Boss hoping to end away drought at Cambridge
Pompey have enjoyed a four-match unbeaten without conceding to halt their slide down the League Two table.
Since reverting to a back three, home victories against Hartlepool and Exeter have been complemented by away draws at Wycombe and Dagenham & Redbridge.
But they have not tasted victory on their league travels since beating Oxford back in August.
And Andy Awford is hoping Pompey can finally end that drought when they visit Cambridge on Saturday.
The Blues boss said: “Results breed confidence and we’ve been able to match those with our performances of late.
“Four clean sheets is a great achievement by the lads and they deserve a lot of credit for the effort they’ve put in.
“We’ve drawn a few lately and now it’s about trying to turn some more of those into wins – hopefully we can do that on Saturday.
“We’re certainly creating chances – although admittedly there weren’t too many at Dagenham – and have deservedly got a decent return of points over the last few weeks.
“We always look comfortable when we’ve played with a back three and there’s continuity in our selection.
“It’s been largely the same side that have played the last four games, although I have got a squad of players who can come off the bench and do a job.”
Cambridge have adapted quickly to life back in the Football League after winning the Conference Premier play-offs last term.
But Richard Money’s side have not been victorious since holding Manchester United to an FA Cup draw back in January.
Awford said: “They haven’t won in six and have had a little dip, but, as I’ve said all along, anyone can beat anyone in this league.
“All I can do is make sure that our lads have their eye on the ball and are ready to go on Saturday.
“It seems a long time ago since we beat them at Fratton. We got a lucky goal that day and I’d take the same again.”
On-loan wing-back Josh Passley could feature at Cambridge after returning to training following a tight hamstring.
But Awford insists that Wes Fogden is not ready for a first team appearance after playing 60 minutes for the reserves during the week.
He said: “We’re pleased that he was able to continue his graded return. He’s had two reserve games now and is on the right track.
“But we’re working at his pace and he needs to get through a couple of 90 minutes before he can be considered for first team action.”
Pompey are 19/10 with Sky Bet to win at Cambridge. Bet at www.skybet.com/pompey to increase our chances of claiming £250,000 from the Sky Bet Transfer Fund.