PORTSMOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB

Pompey were frustrated in their attempts to break down Luton’s stubborn defence.

But Paul Cook was happy with his side’s display as they finished 2015 with a goalless draw at Fratton Park.

The hosts dominated possession and created the game’s best chances, with Hatters keeper Mark Tyler making some vital saves.

And while Cook understands that the fans might have felt frustrated by the result, he is still feeling positive about the rest of the campaign.

The Blues boss said: “We created enough chances to win the game – especially in the first half – and never looked like conceding.

“It was a very good performance, but we just couldn’t nick a goal and that’s the way football is at times.

“We’ve got lads like Kyle Bennett in great form at the moment and on another day he would have scored.

“I respect that our supporters might have gone home feeling a bit disappointed – but there are 22 games to go.

“There are plenty of points still to play for and if our lads maintain their work ethic then we’ll be where everyone wants come the end of the season.

“I thought that Adam Barton and Matt Clarke were excellent at the back and there was no real danger of us conceding. Luton never had a spell when we were on the back foot.

“If we want to go up automatically then we have to put a run together and Saturday is a big game for us.

“But if we’d have won then it wouldn’t mean we were promoted, so we won’t get carried away with a draw. We’ll keep a level head and stay patient.”

The game attracted Pompey’s biggest league crowd of the season and Cook was impressed by the turn-out.

He said: “Great credit for the people of Portsmouth for coming out in such large numbers. We’ll need them big time going into the second half of the season.”

Watch Cook's thoughts on the game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for extended interviews with the manager and Adam Barton.