managed it.
Matt Tubbs opened the scoring from the penalty spot in just the second minute after Ritchie Sutton had been dismissed for a foul on Jed Wallace.
It was Wallace who then doubled the advantage with a long-range effort in the second half.
Jack Thomas reduced the deficit with a fine strike for the Stags, but Pompey held on comfortably for all three points.
Waddock felt that Pompey should have been in a more comfortable position at the end, but was ultimately happy with the outcome.
The caretaker Blues boss said: “I thought we played extremely well during the course of the first half and controlled the game.
“We identified an area where we could get at them and it worked straight away with the penalty.
“In the second half we made life tougher than we should have done and we spoke afterwards about managing the game better.
“We didn’t take enough care when we were in possession of the ball in the final third and didn’t create enough chances – that was the disappointing thing.
“Then we had opportunities to kill the game off after a really good goal from Mansfield and we have to be more ruthless.
“But a win’s a win and I can’t really complain too much – especially as we haven’t had too many on the road.
“It’s been a difficult season, so it’s good to give the fans something to smile about as they made their way home.”
Waddock reserved special praise for Wallace and Adam Webster, who produced another assured display at the back.
He said: “The amount of goals Jed has scored this season from midfield is fantastic and he’s got plenty of ability.
“He’s a talented young player and it’s been a pleasure to work with him on the training ground and then see the ball keep flying in.
“I thought Adam was outstanding. He defended extremely well and also looked comfortable in possession.”